Drop Shipping
FreightCenter helps businesses ship large drop ship orders with ease. Compare freight rates for supplier-direct, warehouse-to-customer, and marketplace shipments that are too big for parcel delivery.
Helpful Drop Shipping Freight Resources
LTL Freight Shipping Freight Calculator Lift Gate Service White Glove Service
Freight Shipping Support for Drop Ship Orders
Drop shipping works best when orders move smoothly from the supplier, manufacturer, warehouse, or distributor to the final customer. FreightCenter helps businesses arrange freight shipping for drop ship orders that are too large, heavy, or bulky for standard parcel delivery.
Whether you are shipping furniture, appliances, equipment, retail inventory, machinery, building materials, or oversized products, FreightCenter helps you compare freight rates and book the right carrier for the shipment.
Our freight services can support drop shipping for:
- Online sellers
- eCommerce businesses
- Marketplace sellers
- Retailers
- Suppliers and distributors
- Manufacturers
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- One-time large-item shipments
FreightCenter makes it easier to move drop ship freight from pickup to delivery with rate comparison, carrier options, tracking, and support from freight experts.
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
Drop Shipping Freight Made Easier From Pickup to Delivery
When a drop ship order is too large for parcel shipping, there are more moving parts to manage. The product may be leaving a supplier, warehouse, distributor, or manufacturer, but it still needs to reach your customer on time and in good condition.
FreightCenter helps make that process easier by supporting the freight details that often slow sellers down.
1. Start With the Right Shipping Details
Before a drop ship freight order can move, you need accurate shipment information. That includes the pickup ZIP code, delivery ZIP code, packed dimensions, weight, product type, and whether the shipment needs services like liftgate or residential delivery.
FreightCenter helps you use those details to compare available freight options and choose the service that fits the order.
2. Compare Rates Without Calling Multiple Carriers
Large drop ship orders can be expensive to ship if you only check one carrier. FreightCenter helps you compare freight rates from trusted carriers in one place, making it easier to find an option that works for your customer, budget, and delivery timeline.
This is especially helpful for eCommerce sellers, marketplace sellers, suppliers, and small businesses that need a simple way to quote bulky or palletized orders.
3. Choose the Services Your Customer Actually Needs
A drop ship order may need more than standard pickup and delivery. If the customer is receiving freight at a home, apartment, small business, or location without a dock, services like residential delivery, liftgate delivery, or appointment delivery may be needed.
Adding those services upfront helps reduce missed deliveries, delays, and unexpected charges.
4. Keep the Shipment Moving After It’s Booked
Once the shipment is scheduled, FreightCenter helps with paperwork, carrier coordination, and tracking. This gives sellers and suppliers a clearer view of the shipment after it leaves the pickup location.
With FreightCenter, businesses can spend less time sorting out freight details and more time serving their customers.
What Is Drop Shipping?
Dropshipping is a popular modern eCommerce business model that allows online retailers to run a business without investing in a storefront. As a drop shipper, you do not own any inventory, and there is no customer service element or product handling. All the drop shipper needs to focus on is selling and promoting their products to drive sales and maintain an online store. There is no inventory, returns, or exchange management with drop shipping. Instead, the drop shipper promotes a product, and then once an order is placed, the manufacturer, wholesaler, or another retailer fulfills it.
The purchase is then shipped directly from the manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer to the drop shipper’s customer, and the drop shipper never actually touches the product they sold. Drop Shippers are not involved in processing and shipping inventory to the customer. Drop Shippers drive sales, suppliers maintain inventory/ship products, and retailers nurture customer relationships.
As mentioned above, not only drop shippers do not have to invest in a storefront, stocking inventory, or hire/paying staff. Online stores are easy and quick to set up, with many only taking a few minutes, as shop templates are user-friendly. Running this type of online business truly gives you the flexibility to do business from anywhere you can access an internet connection. Another advantage of choosing to dropship is that you can make your online store diverse in product offerings because you are not managing inventory. This allows you to attract a broader range of customers, potentially increasing sales over the long run.
Let’s not forget about the scalability potential that comes with dropshipping. When someone else is in charge of determining the logistics, concentrating on growth is much more doable, allowing you to focus on expanding your reach and profits. Make sure to understand that dropshipping is NOT a 3rd party fulfillment service; it is quite the contrary. Dropshipping is an e-commerce business model that presents the appeal of a low-cost and low-barrier-to-entry strategy to get started in e-commerce; aside from your time, the investment is essentially zero.
While drop shipping has many pros, there are other cons. Ensure you are fully committed to the time and energy required to succeed before undertaking a job like this. While the possibility of significant profits may seem within reach, you must know what it takes to be successful and understand the challenges that come along with it. When you are involved in the retail business and supply chain, your actions or lack thereof directly affect everyone around you, so understand your critical role in the industry. Drop Shipping can be lucrative, so the market is saturated, and competition is high.
