Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full truckload and less than truckload shipping?
Full truckload (FTL) shipping uses an entire trailer for a single shipment, which works well when you have enough freight to fill a truck or want your goods delivered directly without extra stops. Less than truckload (LTL) shipping shares trailer space with other freight and is a cost effective option for shipments that take up roughly one to six pallets. Holman handles both and can help you decide which option fits your volume, budget, and timeline.
What does it mean that Holman is an asset-based carrier?
It means Holman owns and operates the trucks, trailers, and equipment that move your freight, and our drivers are Holman employees. Because your shipment is not handed off to an unknown third party, you get one accountable partner for safety, scheduling, and the condition of your goods.
How does Holman protect the safety and security of my freight?
Safety and security are built into our fleet and our technology. Our trucks use 360-degree camera systems along with the advanced safety features that come with our new Volvo equipment, while cargo monitoring sensors and fraud alerts help protect your shipment from tampering and theft in transit. Our Transportation Management System keeps each shipment tracked and documented, so you always know where your freight stands.
Where does Holman provide freight transportation?
Our company fleet is concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, where we run dedicated, regional, and shuttle lanes with deep local knowledge. For shipments that travel beyond our fleet’s footprint, our managed freight brokerage connects you with vetted carrier partners across the United States and Canada.
Can Holman handle refrigerated or temperature controlled freight?
Yes. We move refrigerated, frozen, and temperature controlled freight, and we are food grade and FSMA compliant. Holman is also a Grocery House Preferred Carrier, which reflects our experience handling sensitive food, grocery, and other perishable items.
How is Holman's freight brokerage different from its own trucking?
Our trucking service moves your freight on Holman equipment with Holman drivers. Our freight brokerage is a managed service where we arrange capacity through trusted carrier partners, which is useful when a shipment falls outside our fleet’s lanes or when you need extra capacity during busy periods. In both cases, Holman manages the shipment and keeps you updated.
What factors affect the cost of a freight shipment?
Freight rates depend on a few main things: the weight and dimensions of your shipment, the distance it travels, and, for LTL freight, its freight class. Fuel surcharges are typically added on top to cover fluctuating diesel prices and other fuel costs, and accessorial fees may apply when a shipment needs extra services such as liftgate delivery. The best way to get an accurate quote is to share your shipment details with our team so we can price it correctly the first time.
What is freight class and how is it determined?
Freight class is a standardized way of categorizing LTL freight under the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. A shipment’s class is based on factors like its density, dimensions, and how easy it is to handle, and it directly affects LTL shipping rates. Getting the freight classification right helps avoid surprise charges later, and our team can help you determine the correct class for your shipment.
What are accessorial fees?
Accessorial fees, sometimes called accessorial charges, cover services beyond standard pickup and delivery. Common examples include liftgate service, which Holman offers, along with options like pallet jack delivery and drop trailer service. We are clear about these charges up front so your quote reflects what your shipment actually requires.
How do I get a freight quote from Holman?
You can request a free quote by filling out our
Rapid Response contact form. A Holman expert will follow up to learn about your shipment and recommend the right service, so you get an accurate quote rather than a rough estimate.