DRI | Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q's

Frequently Asked Question

What services does Dalko Resources offer?

We offer full truckload (van, flatbed), less-than-truckload (LTL), heavy haul, intermodal and supply chain management services.

What is an “expedited” shipment?

An “expedited” shipment is one that requires delivery faster than the standard transit time. If you would like an “expedited” quote on your shipment, contact your DALKO Resources, Inc. freight consultant. Contact

What is a Volume LTL shipment?

A Volume LTL shipment is one that does not require a full 53' truck. Usually a volume shipment will be 7 or more pallets and heavier than 7,000 pounds. Volume pricing is more often less expensive than standard LTL rates, and normally offer faster transit times.

What is BOL?

A Bill of lading (BOL) is mandatory documentation.

What is freight class, and why is it so important?

Freight class is the category of your freight defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Freight class is also referred to as NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification). Freight classes are assigned based on an evaluation of density, dimensions, ease of handling, and liability. LTL carriers use the NMFC to determine freight charges. If you do not know the class of your shipment, please contact your freight consultant.

What is your dispatch process like?

Our dispatchers are communicating over the phone as well, speaking directly with the drivers to dispatch them to your facility and following up to make sure they loaded and delivered on time.

How do I know if my shipment is “overweight”?

In most states, the maximum legal gross weight of truck, trailer, and load is 80,000 lbs. An average truck weighs about 20K lbs and an average van, flatbed or stepdeck weighs 13K to 15Klbs. That means the maximum weight of the load is around 45K to 47K lbs. If the load requires a more specialized trailer like a lowboy, then you will have to account for the extra weight of that particular trailer. If the loaded weight exceeds 80K lbs, then it will have to be permitted.

What is a superload?

A superload is a load that exceeds certain extreme dimensions and weights in a given state. Because each state designates its own rules regulating over-dimensional loads, a superload in one state is not necessarily a superload in another. Generally a superload exceeds 120,000 – 150,000 pounds gross weight; 120’-150’ in length; 15’-18’ in width; or 15’-18’ in height.

Is shipping by rail cheaper than trucking?

Shipping by rail can be cheaper than trucking given the right circumstances. The ideal situation is when there is rail access at both the origin and the destination, the distance is at least 1200 miles, there is regular volume, and there is at least a 1:3 railcar-to-truckload ratio. Both flatbed and van freight generally follow these guidelines. If there is no rail access at origin or destination, if the linehaul is shorter than 1200 miles, if it is a one-time project, or if only one or two truck’s worth of material can fit on a car, then rail shipping is less likely to be the better deal. However, there are plenty of exceptions, so it is always a good idea to get a rail vs. truck cost analysis.

How do rail transit times compare to trucking?

Rail transit times are usually 3-4 times longer than an equivalent trucking lane. This can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Many times cost is not the only factor in determining whether to ship by rail or truck. Many times the savings present by using rail is offset by the costs of a 21-day transit time.

Who provides the railcars to the shipper?

Railcars can be obtained through the railroads themselves or from private car leasing companies. Linehaul prices from the railroads are usually cheaper using private cars, but you also have to pay a monthly lease payment for the right to use the car. Leases generally last from 1-5 years.

F.A.Q's


Frequently Asked Question
	What services does Dalko Resources offer? We offer full truckload (van, flatbed), less-than-truckload (LTL), heavy haul, intermodal and supply chain management services.
	What is an “expedited” shipment? An “expedited” shipment is one that requires delivery faster than the standard transit time. If you would like an “expedited” quote on your shipment, contact your DALKO Resources, Inc. freight consultant. Contact
	What is a Volume LTL shipment? A Volume LTL shipment is one that does not require a full 53' truck. Usually a volume shipment will be 7 or more pallets and heavier than 7,000 pounds. Volume pricing is more often less expensive than standard LTL rates, and normally offer faster transit times.
	What is BOL? A Bill of lading (BOL) is mandatory documentation.
	What is freight class, and why is it so important? Freight class is the category of your freight defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Freight class is also referred to as NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification). Freight classes are assigned based on an evaluation of density, dimensions, ease of handling, and liability. LTL carriers use the NMFC to determine freight charges. If you do not know the class of your shipment, please contact your freight consultant.
	What is your dispatch process like? Our dispatchers are communicating over the phone as well, speaking directly with the drivers to dispatch them to your facility and following up to make sure they loaded and delivered on time.
	How do I know if my shipment is “overweight”? In most states, the maximum legal gross weight of truck, trailer, and load is 80,000 lbs. An average truck weighs about 20K lbs and an average van, flatbed or stepdeck weighs 13K to 15Klbs. That means the maximum weight of the load is around 45K to 47K lbs. If the load requires a more specialized trailer like a lowboy, then you will have to account for the extra weight of that particular trailer. If the loaded weight exceeds 80K lbs, then it will have to be permitted.
	What is a superload? A superload is a load that exceeds certain extreme dimensions and weights in a given state. Because each state designates its own rules regulating over-dimensional loads, a superload in one state is not necessarily a superload in another. Generally a superload exceeds 120,000 – 150,000 pounds gross weight; 120’-150’ in length; 15’-18’ in width; or 15’-18’ in height.
	Is shipping by rail cheaper than trucking? Shipping by rail can be cheaper than trucking given the right circumstances. The ideal situation is when there is rail access at both the origin and the destination, the distance is at least 1200 miles, there is regular volume, and there is at least a 1:3 railcar-to-truckload ratio. Both flatbed and van freight generally follow these guidelines. If there is no rail access at origin or destination, if the linehaul is shorter than 1200 miles, if it is a one-time project, or if only one or two truck’s worth of material can fit on a car, then rail shipping is less likely to be the better deal. However, there are plenty of exceptions, so it is always a good idea to get a rail vs. truck cost analysis.
	How do rail transit times compare to trucking? Rail transit times are usually 3-4 times longer than an equivalent trucking lane. This can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Many times cost is not the only factor in determining whether to ship by rail or truck. Many times the savings present by using rail is offset by the costs of a 21-day transit time.
	Who provides the railcars to the shipper? Railcars can be obtained through the railroads themselves or from private car leasing companies. Linehaul prices from the railroads are usually cheaper using private cars, but you also have to pay a monthly lease payment for the right to use the car. Leases generally last from 1-5 years.