Question 1

What is Freight Base?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base is an online freight and transport marketplace that connects customers who need goods transported with independent transport professionals and carriers. Instead of searching for a transporter yourself, you can post your transport requirements on the platform and receive competitive quotes from carriers who are able to fulfil the job. Freight Base can be used for transport, courier, haulage, freight, and logistics requirements, subject to the services and capabilities available through the platform.

Question 2

Who can use Freight Base?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base is designed for both freight forwarders and carriers. Businesses can use the platform for regular deliveries, additional transport capacity, subcontracting and specialist transport requirements. Carriers and transport businesses can use Freight Base to find new work, quote for available freight and expand their customer base.

Question 3

Is Freight Base itself the transport company?

Accepted Answer

No. Freight Base operates the technology marketplace that connects customers and independent carriers. Freight Base is not itself the carrier, haulier, freight forwarder, warehouse operator or logistics provider unless it expressly agrees otherwise in writing. The transport contract is between the customer and the selected carrier.

Question 4

Does Freight Base cover the whole UK?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base is designed to support transport both locally and across the UK, giving customers access to a wider network of transport professionals. The availability of a particular route or service will depend on which carriers are operating in the relevant area.

Question 5

How does Freight Base work?

Accepted Answer

The process is straightforward: Post your job – Provide details such as collection and delivery locations, the size or nature of the goods and any special requirements. Receive quotes – Transport professionals can review your requirements and submit competitive prices based on their routes, availability and capabilities. Compare your options – Review the quotes and transporter information before deciding which carrier is right for your shipment. Choose a transporter – Select the carrier that best meets your requirements. Follow the delivery – Receive status updates as your shipment progresses from collection through to delivery.

Question 6

Do I have to search for a transporter myself?

Accepted Answer

No. The marketplace is designed so that you post your requirements once and allow suitable transport professionals to quote for the work. This can save time compared with contacting multiple transport companies individually.

Question 7

How do I choose between transporters?

Accepted Answer

You can compare the quotes you receive and review available transporter profiles and reviews before making your choice. You should also consider whether the carrier has the appropriate vehicle, equipment, licences, insurance and experience for your particular shipment.

Question 8

Can I find specialist transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Freight Base helps customers find carriers with specialist capabilities when required. The platform specifically highlights the ability to find appropriately licensed and equipped carriers, including carriers able to handle specialist requirements such as hazardous goods. Always provide accurate information about your shipment and its handling requirements so that an appropriately qualified carrier can be selected.

Question 9

What information do I need to provide when posting a job?

Accepted Answer

You should provide enough information for carriers to understand exactly what is required. This may include: Collection and delivery addresses Preferred collection and delivery times The type and quantity of goods Dimensions and weight Loading and unloading requirements Any access restrictions Special handling requirements Any relevant licensing or regulatory requirements Accurate information helps carriers provide appropriate and competitive quotations.

Question 10

Can I track my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base describes status updates throughout the journey, from collection through to delivery. The precise tracking and update information available may depend on the booking and the carrier involved.

Question 11

Can I contact a carrier through Freight Base?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The platform allows customers and carriers to communicate regarding transport requirements and bookings. Platform messaging is intended for legitimate business purposes, and users are expected to communicate professionally.

Question 12

Can businesses use Freight Base for regular transport work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Freight Base is intended to support businesses with ongoing transport requirements as well as individual jobs. Businesses can use the marketplace to access additional transport capacity, find carriers for particular requirements and manage unexpected increases in workload.

Question 13

Can carriers use Freight Base to find extra work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carriers can quote for freight and transport work posted through the marketplace. The platform also intends to help carriers subcontract excess work to other carriers, expand their market reach and obtain additional work when they have available capacity.

Question 14

Can Freight Base help if my usual vehicle breaks down?

Accepted Answer

The platform can find alternative transport capacity when unexpected problems arise. Freight Base specifically highlights last-minute requests and situations where work needs to be covered because an existing vehicle has broken down or an unforeseen issue has occurred. Availability will depend on suitable carriers being able to fulfil the requirement.

Question 15

How much does Freight Base cost?

Accepted Answer

For carriers, Freight Base's current Platform Terms consist of a £19.99 monthly subscription charge plus a 3.5% commission on the value of jobs secured through our platform. You pay £19.99 at the beginning of the month and the 3.5% commission fee at the end of the month. The terms state that this fee is payable by the carrier. Customers should review the applicable pricing information before making a booking. For freight forwarders, there is no subscription charge or commission fee to post jobs.

Question 16

Is creating an account free?

Accepted Answer

Creating an account is entirely free. You then have access to our trial area, allowing you to see how our platform operates. If you're happy with this, you can begin our onboarding process. This begins with a one off £9.99 charge to verify your identity through Veriff.

Question 17

Are the transporters vetted?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base provides access only to vetted and reviewed transport professionals. Terms also provide for identity and business verification processes, which may include checks relating to Companies House information, VAT, insurance and banking details. Carriers are required to maintain appropriate insurance and comply with the platform's operating standards.

Question 18

What are my responsibilities as a customer?

Accepted Answer

Customers are expected to provide accurate booking information, make the goods available at the agreed collection time, provide suitable access and disclose unusual handling requirements. Goods should also be appropriately packaged and the customer should cooperate with the carrier throughout the booking.

Question 19

What are carriers responsible for?

Accepted Answer

Carriers are expected to operate professionally, comply with applicable legislation, maintain appropriate vehicle standards, communicate delays promptly and handle goods with reasonable skill and care. Freight Base's carrier standards also cover matters such as insurance, collection and delivery procedures, proof of delivery, communication, health and safety and safeguarding goods.

Question 20

What happens if there is a problem with my delivery?

Accepted Answer

Customers should first communicate with the carrier regarding operational issues and retain relevant booking and delivery information. Freight Base's terms provide for a complaints and dispute-resolution process, under which booking details and supporting evidence may be requested and the matter investigated.

Question 21

Can I arrange work directly with a carrier I found through Freight Base?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base's Platform Terms contain marketplace-protection provisions covering introductions made through the platform. Users must not deliberately bypass the platform or structure transactions to avoid applicable platform charges during the applicable protected period.

Question 22

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Freight Base maintains technical and organisational security measures and processes personal information in accordance with its privacy policies and applicable UK data-protection requirements. Its terms state that information may include identity, contact, booking, payment, technical, communications and verification data, with appropriate safeguards and retention arrangements.

Question 23

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

If you need something transported, create an account and post your transport requirements so that suitable carriers can quote for the work. If you are a carrier, create an account to access freight opportunities and quote for jobs that match your vehicles, routes and capabilities. Freight Base brings customers and transport professionals together in one marketplace — helping make freight simpler, more competitive and easier to arrange.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Freight Base

Using the Platform

For Businesses and Carriers

Pricing and Accounts

Trust, Safety and Responsibilities

Getting Started

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