Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from the dispatch floor.
The questions our customers ask most — and the actual answers our team gives, without the legal hedging.
Getting Started
How quickly can Tidewater cover a load?
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Most spot loads tendered before 2pm local time are covered within 60 minutes. Dedicated and recurring lanes are pre-planned and never compete with the spot board.
Do you require a credit check to ship with you?
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No credit check is required for prepaid loads. For 30-day net billing we run a soft commercial credit review that typically takes one business day.
What documents do I need to set up an account?
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A signed broker-shipper agreement, your billing contact, and a W-9. Carriers add MC authority, COI naming Tidewater Dispatch as certificate holder, and a signed carrier packet.
Tracking & Updates
How do I check the status of an active shipment?
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Use the Shipment Tracking page with your PRO or load number. Live GPS updates post every 15 minutes for tractor-tracked freight.
Will I get a notification when my freight is delivered?
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Yes. Proof of delivery is emailed within 30 minutes of the driver scanning, and SMS alerts are available on request.
What happens if a load is delayed?
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Your dispatcher contacts you the moment we know — before the appointment is missed. Recovery options and revised ETAs are presented in the same message.
Billing & Payment
What are your payment terms?
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Standard terms are Net 30 for approved shippers. Quick-pay (2 days) is available at a 2% discount. Carriers are paid Net 15 on signed POD or 24 hours via factoring.
How do I update billing or remit-to information?
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Email billing@tidewaterdispatch.com from an authorized contact. We confirm changes in writing before the next invoice cycle.
Can I get consolidated invoicing?
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Yes — weekly or monthly rollups with custom reference fields are available for any account moving more than 10 loads per month.
Equipment & Coverage
What equipment types do you operate?
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Dry van, reefer, flatbed (including step-deck and Conestoga), box truck and sprinter. Specialty equipment is sourced through vetted partner carriers.
Do you cover Canada or Mexico?
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Cross-border into Canada is supported on flatbed and dry van lanes. Mexico moves are handled through bonded partners on a case-by-case basis.
Is my freight insured?
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Yes. Standard cargo coverage is $100,000 per shipment. Higher-value freight can be scheduled with additional certificates issued the same day.
Didn't see your question?
Our dispatch team answers every email inside one business hour.