Approved Freight Forwarders
Helpful Articles

Approved is always looking for ways to improve and provide better service to our customers. Troy Plotkin, Director of Operations, is leading the way with a number of new initiatives. Troy joined the Approved family, or ‘Ohana, in 2015. The company was growing and management recognized the need for change. As Troy puts it, “We put new miles on the bus but never took the old ones off. We needed to capitalize on what we had.” By taking full advantage of our systems’ features, Approved has improved visibility, consistency and predictability. “Especially for smaller customers, costs are key. We need to offer competitive pricing.” “We...

Need to get materials to a trade show and back with minimal hassle? We put together this brief guide to trade show shipping best practices. Here at Approved Freight Forwarders (AFF), we have the experience and expertise to take care of all your shipping and storage needs for trade shows in Los Angeles as well as Hawaii trade shows. We can pick up your trade show displays from virtually any location in the U.S., pack up your trade show crates, create a custom storage schedule, and ensure your materials arrive on time and intact. What are you bringing? First, decide what you’ll need and the...

The Heart and Soul of Approved.  With a combined 78 years at The DeWitt Companies, Marie Flores and George Fomenko aren’t just logistics experts – they’re examples of what it means to be ‘Ohana. Marie and George were two of the first five employees of Approved Freight Forwarders, and have dedicated their lives to Approved’s growth and success. Last December, they received Collaborative Diamond awards for their service to the company, and for embodying what it means to “Be ‘Ohana.” We’d like to highlight these two very important members of our Approved family. George Fomenko Dock Supervisor Originally from Latvia, George’s parents and grandparents were...

Last Updated: September 27, 2022 If you’re using freight services for personal or business needs, you’ll need to know how to measure your freight. Learning how to precisely measure your cargo and calculate things like its density and dim factor will help you ensure that your shipments stay within your budget and on deadline. Below, you’ll find our complete guide to freight measurement. We’ll show you how to accurately determine your freight’s dimensions and take correct measurements—including measuring your pallet. We’ll also demonstrate how to use those numbers to calculate the information your carrier or freight forwarder will need to get you an accurate quote...

We’re often asked by individuals and business clients to describe safe packaging and shipping best practices for various types of freight. From selecting the proper shipping boxes and shipping supplies to correct labeling, the key to shipping boxes safely starts with the fundamentals. Keep in mind that the shipper is responsible for packaging the shipment and labeling it well enough to protect the contents from damage during normal transportation. But the experts at Approved can answer your questions about packaging or provide you with a customized list of packaging guidelines for your shipment. Shipping best practices: general guidelines Following the basics of safe packaging can...

Looking to boost your bottom line with an LTL freight TMS? Combing through dozens of potential partners and services and feeling overwhelmed? Here are some key features you need to consider (and find) in your Transportation Management System. While the list is far from exhaustive, the Approved experts believe these to be the most vital in realizing the full potential of a TMS. 1. REMOTE ACCESS Improved visibility and complete accountability Reclaim the power of knowledge.  Know when, where and how your freight is being handled through real-time digital access to the system. Most systems should give you — the shipper – peace of mind...