Best Freight Companies

Defining Freight Companies

“Freight companies” can have several meanings to people and is an overused term describing companies in the freight industry. For example, freight companies can mean “freight carriers” In both cases, they are the companies with the trucks and drivers that move freight from point to point. Common Carriers, contract carriers, 3PLs, Freight Brokers, rail freight companies, air freight companies, ocean freight companies, and NVOCCs are considered “freight companies.”

Common carriers, some are giant national carriers such as FedEx Freight, that service practically all points in North America. Other companies are regional shipping companies and function like national companies on a much smaller scale and only service a region or area. A Single owner operator Trucker that owns only one truck can also be considered a “freight company.” Even though they are limited to a single truck, they still need to transport your shipment from Point A to Point B.

Freight brokers can also be considered “freight Companies .”Freight brokers differ from freight carriers because they do not have their trucks and trailers and are not limited to only using themselves. Often freight brokers are larger companies than freight carriers. FreightCenter is a full-service brokerage and one of the top freight brokers in the industry.

Global Network

Thanks to the internet, your business opens up to more customers outside the country. And if you require international shipping, the company you choose should be able to deal with shipping cargo overseas. Make sure they can efficiently deliver to the country of destination, and the flow of communication is smooth, so your shipment arrives promptly and safely. The shipping companies industry is vast, with so many freight shipping companies to choose from. You know you are in good hands when you are with FreightCenter. You can instantly see a real-time shipping quote online, and you will see why we have won so many awards.

What Best Freight Company For Me?

Getting your product into your customer’s hands-on time and in good condition is essential for you and them. After finally convincing them to buy from you, this is the next most important step. From suppliers to warehouses to customers, the integrity of your supply chain plays a vital role in the success of your business. That’s why the freight shipping company you choose must meet your needs at a reasonable cost. I

The best freight company for you depends on several factors, including the type of goods you are shipping, the distance of the shipment, the desired speed of delivery, and your budget. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a freight company:

Mode of Transportation: Consider whether you need your shipment transported by air, land, or sea. Some companies specialize in certain modes of transportation, so choosing a company that can meet your specific needs is important.
Service Level: Companies offer different levels of service, including standard, expedited, and guaranteed delivery times. Consider how quickly you need your shipment to arrive and whether you will pay extra for faster delivery.
Freight Class: Your shipment’s freight class is based on weight, size, and value. Different companies may specialize in different types of cargo, so it’s important to choose a company experienced in handling your specific type of shipment.
Coverage Area: Consider whether the freight company you are considering services the geographic areas you need to ship to or from.
Price: Compare quotes from different companies to find the most cost-effective option that meets your needs.

Overall, the best freight company for you will depend on your specific requirements and priorities. It’s important to research and compares different options before making a decision. Working with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, such as FreightCenter, can also help you to find the best freight company for your specific needs.

Shippers should consider comparing freight companies using FreightCenter because it is a reliable and user-friendly platform allowing them to compare rates and services from multiple carriers easily. FreightCenter provides real-time shipping rates and transit times, making finding the best deal for your shipment easy.

Are you searching for the “best shipping company near me”?

The various freight companies have their strengths. Each one specializes in its services, and each has its unique types of equipment. Some shipping companies only service specific lanes. You have a tool such as the FreightCenter freight rate calculator. Find The Best Freight Company Near You.

It is simple, see everything now with a quick instant quote. The calculator compares rates, service options, and transit times. Then you get to choose the best option available. There are vital factors to consider so that the logistics of your business are running like a well-oiled machine. We have an extensive network of national and regional Truckload and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carriers.

Connecting with the Best Freight Companies

We offer more than a variety of carriers and services. We also provide considerable savings. Our best-in-class carrier partnerships mean we get fantastic rates that benefit you. We arrange hundreds of shipments daily, which qualifies us for high-volume discounts. As a FreightCenter customer, you can access these low prices online. Our customers typically save 35%, 70%, 85%, or more – up to 95% – of the cost of shipping directly through the carrier.

