Frequently Asked Questions

If you've ever used a consumer shipping website like uShip or Shiply for example, I'm sure you've seen the price (and service) differences. 

Did you know that these sites don't regulate or check credentials for those who sign up to haul for customers? More times than not, contractors you're hiring on these sites don't have proper authority to be hauling freight for-hire by State & Federal regulations, resulting in damages, delays, or even theft. 

This is due to years of widespread fraud, scams, and unauthorized drivers and brokers plaguing this industry by evading regulations & laws required to haul freight for-hire that the FMCSA & DOT just can't keep up with.

See our "What is an authorized carrier?" question for more information on how to check if your carrier is compliant with the FMCSA & DOT requirements.

An authorized carrier is a trucking company that complies with all rules and regulations provided by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). 

How do I check if my carrier meets all of the FMCSA's operation guidelines?

- Visit the FMCSA's (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminitstration) offical Company Snapshot database: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx

For Authority: 

- Input the carrier's DOT# or MC# and hit "search" 

*Carriers that solely operate within their home state may only have a DOT#, and are not required to have an MC#. All other carriers operating across state lines should have both a DOT# & MC#. 

- Under "Entity Type", it should show "CARRIER"

*If this shows "BROKER", they are a 3rd party that will be selling your shipment to another carrier.

- Under "USDOT Status", it should show "ACTIVE"

*If this shows "INACTIVE" or "OUT-OF-SERVICE", they should not be operating!

- Under "Operating Authority Status", it should show "AUTHORIZED FOR Property" or "AUTHORIZED FOR Household Goods"

* "Property" authority allows a carrier to ship items from one party to another (From Buyer to Seller, Distributor, Warehouse, Marketplace, etc)

* "Household Goods" authority allows a carrier to ship one's personal items from one location to another (Home or Office Moving Situations)

On this page, you can also view the carrier's previous year mileage, contact information, address, number of drivers and trucks, the types of freight they haul, accident history, DOT inspections and results, & safety ratings. 

For Insurance Validation:

- Choose "For Licensing and Insurance Details Click Here" under "Operating Authority Status"

*You may need to re-enter their MC# or DOT#, press search, and choose "HTML" button on the far right under "View Details" 

- Under "Authority Type - Authority Status", it should show ACTIVE

*There should be a YES under Property or Household Goods as shown on the main profile page. 

- Under "Insurance Type", "Insurance Required" & "Insurance On File" should show the following amounts and match in both columns. 

*For carriers that operate under 10,000lbs GVWR (Sprinter, Cargo Vans), FMCSA only requires $300,000 BIPD and $10,000 Cargo. The database may not log cargo insurance, even if a carrier does have it - be sure to ask for COI. 

*For carriers that operate over 10,001lbs GVWR (Box Trucks, Semi-Trucks, Flatbeds), FMCSA requires $1,000,000 BIPD & $100,000 Cargo.

*You can (and should!) requst a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from every carrier, and this document should list BIPD & Cargo Insurance coverage & limits. 

We transport anything that will fit into our vans (except garbage, of course). That includes, but of course isn't limited to: 

• Commercial Goods (Palletized, Crated, Baled)
• Manufacturing / Raw Goods (Rubber, Plastic, Carboard, Paper)
• eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp Purchases
• Auction or Estate / Yard / Garage Sale Purchases
• Furniture, Decor, Appliances
• Machinery & Small Vehicles (ATVs, Motorcycles, eBikes, Scooters)

Not sure if your item can be shipped? Reach out & ask!

*We support shipments up to 108"L x 53"W x 48"H and 3,000lbs or less. 

*For reference, our vans can fit up to 2 standard 48"x48"x48" pallets per shipment. 

Yes we do! And the best part - It's FREE! 

All shipments include free and full commercial-grade cargo insurance on their item(s). Our insurance is registered with the FMCSA and can be verified through their Safer.gov portal (along with any other carriers or brokers!)

Great question. Reach out to us via any of these channels: 

• Our "Get A Quote" Page
• Text or Call (312) 590-0846
• Email quotes@princefreightllc.com
• Our "Contact Us" Page
• Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn Messenger

We will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss details, answer your questions, and get you on the schedule. We're open 24/7, so we can usually get back to you within 1 hour or less!