Approved Freight Forwarders
Helpful Articles - Freight

Need to get materials to a trade show and back with minimal hassle? We put together this brief guide to trade show shipping best practices. Here at Approved Freight Forwarders (AFF), we have the experience and expertise to take care of all your shipping and storage needs for trade shows in Los Angeles as well as Hawaii trade shows. We can pick up your trade show displays from virtually any location in the U.S., pack up your trade show crates, create a custom storage schedule, and ensure your materials arrive on time and intact. What are you bringing? First, decide what you’ll need and the...

Last Updated: September 27, 2022 If you’re using freight services for personal or business needs, you’ll need to know how to measure your freight. Learning how to precisely measure your cargo and calculate things like its density and dim factor will help you ensure that your shipments stay within your budget and on deadline. Below, you’ll find our complete guide to freight measurement. We’ll show you how to accurately determine your freight’s dimensions and take correct measurements—including measuring your pallet. We’ll also demonstrate how to use those numbers to calculate the information your carrier or freight forwarder will need to get you an accurate quote...

We’re often asked by individuals and business clients to describe safe packaging and shipping best practices for various types of freight. From selecting the proper shipping boxes and shipping supplies to correct labeling, the key to shipping boxes safely starts with the fundamentals. Keep in mind that the shipper is responsible for packaging the shipment and labeling it well enough to protect the contents from damage during normal transportation. But the experts at Approved can answer your questions about packaging or provide you with a customized list of packaging guidelines for your shipment. Shipping best practices: general guidelines Following the basics of safe packaging can...

Looking to boost your bottom line with an LTL freight TMS? Combing through dozens of potential partners and services and feeling overwhelmed? Here are some key features you need to consider (and find) in your Transportation Management System. While the list is far from exhaustive, the Approved experts believe these to be the most vital in realizing the full potential of a TMS. 1. REMOTE ACCESS Improved visibility and complete accountability Reclaim the power of knowledge.  Know when, where and how your freight is being handled through real-time digital access to the system. Most systems should give you — the shipper – peace of mind...

The world of freight transportation is extremely flexible.  New technologies, years of experience, and dozens of moving parts allows shippers the luxury of choosing from a litany of providers. But this freedom of choice can be daunting when researching potential Transportation Service Providers (TSP).  When trying to get freight from one door to another, industry jargon and different types of companies with different levels of service can muddy the waters. One of the benefits of choosing an asset-based 3PL is fewer points of contact.  Having fewer companies involved in the handling of freight means constant visibility. Through ownership of many pieces of the Supply Chain, an...

Landed cost, waybill, dunnage & dead-head. We’ve realized that sometimes trying to decode the specialized vernacular of the Transportation Industry is tough. To ensure you are always in the know — the Approved ‘Ohana wants to help. So, we’ve created a Glossary of common terms. We think this will simplify and bring clarity to everyday business; as well as help to broaden the knowledge of all of our partners. Bookmark this page, and check back as we add to the list. Want a Printable Copy of the Approved Transportation Glossary? Download Now 3PL A 3PL is a third-party, or contract, logistics company to whom a firm...