Top Freight Companies in North America

There are several ways to determine the best shipping company. Many will categorize “the best” by profit, while others may consider employee morale, Google Reviews, Yelp Reviews, or BBB reviews and other factors that come into play. By partnering with a wide range of carriers, FreightCenter can offer shippers various shipping options at competitive rates, making finding the best deal for their specific shipment needs easier.

FreightCenter partners with only the best shipping providers nationwide to get you the best freight rates available. Instead of listing the top 10 freight companies, we will provide the 50 best we work with. This subjective list is based on shipping volume, ratings, and customer approval. Click on each one for reviews and more info.

FreightCenter’s Best 50 LTL Providers

Partnering With The Best Freight Companies

FreightCenter partners with various large and small shipping companies listed above to provide customers with the best possible shipping options and services. While all of FreightCenter’s partner carriers must meet certain standards of quality and reliability, the company does not exclusively partner with any particular carrier or carriers that can be considered “the best.”

Instead, FreightCenter carefully evaluates and selects its carrier partners based on various factors, including their safety record, on-time delivery performance, range of services, and pricing. FreightCenter also regularly monitors the performance of its carrier partners to ensure that they continue to meet its high service standards.

By working with diverse carriers, FreightCenter can offer its customers greater flexibility and choice when shipping their goods. This helps ensure that each shipment is handled by the carrier that is best equipped to meet the customer’s specific needs, whether providing expedited shipping, specialized handling, or cost-effective pricing.

Wide Range of Shipping Options

FreightCenter acts as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier, handling the logistics of the shipment and ensuring that it is delivered on time and in good condition. FreightCenter also provides customer support and tracking services to keep the shipper informed about the status of their shipment.

Using multiple freight carriers also provides added flexibility for shippers, as they can choose the carrier and service that best meets their needs based on cost, transit time, and special handling requirements. Overall, using multiple companies by FreightCenter helps ensure that shippers receive the best service possible at a competitive price.

Is FreightCenter a freight company?

FreightCenter is a transportation management company that partners with many carriers, including truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal, air, and ocean carriers. While FreightCenter does not own any transportation assets or operate its trucks, it provides a platform that connects shippers with carriers to simplify the shipping process and offer a range of transportation options. FreightCenter acts as an intermediary between shippers and carriers, negotiating rates and handling logistics to ensure that shipments are delivered safely and efficiently. In summary, FreightCenter is not traditional freight transportation companies but a transportation management company that partners with a network of carriers to provide shipping solutions to its customers.

Benefits of using FreightCenter to compare freight companies:

Time-saving: FreightCenter streamlines comparing rates and services from multiple carriers, saving shippers time and effort. Instead of contacting each carrier individually, shippers can get multiple quotes in one place.
Cost-effective: FreightCenter’s platform allows shippers to compare rates from multiple carriers, which can result in cost savings. Shippers can choose the carrier that offers the best value for their shipment.
User-friendly: FreightCenter’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Shippers can enter shipment details and receive quotes within seconds.
Flexible shipping options: FreightCenter offers a variety of shipping options, including air, sea, rail, and ground. Shippers can choose the shipping option that best fits their needs.
Reliable: FreightCenter works with a network of reputable carriers, ensuring that reliable and experienced professionals handle shipments.

How to Determine my Freight Shipment Details:

Depending on the complexity of your shipment, we can narrow down your carrier options.

• Limited Access Location: Shipments made to limited access locations can help determine the best carrier for you. These destinations include but are not limited to gated communities, malls, high-security buildings, etc.
• Freight Class: Calculate the freight class using the stowability, liability, ease of handling, and density of your shipment. Need help determining your freight class? Contact an agent.
• Is a lift Gate Needed?: Shipping to a residential area without a lift gate or loading dock? Request special instructions for booking.

How to Compare Shipping Costs of National Freight Companies

FreightCenter partners with top US national freight companies to offer competitive rates and services. Using our freight quote tool, you can instantly compare pricing and delivery times from those national freight carriers available for your shipment. Then, you choose which one you want to hire. Book your order online or contact us directly at 800.716.7608 to discuss any special requirements you might have and to verify your order. With 20 years of experience as a highly-respected 3PL (3rd Party Logistics provider), we use only the most reputable companies. Here are some tips on how to find the right national freight carrier for your shipment.

