1. I'm a first-time shipper. How do I get a rate quote?
2. What information do I need to get a quote?
4. Why should I choose Bulk Connection?
5. Why Bulk Connection and not the other broker?
6. What does the ISO 9001:2000 registration mean? How does it benefit me?
7. What happens if there is a claim? What is the procedure?
9. Can Bulk Connection help me reduce costs associated with other traffic-related functions?
1. I'm a first-time shipper. How do I get a rate quote?
Two easy ways . . . You may either complete the Rate Quote page here on our web site or simply contact a customer service representative at (800) 543-2855. They will guide you through the information gathering process necessary for us to quote you freight rates. To help simplify your freight budgeting, our goal is to provide you with a flat rate that will include any and all accessory charges. However, we can provide mileage or per hundred weight rates if requested. The more specific and accurate the information we receive, the more complete your quote will be for your budget purposes. Top
2. What information do I need to get a quote?
For the quickest service when requesting rates, it is most helpful if you have the following information ready, prior to your call:
- mode of transportation (bulk, truck load or LTL),
- the product description,
- pick-up and delivery points and hours of operation,
- if it is a hazardous material,
- if it is an actual move or bid on future business,
- frequency/volume of the move.
- approximate cargo value
- transit time requirements
Other mode specific information that would be helpful:Truckload: Gross weight, # of pallets and/or drums, driver handling, temperature sensitive (reefer service).
LTL: Same as truckload plus, freight class, transit time required and is it stackable.
Bulk: A very specific commodity description, including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), may be required to determine an accurate rate. Other bulk related questions from your customer service representative may include:Liquid - Load/unload requirements: center or rear discharge, hose requirements, fittings, pump or air compressor, drumming? Does this movement require an insulated trailer, steam coils, intransit heat? Is there a scale on site? Is a compartment trailer required?
Dry - Dump, Hopper, or Pneumatic trailer required? If pneumatic: hose requirements and is a vacuum unit required to load? Trailer size (product weight per cubic foot)?
Food Grade/USP - Same information as above, plus special wash or last product requirements. Does the shipment require kosher equipment or a stainless steel pump?Most bulk rates include 2 hours to load and 2 hours to unload. Liquid rates, unless otherwise specified, also include a pump or air to offload, 40' of hose and the tank-wash charges. Top
Just fax it over or . . . Simply give us a call with the shipper and consignee information as described above in question #2 (What information do I need to get a rate quote?). Additionally, your BCI customer service rep will need contact names and phone numbers, equipment type and special instructions. We will also need the dates and times you require the pick-up and delivery to be made, and the commodity information. Don't forget to tell us who to invoice and if possible, please provide the freight rate that has been quoted or our BCI rate quote number.
For accuracy's sake, whenever possible, please supply us with a fax containing the above information. Our fax numbers are (860) 572-1610 or (860) 572-7230. Top
4. Why should I choose Bulk Connection?
We Pledge Allegiance To . . . You, Our Customer. As a third party specializing in over the road transportation, our core function is to identify, locate, dispatch, track and monitor your traffic. You can depend on our team of 32 transportation professionals to attend to all the details. Let us help relieve you of some of the headaches associated with the transportation function of your job. We take the worry out of DOT safety ratings, insurance and other safety concerns. We track your shipment from pick-up to the final destination so that you can stay in the know. You save time by not having to call and coordinate multiple carriers… and you get competitive rates, too. Top
5. Why Bulk Connection and not the other broker?
One of the traits that sets us apart from the others is that we offer you a unique opportunity to make one call for all your Truckload, LTL, and Liquid/Dry Bulk freight movements. Our commitment is to seek out the right equipment at the right price that will pick up and deliver your freight safely and on time. We have hundreds of qualified and approved carriers under contract. And, by the way, how do you know your other service provider is giving you the best price and service? Give us a call and compare.
