Welcome to American Group

Does American Group have any weight or size restrictions?
No, American Group has no weight or size restrictions.

When is it more economical to ship an LTL shipment as a Truckload shipment?
The breakpoint in this area can vary from 10,000# to 15,000# or more, or 10 pallets or more per shipment. The best way to determine this is to submit a rate request to American Group for a comparison. We will reply with our best available options.

What is the difference between actual weight and dimensional weight, and how is it calculated?
Actual weight is the weight of the actual shipment in either pounds or kilograms. Dimensional weight is the actual space the shipment occupies on an aircraft vs. weight. Dimensional weight is calculated by determining the shipment's volume in cubic inches (L x W x H = V). Divide this number by our Dim factor (Domestic factor is 194 and our International factor is 166) and the result will be the dimensional weight of your shipment.

What is American Group's Federal Tax ID number?
American Group’s Federal Tax ID number is 90-0346794.

How can I open an account with American Group?
Opening an account is easy. Just call 866.553.6608 or write to us at American Group, 2245 W University Drive # 18, Tempe, AZ 85281

Phone 866.553.6608
Fax 480.966.3584
Email: info@shipAG.com.

How do you determine density?
Density is expressed in pounds per cubic foot. To determine density, you must first determine the volume of the shipment. Volume is calculated as follows: length x width x height (If measured in inches, your result must be divided by 1728 to determine cubic feet.) Next, divide the actual weight of the shipment by the cubic feet to determine density.

What is the difference between "declared value" and "all risk" insurance?
The word "liability" - "declared value" as it relates to cargo insurance refers to negligence, not necessarily responsibility. The carrier is only responsible for damage or loss due to its proven negligence and then only up to a maximum of the financial limits shown on the bill of lading or airbill. Such limitations of liability would apply when a value was not declared for carriage (NVD). Even if you were to declare a value for carriage, YOU ARE NOT PURCHASING INSURANCE. By declaring a value for carriage with the carrier (DV), you are simply increasing the carrier's limit of liability. In the event of loss or damage to your cargo, you must still prove the carrier was negligent for such loss or damage. When a lost occurs under a NVD or DV shipment, all terms and conditions of the bill of lading or airbill apply. Ocean carriers, air carriers and truckers are not legally liable for losses outside of their control such as any Act of God (hurricanes, lightning, flood, earthquake, tornado, etc.), as so stipulated by the terms and conditions of the bill of lading or airbill. The best way to protect your financial interests in your cargo is to purchase "All Risks" insurance coverage. "All Risks" insurance protects you against any physical loss or damage to your cargo that occurs in transit. The cargo is insured against any "physical loss or damage to the cargo from any external cause," subject to the policy's terms and conditions. It is NOT necessary to prove the carrier was negligent to collect on a claim. In addition, "All Risks" insurance can provide "door to door" coverage and provides coverage for Acts of God, Strikes, Riots & Civil Commotions.

Do carriers have the authority to inspect my shipment?
Freight carriers have the authority per TSA Carrier Security Requirements to inspect a shipment including, but not limited to, opening the shipment and inspecting the contents. The shipper has the responsibility to ensure the goods described, packed, and shipped meet all TSA/FAA and DOT requirements for the safe transportation of the goods and will indemnify American Group against all fines and liens levied because of shippers negligence whether or not shipper was aware of the regulations.

What is a NMFC number?
This is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Association presets these product classifications quarterly. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship.

What is a bill of lading (BOL)?
A document issued by a carrier (railroad, steamship or trucking company) that serves as a receipt for the goods to be delivered to a designated person or to his order. The bill of lading describes the conditions under which the goods are accepted by the carrier and details the nature and quantity of the goods, name of vessel (if shipped by sea), identifying marks and numbers, destination, etc. The person sending the goods is the “shipper” or “consignor”, the company or agent transporting the goods is the “carrier”, and the person for whom the goods are destined is the “consignee”. Bills of lading may be negotiable or non-negotiable. If negotiable, i.e., payable to the shipper’s order and properly endorsed, title to the goods passes upon delivery of the bill of lading.

How do I contact American Group to get my goods picked up?
Call our customer service center at (480) 406-6102 to arrange a pick-up if you do not know the local American Group office telephone number. Or, you may arrange a pick-up or place a pick-up request by processing a shipment on-line via our website.

How much advance notice is required for pickup?
When you request a pickup, you will be asked to enter a shipment ready time and a pickup time. These times must be at least one hour apart. Also, you cannot enter a shipment ready time that has already passed.

Does American Group handle C.O.D. (Collect on Delivery) Shipments through its’ carriers?
Yes we do! Below are rules governing C.O.D. (Collect on Delivery) Shipments. The consignor has the sole responsibility to enter the amount of the C.O.D. on the waybill and he must also legible and durably mark each piece of the shipment with letters denoting C.O.D., number of pieces in shipment, and amount to be collected. C.O.D shipments can’t be combined with any other shipments. A C.O.D. will not be honored for a shipment that can’t move collect according to Rule No. 18. No privilege of examination or trial will be given prior to collection of the C.O.D. No partial delivery of a C.O.D. will be made unless the full amount of the C.O.D. has been collected. Credit will not be extended for a C.O.D. The amount of the C.O.D. is payable only by check made payable to the shipper. The carrier will accept only a certified check made payable to the shipper when the shipper states in writing “Certified Check Only” on the waybill at time of pick up. Disposition of a refused or unclaimed C.O.D. shipment, including reconsignment to a new consignee or release of the C.O.D. amount, may only be arranged by the shipper in writing, or per written request on the waybill. Note: the fee for handling C.O.D. shipments may vary by carrier.

Is pickup and delivery service available after hours or on weekends?
Yes, we offer flexible pickup and delivery service 24-hours a day, 7-days a week (including holidays).

Who do I contact if I need special handling requirements?
Contact your local office if your shipment requires special handling, and note this on your bill of lading. With advance notice, we can handle virtually any size, shape or density of freight.

What are freight classes?
The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) tariff is a publication for motor carriers. The publication contains classes, rules, descriptions and ratings of all commodities. There are various classes ranging between 50 and 500.