Use our online freight shipping quote tool and follow these steps to begin discovering carriers.

1. Enter the dimensions, weight, relevant zip codes, and freight class (if known) into the quote form.

2. A list of recommended carriers will then be provided with their average rates, transit times, and basic information on the carrier.

3. At this point in the shipping process, it is recommended that you contact a FreightCenter agent to review your shipment information.

4. Once the shipment is scheduled, you’ll receive your bill of lading and other necessary paperwork for your shipment.

5. Get your packages where they need to go with ease!

Using a Local Vs. National Freight Company

FreightCenter is a transportation management company that partners with local and national freight carriers to offer a variety of shipping options to its customers. FreightCenter’s network includes small and large carriers, allowing them to provide cost-effective and flexible shipping solutions for various industries and shipping needs. By working with a diverse range of carriers, FreightCenter can offer competitive rates and efficient shipping services while providing customers access to different transportation options. Whether you need to ship locally or nationally, FreightCenter’s network of carriers can help you get your goods to their destination safely and on time.

Local and national transportation companies or carriers provide transportation services for goods, but the two have some key differences. Here are some factors to consider when comparing local and national providers:

Coverage: National freight carriers typically have a broader coverage area than local ones. They may have terminals and distribution centers in more locations and offer more routes and shipping options.
Cost: Local freight carrier may have lower prices than national carriers particularly for short-distance shipments. However, national may be able to negotiate better rates with carriers due to their larger business volume, making them more cost-effective for long-distance shipments.
Speed: National carriers may have more resources to offer expedited shipping options, such as same-day or next-day delivery. In contrast, local carriers may be more limited in their capabilities.
Customer service: Local freight carriers may offer more personalized customer service, as they are often smaller and have a more localized focus. However, national may have more sophisticated tracking systems and customer support resources.
Expertise: National freight carriers may have more experience and knowledge in handling complex shipments, such as those involving hazardous materials or oversized items. Local may be better suited for simple loads or those that require specialized knowledge of the local area.

Moving Company vs. Freight Company

Moving and freight companies are involved in transporting goods but offer different services and cater to varying types of customers. Choosing between a local and national freight company will ultimately depend on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors such as cost, speed, coverage, and customer service when making your decision.

A moving company typically provides full-service moving services for households and businesses, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking goods. They usually specialize in local or long-distance residential moves, but some companies offer commercial moving services.

On the other hand, a freight company specializes in transporting goods, typically for commercial or industrial customers. They usually transport goods on pallets or in crates rather than providing full-service packing and unpacking. Depending on the customer’s needs, freight companies may offer various shipping options, such as full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal.

One of the main differences between a moving company and a freight company is the level of service provided. A moving company offers a full range of services to simplify the moving process for its customers. In contrast, a freight company focuses on transporting goods and may require the customer to handle the packing and loading themselves.

Another difference is the pricing structure. Moving companies typically charge based on the weight and distance of the shipment, while freight companies may charge based on the shipment’s weight, volume, and distance and any additional services required.

In summary, a moving company may be the better choice if you’re moving a household or business and need a full range of services to make a move as easy as possible. A freight company may better fit your needs if you’re a commercial or industrial customer looking to transport goods.

FreightCenter Vs. freight company

If you need a freight company to deliver your goods, get a freight quote from FreightCenter. You can use our free online freight quote calculator. Our calculator offers instant results from many top-rated US carriers to help you save money on your next shipment. It’ll show you the most cost-effective and efficient way to ship your freight. FreightCenter is a transportation management company that offers several benefits compared to working directly with a freight company:

Flexibility: FreightCenter partners with a wide variety of carriers, including national, regional, and local carriers, which allows them to offer a range of shipping options and services. You can choose the carrier and shipping option that would be best for you.
Technology: FreightCenter uses advanced technology to streamline the shipping process and provide real-time tracking and communication. This allows you to stay up-to-date on the status of your shipment and quickly resolve any issues that arise.
Cost-effectiveness: FreightCenter negotiates discounted rates with carriers due to their extensive business volume, allowing them to pass on cost savings to their customers. This means you can get competitive rates and save money on shipping.
Customer support: FreightCenter has a team of dedicated shipping experts available to provide support and guidance throughout the shipping process. They can help you with everything from selecting the suitable carrier and shipping option to handling any issues.
Convenience: FreightCenter offers a simple, user-friendly online platform that allows you to quickly and easily obtain quotes, book shipments, and manage your shipping needs from anywhere at any time.

