If you’ve ever shipped a freight shipment, you know how important it is to get it right. It can be a complicated process, and there are many things you need to consider.
Fortunately, this guide will walk you through the basics of freight shipping for loads of any size. Plus, you’ll learn how to calculate and compare freight rates.
Freight Shipping
If you have ever received an item that’s too large, heavy or oddly shaped for parcel shipping, it likely traveled through freight shipping. Freight shipments are essential to businesses that need to send products in bulk, like products companies and e-commerce companies.
Unlike parcels, which are usually small, freight shipments require special handling to prevent damage or injury to workers and other goods. This means that it’s often better to work with a logistics company for freight shipping.
When choosing a shipping method, it’s important to consider your budget and the type of goods you want to ship. Then, you can determine which freight shipping option is best for your needs.
Several freight shipping for loads of any size exists, including LTL, FTL and heavy haul. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider them before deciding which is right for your business. It also helps to choose a freight carrier to ship your goods at a good price.
Difference Between Parcel Shipping and Freight Shipping
Choosing the right type of shipping service is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Understanding the differences between parcel and freight shipping is vital to making that decision.
Parcel shipping refers to smaller packages that typically weigh less than 150 pounds. They can be lifted without help and are a great option for small and medium-sized retailers and manufacturers who ship to different locations or direct-to-consumer customers.
On the other hand, freight shipments are heavier items requiring more complicated packaging and handling practices. They often ship together in pallets or strapped-together crates to minimize the risk of loss.
Both types of shipping are vital for small and mid-sized businesses that need to send products to customers across the country or the world. But choosing the right mode is essential to ensuring delivery efficiencies and reducing shipping costs.
Benefits of Freight Shipping
Freight shipping is a key logistics service that helps businesses move loads of goods from place to place. Production companies can use it to send inventory to their manufacturers and service organizations to ship supplies to customers and staff.
The primary benefit of freight shipping is that it’s the quickest way to transport large items. This is because it combines multiple modes of transportation (truck, rail, air and sea) into one trip.
This efficiency means freight companies often offer lower prices than other shipment methods. However, the cost can also vary depending on how many miles the package needs to travel and if it’s a high-priority rush shipment.
The cheapest option for most shipments is ocean freight. This usually includes transportation from one port to another, though the distance may be longer if it’s an international journey.
How Can Freight Shipping Help
Most of the products you buy and use daily were likely part of a freight shipment at one point in their journey. It’s a critical method of transporting goods worldwide, if largely invisible to most people.
For instance, the medical industry relies on freight shipping to get emergency supplies, specimens for lab testing and organ transplants or blood transfusions delivered to patients. These shipments must arrive on time to avoid damage and complications.
In addition, businesses often ship high volumes of a single product to multiple vendors or customers simultaneously. Freight shipping can help them keep their stock stocked for longer, allowing them to meet demand more efficiently.
Companies that need to send large amounts of a single item can find various freight shipping options and rates, including air and sea freight. This allows them to select the best method for their needs and budget.
