---
title: What is a guaranteed shipment and how can I book one?
description: What guaranteed service is and how it differs from direct and dedicated.
---

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1. [Mothership Help Center](https://help.mothership.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [General](https://help.mothership.com/general?hsLang=en)
3. [Quoting and Booking](https://help.mothership.com/general?hsLang=en#quoting-and-booking)

# What is a guaranteed shipment and how can I book one?

## Guaranteed, Direct, and Dedicated service explained.

### What's the difference between Guaranteed, Direct, and Dedicated service?

**Guaranteed** commits to a delivery date (for a premium); **Direct** means the carrier runs it on its own equipment end-to-end; **Dedicated** means you buy out a truck with no other freight and no extra stops. Booking details below.

---

When every minute counts for your delivery, securing a guaranteed delivery slot through our National LTL Partners Carriers is your best bet. This service is designed specifically for time-sensitive shipments, ensuring your freight arrives exactly when you need it. With a delivery date guarantee, you also gain eligibility for partial refunds should there be any delays. Plus, enjoy the added benefit of priority handling at terminals, significantly speeding up the service for your freight.

### **How to book guaranteed service**

At quoting, the various service options available will be displayed in ascending order by rate. Guaranteed rates will be denoted under the price of the quoted shipment. Simply select the preferred rate.

 

[![](https://help.mothership.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Screenshot+2024-02-27+at+2_32_40%E2%80%AFPM.png?width=670&height=743&name=Screenshot+2024-02-27+at+2_32_40%E2%80%AFPM.png)](https://help.mothership.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Screenshot+2024-02-27+at+2_32_40%E2%80%AFPM.png?hsLang=en)

#### **Key tips for guaranteed service booking**

- Remember, the cutoff for scheduling guaranteed delivery pick-ups is between 5-6 PM.
- Be aware that certain additional services may affect the eligibility of your shipment for guaranteed delivery.
- Shipments weighing between 10,000 to 20,000 lbs+ might not qualify for this level of service.

#### **Learn more about our shipping solutions**

For a deeper dive into our shipping tiers, speeds, and options, explore the following resources:

- [Mothership Carrier Network shipment service & pricing options](https://help.mothership.com/mothership-carrier-network-shipment-service-pricing-options?hsLang=en)
- [National LTL Partner Carrier shipment & pricing options](https://help.mothership.com/national-ltl-partner-carrier-shipping-service-options-pricing-tiers?hsLang=en)

  

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