FreightCenter is a leader in customer satisfaction because we support our technology with real live shipping experts who help you. We offer several benefits over working directly with a freight company, including greater flexibility, advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, customer support, and convenience. By partnering with FreightCenter, you can simplify shipping and get your goods to their destination quickly and efficiently.

Need help booking your shipment? Questions about packaging? Have questions or concerns after you’ve booked your shipment? Our shipping experts are available to answer any of your questions. Save time, save money, and enjoy peace of mind. Get your free quote now, or give us a call at 800.716.7608.

Factors that affect freight costs:

Learn to estimate shipping costs using freight density or freight class. Our online tools will help you calculate the freight shipping rates for your shipment.
Before requesting a shipping company quote, please ensure you have all the necessary information. Here’s what you need to know:

• Origin address: Is the origin address a commercial or non-commercial location? Providing the full origin address will help us identify if your pickup location needs special equipment or if it is a limited access area that cannot accommodate a 53 ft semi-trailer. Let the carrier know if your business is home-based or has a dock.
• Destination address: Just like the origin address, providing the correct delivery address is essential. Let us know if any special equipment is needed and if the delivery point can accommodate a 53 ft semi-trailer. Additionally, you will need to let us know if you have a loading dock at the delivery location or if you will need a liftgate to lower your shipment from the back of the trailer to the ground.
• Packaging: If your items safely prepared to be transported freight? Everything needs to be moveable by a forklift on a pallet and either boxed or crated.
• Size and weight: What are the total dimensions of your shipment and the weight? This must include how it is prepared for shipping.
• Freight class: Your freight class is determined using the weight and density of your shipment. If you need help choosing plus use our freight class density calculator here. You can also contact your account manager if you have any questions.
• Modes of transport
• Transit Time requirements
• Stowability
• Value or shipment liability
• Accessorials and Add-On Services: Do., you need any add-on services, also known as accessorials? These include liftgate, notification before delivery, residential pickup, or delivery fees.

Outsourcing To 3PL Freight Shipping Companies

Contact FreightCenter today to learn more about how our full slate of 3PL freight shipping services has helped companies enjoy smooth, efficient management of their freight shipments. We’ll also be glad to provide you with a free freight quote. Outsourcing your logistics to FreightCenter will save you time and money. 3PLs handle all the paperwork and billing.

FreightCenter combines powerful technology with human expertise to provide the best of both worlds, including the ability and resources to scale space and transportation based on your company’s needs. FreightCenter’s transportation management software (TMS) is a powerful tool to help customers manage their shipments.

We have invested in our proprietary transportation management software to help our highly skilled analysts scrutinize every aspect of your supply chain and transportation processes. Then we will use this data to recommend changes that reduce shipping costs.

How Is Technology Used For Freight Shipping Companies?

• Carrier Management– Store freight requirements and carrier information securely in a central location and eliminate time spent on repetitive data entry.
• Customer & User Management – Manage leads, customers, and users in the same system. Cirrus TMS offers a built-in CRM database that houses all shipment activity, historical shipment data, and sales information.
• Accounting capabilities – Plan, execute, and settle transactions with ease. Export shipment history and sales data to your accounting software – like QuickBooks™ – to quickly pay carrier invoices.
• Multi-Carrier Rating & Quoting – Rapidly compare multiple freight rates across all modes. Cirrus TMS enables you to analyze LTL rates from SMC3 and obtain quotes from truckload carriers.
• Transportation Modes – Cirrus TMS will help you plan and execute shipments via any mode, whether you need to move LTL, truckload, parcel, air, ocean, rail, or intermodal freight.
• Proprietary Technology – There is no hardware to purchase or maintain. Rely on our 99% server uptime guarantee and in-house development team to update and manage the back end of your freight operations.
• Customization – Configure new reports and dashboards – or customize existing ones – and gain insight into customer and user activity and sales metrics that are important to you.
• Email & Text Alerts – Stay in constant contact with your customers about the status of their shipments. Cirrus TMS has built-in email and text notifications and marketing message capabilities.

