When you receive a freight quote, it’s easy to focus on the bottom-line number. But the truth is, not all freight quotes are created equal. A “lower” rate at first glance may not actually be the best deal once all the additional charges are factored in. At Wood-Hall Logistics, we believe in transparency, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for.

The Base Rate vs. the Full Picture

Most carriers and brokers provide a base rate — the starting point for moving your freight from Point A to Point B. But the base rate is only part of the story. Additional charges, often buried in the fine print or added later, can include:

• Wait time fees if a driver is delayed during loading or unloading.
• Call-ahead charges when advance coordination is required.
• Fuel surcharges that fluctuate with market conditions.
• Accessorials such as tailgate use, inside delivery, or oversized handling.
• Taxes or regulatory fees, which may or may not be included upfront.

The difference between an “all-in” rate and one that only lists the base rate can be substantial and confusing.

Left-Hand vs. Right-Hand Pricing

Think of quotes as having two columns:

• Left-hand column (base rate only): Looks cheaper, but excludes the extras that are often unavoidable.
• Right-hand column (all-in pricing): Shows the complete cost, with surcharges and accessorials included.

At Wood-Hall, we focus on the right-hand column approach. Our quotes are clear and upfront, so there are no surprises later.

A Common Pitfall to Avoid

One of our recent customers came to us for a quote, then chose a competitor who seemed to offer a better price. Unfortunately, the competitor’s “low” quote was just a base rate. Once the extras — fuel, wait times, and other accessorials — were added, their cost ended up higher than ours. That’s a mistake we don’t want others to make.

Why Transparency Matters

Understanding your freight rate is about more than comparing numbers. It’s about knowing your true cost, avoiding hidden fees, and building trust with your logistics partner. At Wood-Hall, we’d rather provide the real price upfront than surprise you later.

The bottom line? Don’t be fooled by base rates. Look for transparency, ask the right questions, and choose a partner who gives you the full picture

Know what you’re really paying for.
Contact us at operations@wood-hall.com or visit www.wood-hall.com to see how transparent, all-in pricing makes a difference in your freight costs.