Customers often wonder why shipping costs are higher for shielding products. The answer lies in the nature of the materials. Lead is dense, heavy, and must be transported with specific safety considerations that most standard freight doesn’t require. These conditions directly affect pricing regardless of order size.
Why Freight Costs Are Higher for Radiation Shielding
Transporting shielding products involves more than simply booking a truck. Due to the weight and handling requirements of lead, carriers must follow safety regulations around load distribution and axle weight. Improperly distributed freight increases accident risk and can result in fines. These factors are reflected in the base freight rate.
Smaller orders can still impact freight cost because their weight may prevent carriers from filling the rest of the truck. For Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping, this means fewer shipments per route, raising the per-order shipping cost.
Large Skids Drive Cost Even with Light Orders
Many shielding products, like modular barriers, leaded drywall, or EZ panels, must be shipped on oversized skids that take up more floor space and cannot be stacked. Even lighter loads will increase freight costs as they still require these large pallets and reduce the carrier’s capacity for additional cargo.
Additionally, because of pallet dimensions or weight, standard liftgate service is often not an option. When this happens, delivery may need to be made via flatbed truck, and the receiving site must have appropriate unloading equipment (like a forklift). This requirement may add cost, and is important to plan for at time of quote.
Location Can Also Influence Price
Delivering to certain destinations involves more coordination and compliance from carriers. Locations such as hospitals, construction sites, military bases, universities, and residential areas often have restricted access, security checks, or require scheduled deliveries. These factors increase carrier handling time and introduce logistical complexity.
Delivery services such as inside delivery, appointment scheduling, use of smaller trucks for restricted roads, or liftgate requests, are considered additional service charges and will be factored into your quote when applicable.
How to Order for Accurate Freight Quotes
MarShield works closely with clients to manage the logistics of shielding shipments across Canada, the US, and internationally. We coordinate appropriate packaging, advise on delivery site requirements, and select carriers experienced with heavy and high-risk loads. To help us quote freight accurately and avoid mid-process price changes, we’ll need the following details:
- Full delivery address (not just city or postal code)
- Whether the location is commercial or residential
- If there is a loading dock or forklift available
- Any delivery specifics (e.g. appointment needed, limited access, inside delivery)
- Whether a liftgate is required
- Receiving hours at the delivery site
- Two on-site contacts with phone numbers
- Confirmation that someone will inspect and sign for delivery
Providing these details early allows us to select the most efficient and cost-effective delivery method for your order, and prevents added charges at the time of delivery.
Avoid Freight Claim Denials
For fragile items like lead glass or acrylic, it’s critical to inspect the shipment while the driver is on-site. Before opening the crate or skid, retain the original packaging and document any visible damage by taking clear photos. If damage is present, ensure it’s clearly noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before the driver departs. Freight claims must be submitted within 24 hours of delivery. Delayed inspections, missing photos, or discarded packaging can result in denial of claims, and replacement shipments can only be processed if damage is confirmed during delivery.
Tips to Help Keep Freight Costs in Check
While MarShield handles all packaging and loading, there are ways you can help streamline freight and reduce costs:
- Combine multiple product orders into a single shipment when possible.
- Communicate delivery limitations early (e.g. no dock, liftgate required).
- Provide clear and complete delivery instructions to avoid missed deliveries or reattempt charges.
- Be available during scheduled delivery windows to prevent wait time fees.
Want a Shipping Quote That Matches What You Pay?
Shipping shielding products isn’t straightforward, but with the right planning and communication, it doesn’t have to be difficult. MarShield’s team is here to help you navigate freight logistics, avoid preventable costs, and ensure your delivery arrives safely and on schedule.
Need help planning your shipment? Talk to our logistics team before you place your order.
For any additional information information, clarification and questions please reach out to Yara Abu-Zahra, Senior Logistics Specialist, at yzahra@marsmetal.com.