Bottom Line

With a more globalized supply chain, freight shipping logistics have become a significant challenge. Timely and secure delivery throughout the process ultimately contributes to the growth of your business. And the freight shipping company you choose should be a reliable and trustworthy partner. Researching is well worth it, so your needs are met for a reasonable price.

Depending on what you are shipping, specific requirements must be met for your load to get to the destination on time.
Examples of other services provided include:

A reputable freight shipping company will also be able to help you fill out the necessary shipping documents needed to transport your products. They will also assist you with shipping options, including time-critical, refrigerated, and hazmat shipments.

Simplifying Freight Companies

We worry about freight shipping, so you don’t have to. An account manager can help you figure out how to ship freight if you have any questions. The accounts manager’s role is to get you the best freight shipping rates. Using our freight cost calculator, you will see the best freight shipping companies available. At the same time, you will provide recommendations and free tips during the process.

What does a freight shipping company do?

Is freight cheaper than shipping?

How to Pick the Right Freight Shipping Company?

What To Watch out for When Picking a Shipping Company?

Most Profitable Trucking Company 2021(USD)

For the year 2021, the 10 most profitable freight companies have generated billions of dollars worth of their annual revenue:

Country-Wide Carrier Fleet Size

According to the US Department of Transportation, there were 996,894 for-hire carriers, 813,440 private carriers, and 83,235 other interstate motor carriers in the US, with 3.6 million employed as professional drivers as of 2021. Out of the top 10, this shows how many truckers reside per company:

Best Shipping Company/Workers in Fleet

Trucks / Trailers in Fleet

2021 Annual Best Shipping Company Wages

On average, truckers make about $59,158 per year. This amount may be lower or higher depending on the company, location, and experience.

Top 10 Annual Wages

Annual Wages: Top 20 National Carriers

While wages differ by state, these are the national average trucker wages per shipping company.

Workers and Workplace Reviews (0-5 Star Scale)

What To Do Before Pickup.

Once you have decided on a freight shipping company, follow this guide to ensure you are prepared if anything goes wrong.

• Backup Documents – Make duplicate copies of any essential documents you need for your shipment. This is most important for shipments being shipped internally.
• Cleaning your shipment – Clean your items before picking them up and packaging them. Identifying damage or problems on a clean item before shipping is more accessible.
• Packing – packing is the best insurance you can have. Proper packing can help prevent damage to your item during transit. Additionally, suppose your thing is not adequately packaged and gets damaged. In that case, the insurance company will not insure your item or reimburse you for improper load preparation.
• Photographic Evidence – After you clean your item, take some good pictures of it too. These are especially useful for claims should one arise.

What To Do After Delivery

The main thing you would like to do once your item has been delivered is checked the condition of your delivered shipment. This is when the pictures come in handy. You can compare before shipping vs. after shipping. Be sure to immediately notify the carrier if you find it damaged, note any damages on the delivery receipt, or refuse the delivery.

How To Prepare Your Load For Transport

For Palletized Freight

• Find the correct pallet. Make sure it isn’t too large or too small. Use a sturdy pallet that isn’t broken and that will hold up. Your item shipped should never overhang any part of the pallet.
• Use pallets that can be picked up from all four sides.
• Stack your items safely on the pallet. Ensure the packing will hold up to keep your things stacked during transit.
• Do not interlock and block things in the pallet or make open spots.
• Objects should never overhang any part of a pallet.
• Avoid space in the middle of the pallet.
• Distribute the weight evenly.

 
For Non-palletized freight

• The shipment should be in sturdy boxes or crates. Use sturdy boxes or containers to protect your cargo.
• Reinforce the edges if possible.
• Ensure the inside contents can not be damaged by road vibrations, and add additional padding to the inside as necessary.
• Seal openings, secure your item safely, and protect it from easy access.
• Properly label, address, and mark your shipment.
• Provide your contact information on the shipment and phone number if the carrier needs to contact you during transit.
• Secure freight to the pallet by using straps or banding. Using stretch wrapping on the outside is often a good idea.
• Repeat #4; Ensure each side of every pallet has complete address information, including the shipper and consignee numbers and postal codes. Remember, follow your freight carrier’s instructions and guidelines carefully
• to protect your shipment from damage and avoid surcharges.
• Shipping Industry Experience
• Do not underestimate the importance of having years of shipping experience.

