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RIST Transport FAQs

Your Quick Guide to Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers.

About RIST Transport

LTL Freight Shipping

  • LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight is designed for shipments that don’t need a full trailer. Multiple customers’ freight shares trailer space, which helps reduce costs while still providing structured terminal-to-terminal movement and scheduled delivery. LTL is commonly used for palletized freight, partial orders, replenishment shipments, and multi-stop distribution needs.

    LTL service overview: https://www.risttransport.com/ltl

  • LTL typically fits shipments that takes up less than a full trailer. Many LTL shipments are:

    • 1–6 pallets

    • Partial skids or mixed freight

    • Cartons consolidated on a pallet

    • Freight needing a standard dock pickup/delivery

  • To generate accurate LTL freight rates, provide:

    • Origin and destination ZIP codes

    • Total weight and pallet count

    • Dimensions (or pallet dimensions if standard)

    • Commodity description (what you’re shipping)

    • Pickup date and any time constraints

    • Accessorial needs (liftgate, appointment, inside delivery, etc.)

    If you include these up front, quotes are faster and more accurate.

    Get started: https://www.risttransport.com/new-customer-rate-quote-ltl
    General quote options: https://www.risttransport.com/contact-us

  • LTL rates are typically based on:

    • Freight class (NMFC) and/or density

    • Weight and dimensions (space used on the trailer)

    • Origin/destination (distance and lane demand)

    • Handling requirements and liability

    • Accessorial services (liftgate, limited access, residential, appointment, etc.)

      Curious about your shipment? Calculate your density here: https://www.risttransport.com/density-calculator

  • Freight class is a standard used across LTL shipping to categorize freight by density, handling, stowability, and liability. Higher classes generally cost more due to space/handling risk. Correct classification reduces billing issues and helps pricing accuracy.

Truckload & Dedicated Freight

  • Truckload (FTL) shipping uses a full trailer dedicated to one shipper’s freight. This reduces handling, improves transit speed, and supports time-sensitive deliveries. Truckload freight is common for high-volume shipments, plant-to-DC moves, and direct-to-customer deliveries that need a dedicated trailer.

    Truckload overview: https://www.risttransport.com/truckload-shipping

  • Truckload is often a better fit when:

    • Your shipment is 10,000+ lbs or fills most of a trailer

    • You need direct point-to-point delivery

    • You want less handling (reduced touchpoints)

    • The freight is time-sensitive or high-value

  • Yes. Dedicated programs are ideal for shippers needing recurring lanes, consistent capacity, and stable service levels. Dedicated solutions may include scheduled pickups, committed equipment, and standardized operating procedures for repeatable performance.

    Truckload/dedicated: https://www.risttransport.com/truckload-shipping

  • Providing the following improves truckload/dedicated scoping:

    • Origin and destination

    • Frequency (daily/weekly/monthly)

    • Load type (palletized, floor-loaded, etc.)

    • Trailer requirements

    • Pickup/delivery windows

    • Special handling requirements
       

    Contact to discuss lanes: https://www.risttransport.com/contact-us

Terminals, Locations & Coverage

  • RIST’s corporate headquarters is located in Phelps, New York. The broader terminal network supports regional freight movement across multiple states and major business corridors.

    Contact / terminal locations: https://www.risttransport.com/contact-us

  • Yes. RIST’s network includes terminals and local points of contact that support dispatch, service coordination, and customer support by region. For the correct terminal contact and routing support, use the main contact page.

    RIST Terminals: https://www.risttransport.com/contact-us

  • RIST serves freight movement across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Midwest. Regional density helps support predictable LTL delivery windows and efficient truckload routing.

    LTL Service Area Map: Click Here

Fleet, Safety & Reliability

  • RIST operates a modern fleet of tractors and trailers that support both LTL freight operations and truckload freight. Equipment and maintenance practices are designed to support consistent service and dependable pickup/delivery execution.

    Fleet: https://www.risttransport.com/our-fleet

  • A well-maintained fleet reduces breakdown risk, supports on-time performance, and helps maintain consistent trailer availability. For shippers, this can mean fewer disruptions and more predictable scheduling.

Contact, Quotes & Getting Started

Freight Brokerage (Dunham Logistics)

  • Freight brokerage helps secure capacity through a managed network of carrier partners when a shipment is outside typical service lanes, when capacity is constrained, or when specialized equipment is required. Brokerage can help maintain continuity so freight moves even when shipper needs change quickly.

    Brokerage: https://www.risttransport.com/dunham-logistics

  • Brokerage commonly supports:

    • Dry van freight

    • Flatbed shipments

    • Refrigerated freight

    • Specialized or unique routing needs

  • Brokerage is often a good fit when:

    • You need overflow capacity quickly

    • Freight is outside primary coverage areas

    • Equipment needs are specialized

    • A lane is one-time or irregular


    Learn more: https://www.risttransport.com/dunham-logistics

Warehousing & Distribution (AMA Warehouse)

  • Yes. Through AMA Warehousing & Distribution, RIST supports storage and logistics operations that complement freight transportation. Warehousing can reduce lead times, improve inventory positioning, and help scale during seasonal or growth periods.

    Warehousing: https://www.risttransport.com/ama-warehouse

  • Warehousing is commonly valuable for:

    • Manufacturers staging components or finished goods

    • Distributors needing overflow storage

    • Seasonal inventory businesses

    • Companies looking to reduce shipping zones by staging regionally

  • Warehousing can be used to:

    • Stage freight closer to customers for faster delivery

    • Consolidate shipments to lower transportation cost

    • Support fulfillment and distribution planning

    • Reduce delays caused by space constraints at shipper facilities


    Learn more: https://www.risttransport.com/ama-warehouse

Talk To an Actual Person. Ask Us Questions and See Firsthand Why RIST is the Right Fit for Your Business.
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