
Freight Services
Reliable & Affordable Nationwide Freight Services
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What is a Freight Broker?What Are Freight Services?
Freight services refer to the transportation of goods via trucks, trains, ships, or airplanes. At FreightCenter, we simplify this process by helping shippers compare rates, schedule shipments, and manage logistics from pickup to delivery
Includes:
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LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Shipping
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FTL (Full Truckload) Services
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Intermodal & Rail
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Expedited & Hot Shot Freight
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International & Cross-Border Freight
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 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
Why Choose FreightCenter for Freight Services?
- Experience: 25+ years in freight logistics and technology innovation
- Expertise: Certified freight agents and logistics consultants on staff
- Authority: Strategic partnerships with top national and regional carriers
- Trust: Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and customer support
FreightCenter is a licensed 3PL provider (MC# 444954-B), offering tailored freight services for businesses of all sizes.
How Can I Save Money on Freight Services?
Freight services compete for business against one another. When they offer discounts, those discounts are based on the customer’s shipping history. Using a freight broker like FreightCenter, you reap the financial benefits of our shipping history with our carriers. Even if you’ve never shipped before, you will still save.
Compare Discounted Rates Instantly
Not all carriers offer the same discounts for the same routes, so we look up rates from multiple carriers simultaneously. Using our online freight shipping quote feature, you get instant freight rates. Our rates are current in real-time and show you the potential savings you can achieve by booking through us. If you prefer to talk to a person, we have sales agents on staff. Our agents can assist with any details you may overlook and help you maximize your savings.
Benefits of Freight Services
Streamline Supply Chain Management
Freight services are an important part of managing the process of getting goods from one place to another. They ensure that products move smoothly from when they are made or bought until they reach their destination, making it easier for businesses to meet customer needs quickly and efficiently.
Companies can improve their supply chain by working with dependable shipping service providers. This can help them get products to customers faster, reduce the time it takes to get products to market and make their business run more smoothly overall.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Freight services can help businesses save money and work more efficiently. Instead of shipping small amounts separately, companies can group them to save on transportation costs. Freight providers are experts in finding the best routes, planning loads, and handling customs, which can help companies save even more money.
Access to Expertise and Industry Knowledge
Freight service providers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the transportation industry. They are always up-to-date with the latest regulations, customs requirements, and industry best practices. This allows businesses to benefit from their expertise and easily navigate complex logistics challenges while ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
Choosing The Right Freight Services Provider
Identifying Your Business Needs
When identifying your business needs for freight shipping, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure a smooth and efficient transportation process. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Cargo Type and Characteristics: Before you choose a company to ship your items, it’s important to consider what type of items you need to send. Is it something that can go bad quickly, like food? Is it something that can break easily, like glass? Is it dangerous, like chemicals? Is it very big or heavy? Or is it very valuable? Different items need to be treated in different ways when shipped. If you understand your freight, you can find a company to choose the right freight services for your shipments.
2. Shipping Volume and Frequency: Think about how many packages you send and how often you send them. Do you usually send small amounts often or large amounts sometimes? Some companies are good at handling small amounts, while others are better at handling large quantities. Choosing a company that can adapt to your changing needs and offer a solution no matter the volume and frequency is essential.
3. Destination and Coverage: Decide where to ship your products. Will you ship them only within your country or to other countries too? Ensure that the shipping company you choose can deliver your products to the places you want to send them. Check their connections, places where they operate, and cooperation with other companies to make sure that your products can be delivered smoothly.
4. Time Sensitivity: When you need to ship something, think about how quickly you need it to arrive. Do you need it to get there quickly, or is it okay if it takes a while? Some shipping companies can get things there quickly, but it might cost more. Other companies are cheaper, but it might take longer. Make sure you pick a company to get your cargo there on time based on how soon you need it to arrive.
5. Specialized Services: Consider any special services you might need when shipping your goods. This could include things like getting your products through customs, storing them in a warehouse, ensuring they get to the right people, or adding extra things like labels or packaging. If you have any specific needs, ensure the company you hire to ship your goods can meet those needs.
6. Budget and Cost Considerations: It’s important to determine your budget before making any decisions. Remember that freight rates can vary based on cargo weight, dimensions, distance, mode of transportation, and additional services required. To find the best fit for your budget, obtaining quotes from multiple providers and comparing their pricing structures is a good idea. This way, you can get the most value for your money while still receiving quality service.
7. Reliability and Track Record: To find a good freight service provider, look into their reputation and past performance. Choosing a provider with a record of being reliable and delivering on time is essential. You can check their performance by reading customer reviews, testimonials, years in business, and looking for industry certifications. This will help you make an informed decision about which provider to choose.
8. Customer Support and Technology: When selecting a freight service provider, it’s important to consider their customer support and technology. You should look for good customer service providers that respond quickly, have real-time tracking capabilities, and have easy-to-use online platforms. Clear communication and seeing where your shipments are at all times can make shipping much more accessible and stress-free.
By carefully assessing these factors and aligning them with your business needs, you can choose a freight service provider that can meet your specific requirements and ensure the smooth transportation of your goods.
FreightCenter offers a variety of freight services to cater to our customers' diverse business and supply chain needs.
Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is a freight service used for transporting small amounts of goods that only takes up part of the space of a truck or trailer. LTL is a cost-effective option for businesses that transport small quantities of goods.
Partial truckload shipping is a type of shipping that falls in between less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping. It's a way of transporting goods that's both cost-effective and flexible. This type of shipping allows for multiple smaller shipments from different shippers to be combined and transported in a single trailer.
