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How Does Freight Shipping Work?

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Find answers to common freight questions.

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How Does Freight Shipping Work?

How Does Freight Shipping Work?

People often ask, “How does freight shipping work?”

Freight shipping is the transportation of goods in bulk via truck, aircraft, ship, or intermodal (train).

2 Types of Freight Shipping:

1. Less-than-truckload (LTL) – LTL Shipping involves transporting smaller freight that doesn’t need to take up an entire semi-trailer. The transported cargo can usually fit on just a few pallets and then be consolidated onto one truck with other unrelated shipments.

2. Full Truckload (TL) – FTL Shipping involves the transportation of a whole truckload of freight, usually from one location and one single business or entity. Many large companies and enterprises have more complex supply chains that need truckload services. FreightCenter is one of the only third-party logistics providers that will bring you instant truckload rates so you can handle your shipping needs in minutes.

Included in between the realm of less-than-truckload and full truckload is volume freight. Suppose the freight exceeds the standard size or cubic feet of a less-than-truckload but does not take up enough space for a full trailer. The freight is considered a volume shipment. Each carrier has its criteria for what is considered a volume shipment within its network. Standard guidelines are when freight meets one of the following: it weighs more than 5,000 Ibs, takes up more than 12 linear feet, or occupies more than 750 cubic feet of trailer space.

There are several steps involved in freight shipping, including packing your cargo, getting a freight quote, and creating a bill of lading. You’ll save time and money by using a third-party logistics provider (or freight broker).

Freight is any shipment that weighs over 150 lbs. “Freight shipping” is the transportation of any goods, commodities, and cargo in bulk by ship, aircraft, truck, or intermodal (via train and road). Freight can be transported domestically or internationally by land, air, or sea. Any items that cannot be shipped via parcel or ground shipping will have to be shipped via freight. This includes items that may not be that heavy but are too long or wide for parcel shipping.

FreightCenter assists shippers by helping them learn how freight shipping works, find the best carrier for their needs, and move their cargo at the best available rate. Our free freight quote tool provides shippers instant access to freight rates from dozens of top freight carriers.

Learn more about freight shipping.

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What our customers are saying

We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!

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Our Certifications

Awards and Endorsements

  • 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
  • 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
  • 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
  • 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
  • 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
  • 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
  • 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
  • 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
  • 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
  • 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
  • 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
  • 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
  • 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
  • 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
  • 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
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Why Choose FreightCenter For LTL Shipping Services?

We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. We bring a lot to the table when it comes to truckload services. Our history, competitive pricing, and level of service are unmatched in the industry. Over the years and many miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of partners in the industry to help customers meet deadlines.

Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of truckload freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. When customers select FreightCenter to handle their truckload freight shipment, they trust us to do the job.

FreightCenter by the numbers
25 Years In Business
1m+ Shipments Booked
93%+ On-Time Performance
99.1% Damage Free Shipments

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