Freight shipping is a transportation method businesses use to move bulk shipments that surpass the weight and size restrictions of parcel packages. Freight shipping consists of cargo that is often packed and shipped on pallets. Freight refers to cargo that needs to be moved from one location to another and does not qualify for parcel shipping. Almost any item can be freight, including large quantities of smaller goods consolidated on a pellet. Larger items like furniture, cars and construction supplies require freight delivery.

What is Freight Shipping?

Freight shipping refers to modes of transportation designed to move larger shipments from one place to another. It plays a crucial role in worldwide logistics networks.

Freight shipping can involve ships, planes, trains, and trucks, often a combination of these transportation options. Unlike smaller parcels that travel on standard delivery trucks, freight shipments require semi-trucks and other modes of transportation with large capacities because they are large and heavy loads. Freight shipments are usually measured based on how much space they would take up in a semi-truck trailer, which could be a full truckload or less than a truckload (LTL).

Freight shipping is one of the most widely used methods to transport large quantities of goods around the globe and includes multiple modes of transportation, including sea, rail, and air. Freight shipping is important and popular because it is competitively priced and efficient. Additionally, freight shipping can accommodate a wide variety of goods.

Freight Shipping Modes

The shipped goods’ volume, type, and urgency will affect the mode that makes the most sense for a business. Different freight shipping modes include:

1. Less-than-truckload (LTL)

It is a great option for smaller freight shipments. These items do not take up an entire trailer, which means you’ll pay less by sharing space with other businesses’ shipments.

2. Full truckload

This method is ideal for bigger, bulkier, and heavier shipments. Goods travel faster with full truckloads because it does not include extra stops before reaching the destination.

3. Partial truckload

This method also splits space with other shippers, although the shipment sizes are usually larger than LTL, meaning only a few companies share the truck. This results in reduced stops and additional handling.

4. Sea transport

Ships are crucial in freight transport, and sea transport is the most popular shipping method globally because of its low price and ability to cover long routes across continents.

5. Air freight

Planes are the fastest and most direct option to get products from one destination to another, but they are also the most expensive method for these reasons.

6. Rail freight

Trains are also very popular because this is another cost-effective way to move freight cargo. This mode of transport can move large and heavy shipments efficiently.

7. Intermodal

Shipments that use multiple freight transportation methods are intermodal and can include any combination of ground, air, and sea. The cheapest way to ship packages often requires multiple modes of transportation.

8. Expedited

If you face a tight timeline, expedited freight shipping ensures your items will arrive quickly. Planes and trucks are common options for expedited shipments, but you will have to pay more for this level of speed.

Benefits of Freight Shipping

Freight shipping makes sense for moving large orders. This is why it is one of the most common ways shipments are moved around the globe. Key benefits include:

1. Economical

Freight shipping is a cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods from one place to another. LTL shipping greatly reduces the price of transporting products by truck.

2. Range and quantity of items

Freight shipping can accommodate the heaviest and most awkwardly shaped packages. It can handle a wide range of goods and many pallets.

3. Eco-friendly

Freight shipping consolidates shipments from multiple companies on ships, rail cars, and trucks to maximize each trip and prevent additional emissions-generating journeys. Consumers care about the environment and pay attention to the companies they work with.

4. Variety of options

Freight shipping can handle all types of goods and provides businesses with many options regarding speed, costs, and shipment sizes. This allows shippers to choose the option that best suits their needs.

5. Consistency

Freight is a reliable way to move products and ensure shipments arrive by the specified date. Customers will enjoy on-time deliveries because freight shipping often follows a regular schedule that groups customers from the same area together. Freight transportation companies follow a consistent timeline.

Should you Consider Freight Transportation?

Many factors will determine if freight transportation is right for you. You can contact freight brokers to get a sense of the cost. Generally, the total shipping capacity consumed by your shipment is a primary factor in the overall price.

Variables that will impact the price of shipments include:

Distance – Your package’s total distance will affect the price.
Timing – High-priority rush shipments will cost the most. The more flexibility you have, the cheaper your rates will be.
Mode of transport – This will have a big impact on price. Ocean freight tends to be the cheapest option, followed by rail, truck, and air.
Weight – The heavier your shipment, the harder it will be to move, increasing costs.
Size – Will your shipment require half of all available space, or will it only take up a small corner of the truck bed? Are you shipping a tall pallet of goods? The larger your items, the more you will pay.
Location – Your shipment’s pickup point will affect your rate. Is it close to pickup spots for other businesses that may join your journey? How close is it to the carrier’s nearest location? These answers will affect your rate.

If you think freight transportation can benefit your business, contact Lot Logistics today! We specialize in LTL shipping, and our freight brokers will always provide you with the freight transportation services you desire. Our reputation, experience, and freight industry knowledge set us apart from other shipping companies.