Full truckload (FTL) shipping is a way of transporting goods where a truck's entire space and weight capacity is used for a single shipment. It is usually best for oversized shipments that need a lot of space and can fill up the whole truck.
International freight shipping is the process of moving goods across different countries. This kind of shipping differs from domestic shipping because it follows different rules, regulations, and customs procedures. Freight can be transported by land, sea, or air and is usually transported in containers for safe and efficient handling.
Air cargo freight shipping is a way of transporting goods by using airplanes. It can be done through commercial or charter flights to different parts of the world. This method is commonly used to transport goods that must arrive quickly and securely. It has many advantages, such as fast delivery and high levels of security for the goods being transported.
Ocean freight is transporting goods by cargo or container ships across the ocean. Container freight, also known as container shipping or containerized freight, is a type of ocean freight that uses standardized shipping containers. These containers are quickly loaded and unloaded from ships, trucks, and trains. They also provide better protection for goods during transportation.
Expedited freight shipping is a fast and efficient delivery service designed to transport goods quickly and on time. It is ideal for shipping items that must reach their destination urgently, especially when standard delivery times are not fast enough.
Temperature-controlled freight shipping, also called climate-controlled shipping, is a way of transporting goods easily affected by temperature changes. Some products require specific temperatures to be stored and handled, and this type of shipping helps to maintain a steady temperature throughout the journey. This is important because it helps preserve the quality and safety of the transported products.
Transporting large and heavy loads that are bigger and heavier than standard freight is called heavy haul freight shipping. This kind of shipping needs careful planning, special equipment, and experienced professionals to ensure these unique shipments are transported safely and efficiently.
Rail shipping, sometimes called rail freight or rail transport, means moving things like goods, materials, or commodities on trains that travel on a railway network. There are special railcars that are made to carry different kinds of cargo. People often choose rail shipping to move large amounts of things over long distances because it is a cost-effective and efficient way to do it.
Is a special shipping service that's different from the regular freight transportation service. It provides extra care, attention, and services for delicate or high-value items. This service goes beyond the normal handling, delivery, and setup to ensure that the goods are transported safely and securely. White glove freight shipping is like a VIP service for your valuable items, ensuring they receive the utmost care and attention during transportation.
Specialized freight shipping means transporting cargo that requires special handling, equipment, or expertise. This type of shipping is used for transporting things that cannot be shipped using regular freight services.

Common Challenges in Freight Services
The freight services industry faces various challenges that impact its operations and efficiency. Here are some common challenges:
Fuel Costs: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly impact the profitability of freight services.
Driver Shortage: The over-the-road freight industry often needs more qualified drivers, which can lead to delays and increase the cost of freight services.
Lack of Digitized Operations: The industry’s transition to digital operations and technologies can be challenging, including implementing cargo tracking platforms and improving information flow.
Cargo Delays and Unclear Order Status: Issues such as cargo delays, unclear order status, and stolen goods can disrupt supply chains and impact customer satisfaction.
Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration between different stakeholders in the freight industry, such as shippers, carriers, and logistics providers, can be a challenge.
Cost of Service: Freight forwarding services can be expensive, and balancing the cost of service with the speed, security, and legality of delivery is a challenge for freight forwarders.
Adapting to Technological Advancements: Keeping up with new advancements in business processes and technology is crucial for logistics companies to remain competitive and meet customer needs.
Environmental Impact: The freight industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices.
Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with various customs and trade regulations, can be complex and challenging for freight service providers.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions such as natural disasters, geopolitical events, or global pandemics can significantly impact freight services and require effective risk management strategies.
In Conclusion
Understanding the world of freight services is essential for small to medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their logistics operations. Companies can optimize their supply chain management and enhance overall productivity by leveraging the benefits of freight services, such as cost savings, efficiency, and access to expertise.
Freight Services FAQ
Q. What is the meaning of freight services?
“Freight services” refer to the transportation and handling of goods. This includes collecting goods from the sender, safely carrying them via truck, ship, plane, or train, delivering them to the recipient, and unloading them upon arrival. These services are essential in ensuring products reach their destinations efficiently and securely.
Q. What are the services of freight?
Freight services involve moving goods by air, sea, and land, using carriers like airlines, shipping lines, and trucking companies. Freight forwarders handle logistics to ensure shipments travel efficiently and cost-effectively, nationally and internationally.
Q. What is the cheapest way to transport freight?
The most cost-effective freight services often involves road or rail, as these modes tend to be less expensive than air shipping. However, prices can vary widely. To secure the best rates, consider using a reputable freight broker or logistics service provider like FreightCenter, which specializes in finding the cheapest shipping options tailored to your needs.
Q. What is an example of a freight services?
Trucking companies and shipping lines are types of freight companies. Parcel service companies are also in this business, mainly handling smaller to medium-sized items.
Top Three Most Common Freight Services
Top Three Most Common Freight Services
Truck
Trucks play a significant role in freight transportation, particularly for shipments moved less than 2,000 miles. They carry the largest shares of freight by value and are dominant for shipments moved shorter distances. In the United States, about 60% of freight is moved by truck.
Rail
Rail transportation is another important mode for moving freight, especially for shipments moved 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Rail is the dominant mode by weight and ton-miles for these distances. Freight railroads in the U.S. move millions of carloads of various commodities, including coal, construction materials, and pulp and paper products.
Intermodal
Intermodal freight transportation involves using multiple modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships, to transport goods. It combines the advantages of different modes to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness Intermodal shipping is commonly used for long-distance transportation and can offer significant cost savings.