LTL Pricing - AMC, CMC, and MIN
The increased rates on LTL pricing this past year have had many companies looking for ways to reduce those costs, even if minimally. In addition to standard charges, there are several other fees you may not have known about or understood. Three of these fees are: AMC, CMC, and MIN.
Keep reading to find out what these shipping industry terms mean and how they might affect the cost of your freight shipping. Then contact the team at Amware to find out how you can save on LTL pricing.
What’s the difference between AMC, CMC, and MIN?
What is AMC?
Absolute minimum charge or AMC is the minimum charge after all pricing terms have been applied to a shipping order. This fee can include tax, assembly, equipment, and administration. This fee is calculated by the carrier and is the lowest they will charge for a specific shipment.
What is CMC?
Cubic minimum capacity or CMC is the minimum cubic capacity standard set in place by each shipping carrier. The CMC rule or cubic capacity minimum rule varies by carrier but generally applies to any shipment that is 750 cubic feet or more, with a density of fewer than six pounds per cubic foot. Cubic capacity is calculated by using the formula: Height x Width x Length. The CMC fee is calculated by the carrier and is a relatively new industry standard.
What is MIN?
Minimum Rate or MIN is the minimum charge for the entire shipment. This can, but doesn’t always, include accessorial or surcharges, negotiated discounts, administrative fees, and any other fees that could be incurred by the carrier. This fee is calculated by the carrier and is very common for mitigating loss for carriers.
Check the Bill of Lading
To find out exactly what’s included in the AMC, CMC, or MIN, the best practice is to check the Bill of Lading or BOL. This document is a written contract between the carrier or transportation provider and the shipper.
The BOL is a comprehensive legal document that provides a description of goods, determines who will ship and receive the goods, and where the shipment will be delivered. It also gives a detailed account of the terms of the agreement including the LTL pricing, fees and costs associated with the shipment. Each shipment gets one BOL, whether it is a full truckload (FTL) or a less than truckload (LTL) shipment.
How to Save on Freight Shipping
If navigating the BOL or negotiating lower LTL pricing are beyond the scope of your expertise, consider enlisting the help of a third-party logistics company or 3PL. Amware is a full-service freight and logistics provider that offers assistance to companies with warehousing and shipping, including both LTL and FTL. Our integrated software, Amrate, makes it easy for you to find out which carrier is the most cost-effective choice for your shipment.
Want to learn more? Ask us how Amrate could help your business save time and money. Contact our team today or request a FREE 30-day trial of Amrate below.