Watch this step-by-step walkthrough from our team:
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure you receive accurate quotes quickly and efficiently for both types of shipments.
Quoting local shipments
Go to the Ship > Single Shipments tab on your Mothership Dashboard.
Enter shipment details
Input the pick-up and delivery address to start the quote process.
Select cargo type
Choose the type of cargo (pallets, crates, boxes, etc.) and input their dimensions.
Understanding "Quantity" and "Piece count"
When you select a cargo type, two fields describe how much you're shipping — and they mean different things.
Quantity is the number of handling units of that cargo type: the separate pieces the carrier picks up, counts, and moves. Shipping 3 pallets? Enter 3. Use Add another to create a separate line for each distinct cargo type, and enter weight and dimensions per unit (ea).
Piece count type and Piece count quantity (optional) describe the individual pieces that make up your freight — such as the cartons stacked on those pallets. Example: 3 pallets holding 60 boxes → Quantity 3, Piece count type "Boxes," Piece count quantity 60. Your piece count prints on the Bill of Lading (BOL) and is verified by the carrier at pickup and by your receiver at delivery, so an accurate count helps prevent hold-ups and supports any damage or loss claim.
Shipping hazardous materials (hazmat)
If your freight is regulated, check the matching box under Regulated cargo declaration (Hazmat, Alcohol (non-hazmat), or Nicotine/Tobacco). For hazmat, provide the proper shipping name, UN/NA number, hazard class/division, and packing group; ship on a hazmat-compliant BOL with a 24-hour emergency-response phone number; and include the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A hazmat accessorial fee applies, and not every carrier or lane accepts every hazard class — so declare hazmat up front, every time.
Add additional details
Provide details such as business hours, contact information for both the pick-up and delivery consignees. Mothership will use this information to calculate your instant quote.
💡Tip: Ensure that your cargo description is detailed.
Be sure to select the correct accessorials
Liftgate service is complimentary for local shipments, but you must select it at booking. Selecting the correct accessorials helps ensure a smooth delivery process and mitigates your chances of receiving a rebill.
Choose your service option
You will be presented with multiple options. Select the quote that best fits your speed and price requirements.
Review your transaction breakdown
You’ll have the opportunity to review all of the charges for your shipment before checking out. If everything looks good, click “Book now.”
View recent quotes
Need to reference a quote you created recently?
1. Navigate to the Ship page in your Mothership dashboard.
2. Click View recent quotes in the top-right corner.
3. Select any recent quote to review its details or continue with booking.
💡 Tip: Recent quotes let you quickly revisit pricing without re-entering your shipment details.
Troubleshooting “No Rates Found”
If you encounter a "no rates found" error, check for typos in the freight dimensions, weight, or pallet count. For persistent issues, contact the Mothership support team via the Dashboard's “Support” tab.
Tips for avoiding quoting issues
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Double-check shipping and receiving addresses for accuracy.
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Ensure suite/unit numbers are formatted correctly or removed from the primary address field (a dedicated field is provided for these details).
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If address issues persist, try searching by the business name only.