Of course if these aren't reasons enough, does your current service provide:
- customer service representatives on call 24 hours day, 7 days a week
- contingency cargo insurance
- financial stability to ensure prompt settlements
- service coverage in Canada, Mexico and the United States
- ISO 9001:2000 certification
- most rates within 30 minutes
- NVOCC / freight forwarding
So give us a try. You may find that you'll not only be able to reduce your freight bills, but also the time you spend on the phone generating them. Top
6. What does the ISO 9001:2000 registration mean? How does it benefit me?
Quality…ISO 9001:2000 Certification requires that we establish and maintain an internal Quality Program that follows the stringent guidelines set by the Swiss based International Standards Organization. This means that for us to maintain our certification, we must submit to annual audits by a certified, independent auditor to insure that we are conforming to our Quality Program. This program includes specific procedures for everything from recording current load data, to our stringent requirements for carrier partner approval.
By establishing and maintaining an ISO 9001:2000 compliant Quality system, we have made a company-wide commitment to the highest service standards in our industry. We will strive to meet and exceed the expectations and needs of our customers while continually seeking new ways to improve our services. Top
7. What happens if there is a claim? What is the procedure?
We are there by your side… First and foremost contact your Bulk Connection customer service representative who is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and notify them of the problem. This will start the wheels in motion to rectify the situation. At Bulk Connection we want to ensure that our customers requirements and needs are fully satisfied. All of the carriers we use carry auto liability insurance and cargo liability insurance. We insure that the level of this insurance is sufficient to cover the value of the shipper’s cargo. We maintain on file a certificate of insurance from each carrier. At Bulk Connection we also go one step further. Although not required by the law, we also maintain a contingent cargo liability policy.
As your full service transportation broker, we act, as an intermediary in the event there is a claim for loss, so that an expeditious resolve may be reached. Upon receiving notification that a claim may be filed, we contact the carrier and put them on notice of the claim against them. We then help the shipper prepare all necessary proof of claims forms and present them to the carrier. We then follow up on the status of the claim until a settlement is reached. Top
Service is #1 . . . As a third party our responsibility lies in our ability to provide quality cost competitive transportation. Choosing quality conscious carrier partners is a large part of providing good service. Carriers are selected based on various factors such as, last product compatibility, availability and the ability to meet the customer’s requirements. All carriers utilized have been preapproved in accordance with our carrier compliance procedures. No carrier may be assigned with less than approved rating as stated in our ISO quality procedures. Besides annually rating each carrier based on performance objectives, we also maintain for each carrier under contract the following information:
- Auto Liability Insurance Certificate
- Cargo Liability Insurance Certificate
- Workmen’s Compensation Insurance Certificate
- MCS 90 Form (if applicable)
- DOT Safety Rating
- Operating Authority
- Executed Contract
- Bulk Connection Motor Carrier Self Evaluation Questionnaire
- HAZ MAT Certificate (if applicable)
We are an organization whose only allegiance is to our customers. Some carriers, like most companies, have strengths and weaknesses. We have identified these characteristics and use this knowledge to provide you the best possible service available. Please allow us to utilize our years of experience when selecting your carrier. Top
9. Can Bulk Connection help me reduce costs associated with other traffic-related functions?
Firms that succeed focus on the needs of their core business and allow the out-sourcing of non-strategic transportation services. Let Bulk Connection help your company get the edge on your competitors.
Not just a trucking brokerage . . . We provide a wide range of value added services that complement the goals and objectives of forward thinking customers and quality conscious companies. Together we can identify the best approach to readily recognizable costs containment, improved cash flow, reduction of capital expenses and administrative efforts.
Our goal is to assist companies through strategic logistics partnerships and alliances. Using state-of-the-art technology and support services in our analysis and redesign of the logistics process, we enable companies to concentrate on their core business function.
Whether its rate negotiation or analysis, developing carrier routing guides, warehousing/distribution or freight bill payment and post audits our team of transportation professionals has the expertise and experience to create intelligent solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Top
