Understand your options

Your choice of a trucking company will be dictated in part by the size of the load you need to transport. Different types of carriers move different quantities of goods. "Full truckload carriers" move goods in a semi trailer and carry large loads. "Less-than-truck-load carriers" collect smaller loads and may take them to a central distribution point. A parcel carrier like United Parcel Service typically handles loads that weigh less than 150 pounds.

I recommend: For a broad look at the various types of carriers and brokers, visit Transport 911, which provides more than a dozen trucking-related directories, from freight and transportation consultants to freight brokers to truckload carriers.

Learn the language

If you don't know a bill of lading (itemized list of materials contained in a shipment) from an LDL (less than load), you can look up the terms easily.

I recommend: Find definitions and abbreviations for commonly used trucking terms at A-Z Trucking Terminology. Check out Freight101 to learn how freight fees are calculated. This site provides tools like density calculators and metric-to-inch converters that will help you calculate shipping costs.

Understand pricing

Trucking companies often use the "National Motor Freight Classification" to calculate prices. This classification uses a formula to evaluate the density, ease of handling and liability of materials being shipped. The goods are then placed in one of 18 categories and ranked by ease of transport. The idea is to make pricing more uniform.

I recommend: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association establishes the classifications, which also include details on packaging that can ultimately result in lower shipping prices. Participation by trucking firms is voluntary. Still, knowing the prices the association sets is valuable when negotiating fees. Details about how the system works are available on the association's Web site, but you can only make actual pricing calculations by purchasing the association's classification guide.

Find a trucker

There are dozens of options, from local to national to international carriers. Business associations often create relationships with trucking companies that offer discounts to members.

I recommend: Business.com has an extensive listing of trucking companies and brokers. Among the largest shippers are Yellow Transportation, Roadway Express and Schneider National, all of which provide quotes online. If you want a local trucking company, search online yellow page directories like Switchboard or SuperPages. Look up your trade group on Weddle's Association Directory and ask about group rates on trucking.

Use a broker

Brokers do much of the legwork for you and can help you find the best price.

I recommend: Several freight brokers provide online comparison shopping and free rate quotes with no obligation. They include sites like US Truck Loads, The Freight Source and Freight Center. Also available are sites like uShip, which bills itself as the eBay of shipping, bringing together shipping companies with those who have something to ship.

Check out trucking companies

Before signing with a company get as much background information as possible about its accident history and reliability. Ask companies for their overall claims ratio, which compares damage claims with the number of shipments carried. Be sure they have registered their vehicles, they have proper insurance; and drug testing programs for their drivers (which is voluntary).

I recommend: It's a good idea to check with local Better Business Bureaus about complaints against companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, registers and compiles background and safety data on shippers.