The Problem
Freight shipping for large products requires intelligent packaging:
- Manual quoting: Staff estimate pallet configurations and request carrier quotes
- Inaccurate pricing: Guesses lead to margin loss or customer complaints
- Inefficient packing: Poor product arrangement wastes space and increases cost
- Carrier selection: No systematic way to compare freight options
- Quote delays: Customers wait for manual freight quotes instead of instant checkout
When freight is required, standard e-commerce shipping calculation falls short.
How I Solve It
I build automated freight packaging systems that optimize shipping:
Pallet Optimization Algorithm
- Automatic product arrangement on pallets
- Weight distribution for shipping safety
- Space utilization for cost efficiency
- Multiple pallet handling for large orders
Carrier API Integration
- Real-time FedEx Freight API quotes
- UPS Freight integration
- LTL carrier rate shopping
- Freight class determination
Quote Generation
- Instant freight quotes at checkout
- Multiple service level options
- Residential vs. commercial rates
- Liftgate and special handling surcharges
Order Processing
- Bill of lading generation
- Pallet label printing
- Carrier pickup scheduling
- Shipment tracking integration
Need This Solution?
If you're facing similar challenges or want to discuss how I can help implement this for your project, I'd be happy to talk.
How Pallet Optimization Works
Product Data
- Weight and dimensions for each product
- Stackability rules (fragile, heavy-base)
- Pallet compatibility and restrictions
Optimization Logic
- Products arranged for weight distribution
- Height limits respected
- Space maximized to reduce pallet count
- Safety constraints maintained
Quote Calculation
- Optimized pallets submitted to carrier API
- Freight class applied correctly
- Accurate quotes returned in real-time
- Customer sees true shipping cost
Common Freight Scenarios
Industrial Equipment
- Heavy power equipment requiring freight
- Pallet auto-assembly for accurate quoting
- FedEx Freight API for real-time rates
- Accurate shipping preventing margin loss
Furniture and Large Goods
- Bulky items requiring special handling
- White glove delivery option pricing
- Threshold vs. room-of-choice delivery
- Damage protection considerations
Wholesale and B2B
- Large orders with multiple pallets
- Volume freight rate optimization
- Freight account integration
- Bill-to-third-party shipping
The Outcome
Customers see accurate freight quotes instantly at checkout. Margin is protected through precise calculation. Cart abandonment from “request a quote” friction decreases. Operations teams spend less time on manual freight quoting. The shipping experience matches what customers expect from modern e-commerce.