Using a company that lacks shipping experience can be very painful and expensive. At FreightCenter, we have operated since 1998 and have over 24 years of shipping experience.

Preparing Your Load For A Freight Shipping Company

Before your freight carrier arrives, you must prepare your freight for shipment. Depending on the type of goods you are transporting, your freight will be palletized or non-palletized. Loose items not needing to be secured to a pallet are considered non-palletized freight. Multi-piece items that need to remain together and are strapped to a pallet is a palletized freight. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when preparing freight:

Step By Step Guide Using a Freight Shipping Company.

From start to finish, get step-by-step
instructions for:

STEP 1

• Open an account and save up to 80% off freight shipping.
• Create an account on my.freightcenter.com. You’ll need a credit card for billing.
  Note: Ensure the billing address on your credit card matches the account you used to register.
  If you already have a FreightCenter account, you can log in.

STEP 2

• Prepare Your Freight Shipment. Refer above or see our page on how to prepare your shipments to be picked up by freight carriers.
• Put freight on pallets. Stack and wrap bags, cartons, drums, and boxes

STEP 3

• Find Your Freight Class If Needed if shipping LTL. For all other Freight services, freight class likely isn’t needed. Don’t hesitate to contact your account manager if you need assistance.

STEP 4

• Get an Instant Freight Quote. Use our Freight Rate Calculator to Get an Accurate Shipping Quote.

STEP 5

• Decide on the proper mode. Deciding on the Right mode is essential. Depending on your shipment’s weight and size and how fast you need it delivered.

STEP 6

• Picking the right Accessorials.
• Do you have a dock at both ends? If not, you probably need to arrange for a liftgate on each end. Make sure you pre-arrange all the accessorials you want before pick up. If you need a liftgate for the pickup, check the box. If the delivery needs a liftgate, check that box. Are any other services required, such as notification before delivery?

STEP 7

• Properly Label your Shipment and Have the B.O.L. ready.
• You should print 2 copies of the B.O.L., keep one, and give one to the driver. You should also label your shipment correctly on all 4 sides. We provide free labels for your to print.

STEP 8

• Schedule A Pick Up Online. Arrange your pickup online, or contact Freight Customer Service at 1.800.716.7608 to schedule a pickup.

STEP 9

• Track your shipment. We provide automated tracking and status updates for some carriers via SMS messaging. If you have any questions about the status of your shipment. Please reach out to your account manager.

Freight Shipping Companies FAQ

What Freight Carrier is Best for Me?

Shipping freight may seem stressful and complicated. Determining the best freight company for your shipment depends on several factors, such as the type of goods you need to ship, the distance of the load, and your budget. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a freight company:

Type of shipment: Depending on the type of goods you need to ship, certain freight providers may be better suited than others. For example, if you are shipping perishable goods that require refrigeration, you may need to choose a carrier with specialized equipment and expertise in handling temperature-controlled shipments.
Distance of shipment: The distance of your shipment can also impact your choice of a freight company. Some carriers specialize in local or regional loads, while others have a national or international presence. Consider the coverage area of the carrier and their transit times when selecting a carrier.
Budget: Freight rates vary widely between carriers, so it’s essential to consider your budget when selecting a freight company. Look for a carrier that offers competitive rates without sacrificing service quality.
Service quality: Consider the level of service quality offered by the freight company, including their reliability, customer service, and track record for on-time delivery.
Special requirements: If your shipment has unique requirements, such as hazardous materials or oversized items, you must choose a carrier with experience and expertise in handling these shipments.

What is the best freight shipping company?

What is the cheapest way to ship freight?

What does a freight shipping company do?

Is freight cheaper than shipping?

How to Pick the Right Freight Shipping Company?

What To Watch out for When Picking a Shipping Company?