Since Entertainment Transportation Network began in 1991, we have been asked a wide variety of questions about our business, our industry and more.  We have tried to group related questions and answers under subheadings, listed below. We are expanding this area as rapidly as possible.  If you do not find the answer you're looking for here, please click on "Ask Us a Question" below, and we'll respond with a personal reply.

TOPICS

About our company Ordering service Fuel surcharge International shipping Flatbed service Click here to Ask Us a Question

QUESTIONS ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK, INC. - top of page Q:  How many trucks does ETN have in its fleet? A:  None.  ETN is a full-service transportation broker, which means we contract with a variety of qualified and experienced trucking companies to provide service for our clients. Q:  Does ETN directly employ drivers? A:  As a transportation broker, ETN does not directly employ drivers of any kind.  Rather, we work with qualified carriers who do employ drivers.  If you are a driver looking for employment, we would be happy to refer you to one of our preferred carriers for consideration.  Just click here for a referral form. Q:  What areas of the country does ETN serve? A:  ETN serves the 48 contiguous states, Canada and Mexico.  (see International shipping) Q:  How does ETN determine its prices? A:  The short answer is that we determine charges based on our costs, or "cost-plus".  More accurately, though, we are usually able to buy transportation services more cheaply because we buy so much each year.  Since ETN buys millions of dollars' worth of services on behalf of ALL of our clients, we generally command a lower price than if an individual client were to purchase just a few thousand dollars' worth.  Much of these savings we pass on to our clients, keeping only a small profit for our services.

ORDERING SERVICE FROM ETN - top of page Q:  How many days' advance notice do we need to give before a move is to begin? A:  It depends. We may know of equipment in the immediate area at precisely the time you need it.  But it is more likely we will need a day or two (or three) to direct the proper equipment into position.  We always try to work with whatever notice we are given, however it is always best to plan ahead. Q:  What's the best way to order service from ETN? A:  There are several ways.  If you would like to order online, we have both Quote Requests and Order forms in our Client Suite.  Just fill in the blank and click "Send".  You may also download an Order form in PDF format where you can again fill in the blanks, then attach it to an email and send it to order@etninc.com.  Of course, we are available by telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Just call our toll-free number at (888) 668-3386.

ABOUT FUEL SURCHARGES - top of page Q:  What is a "fuel surcharge"? A:  In these days of volatile fuel costs, trucking companies are faced with rapidly-fluctuating prices.  These prices can vary by time of year, region of the country, international events, etc.  Rather than trying to react to these factors in their overall pricing structure on a daily basis, most companies have instituted a fuel surcharge based upon national or regional averages. Q:  How is the fuel surcharge applied? A:  It varies between companies.  Some assess a fuel surcharge based upon mileage (i.e. 5 cents per mile).  Others calculate fuel surcharge as a percentage of the base transportation cost, or linehaul.  For example, if a normal linehaul charge was $500 for a given move, these companies may assess an additional 2% fuel surcharge, or $10.  Still others just raise their general rates. Q:  Who gets that extra fuel surcharge money? A:  Almost without exception, that fuel surcharge money goes directly to the person paying for the fuel - the driver. Q:  Where can I find out more about average fuel prices? A:  The U.S. government publishes average diesel fuel prices on a weekly basis via a website operated by the Department of Energy's Energy Information Agency.  To visit this site, just click here.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING WITH ETN - top of page Q:  Does ETN ship internationally? A:  The answer to this question is a qualified "Yes".  ETN's primary focus is surface transportation services for the entertainment industry - in other words, truck transportation.  We have a great deal of experience and resources for moving into and out of Canada and, on a more limited basis, Mexico. Q:  Does ETN do customs paperwork? A:  In a word, No.  Rather than even try to keep up with the vast changes in customs regulations, we prefer to leave these complexities to qualified, professional customs brokers.  We have had the pleasure of working with many customs brokers over the years and would be happy to refer our clients to some of the best.  For a list of ETN-recommended brokers, just click here. Q:  Where can I find a good customs broker? A:  While there many good brokers out there, we have had occasion to work with few who really know their stuff.  We've compiled a (pretty short) list of them and posted them on this website.  Just click here.

FLATBED SERVICE - top of page Q:  Can ETN provide flatbed trucks for my shipments? A:  Yes.  ETN has access to virtually all kinds of flatbed trucks - from standard "flats" to stepdeck, low-drop lowboys to heavy-haul units and other specialized equipment.  You can download more comprehensive information about flatbed trucks and their approximate dimensions by clicking here. Q:  Are all types of flatbed trucks available all the time? A:  The more specialized equipment you require, the fewer units there are available;  so it's always advisable to consult with us on your specific needs.