3rd-Party Fulfillment
As mentioned above, Dropshipping should not be confused with 3rd party fulfillment companies, like Amazon FBA, ShipBob, or others. Also known as 3PLs, these companies are hired by clients wanting to outsource their order fulfillment and logistics to a specialized company. In this scenario, the business seeking the 3rd party fulfillment service is looking for a team to store, package, and ship its products to customers. Often the companies seeking this kind of extensive service are online retailers with large amounts of products to store. 3rd party fulfillment centers warehouse, inventory, pick, pack, and ship products for traditional online retailers.
Outsourcing Fulfillment and Logistics
These services are utilized when performing these duties in-house becomes too time-consuming or costly. There are dozens of 3rd party fulfillment companies for retailers to choose from. FreightCenter can help arrange shipments to these fulfillment centers. We have the resources necessary to organize transportation for inbound and outbound inventory. Our knowledgeable staff has years of experience in the logistics industry and know-how of all things supply chain management.
Especially If you are new to the supply chain and logistics industry, it is wise to outsource the coordination and planning of your shipment. Our agents are trained professionals who understand the complexities and nuances of shipping freight and will provide all the details you need. Each carrier has different rules, regulations, and items they will not ship.
Do you have the time to sift through all the potential suitors? Didn’t think so! Leave the sifting, deal brokering, and documentation to the professionals. Taking these matters into your own hands without proper knowledge is a real risk that can reveal itself in the fines, delays, and miscommunication faced down the line. Instead, work with a FreightCenter agent who can guide you every step of the way!
Importance of Proper Documentation and Transparency
Our team and website are rich in information, with plenty of packaging and shipping tips. While it is essential to nail your packaging methods, Packaging is not the only important shipping detail to remember, but also providing proper shipping documentation. Your FreightCenter agent will provide and guide you in filling out the appropriate documentation, including the bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoices, and required permits and certifications. It is essential to provide accurate information to your FreightCenter agent, such as accurate descriptions, quantities, and values in the documentation. Make sure to disclose all product and shipment details to your FreightCenter agent.
Being fully transparent helps prevent hazardous materials from being shipped with the potential to cause serious accidents, injuries, and the accruement of fines. Being transparent will allow your agent to ensure you fully comply with any regulations and restrictions affecting your shipping process.
Another area in which choosing a 3PL, like FreightCenter, can smooth out the shipping process is by helping you find the best insurance coverage for your shipment. Purchasing insurance is a no-brainer. When you have already planned to invest in successful transportation, it only makes sense to insure your shipment. We can help you find the best insurance coverage available and make sure you do not have to face the possibility of financial and product loss.
Drop shipping does not stop at the sale. Once a customer places an order, the product still needs to move from the supplier, warehouse, distributor, or manufacturer to the final delivery location.
FreightCenter helps businesses arrange freight shipping for drop ship orders that are too large, heavy, or bulky for standard parcel delivery. Whether you are shipping one oversized customer order or managing recurring supplier-direct shipments, we help you compare freight options and choose the service that fits the order.
LTL freight is often a good fit for drop ship orders that are too large for parcel shipping but do not need a full truck. This can include furniture, appliances, equipment, auto parts, building materials, retail inventory, and palletized goods.
Truckload shipping may be the better option for high-volume drop ship orders, large customer deliveries, or shipments that need dedicated trailer space. It can also help reduce handling when freight is moving in larger quantities.
Some drop ship orders need to move quickly. Whether a customer has a tight delivery window, a replacement item is needed fast, or an order is time-sensitive, expedited freight can help keep the shipment moving. FreightCenter helps you compare expedited freight options for large or bulky drop ship orders that need faster pickup or delivery.
Some drop ship products need extra care because they are fragile, high-value, oversized, oddly shaped, or difficult to handle. This may include commercial equipment, furniture, machinery, fitness equipment, appliances, or other bulky products. FreightCenter helps match specialized drop ship freight with the right carrier options and services, including liftgate, residential delivery, and other support when needed.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Other Types of Shipping FreightCenter Offers
FreightCenter is best known for our Less-than-Truckload (LTL) freight, Truckload (TL), and international shipping. We have an extensive network of reputable and qualified freight carriers nationwide. By using FreightCenters services to book your freight shipments, you’re given discounts you can’t get when you go directly to the carrier. FreightCenter customers save 25%, 50%, 75%, or more than they would have to pay the carrier when they purchase. Not only do you get access to low rates, but you also save time when you use FreightCenter. You can compare rates, services, and transit times from multiple carriers with just one quote. You are no longer wasting time shopping around for rates online. Choose which carrier works best for you.
Our staff of freight experts will handle all the logistics for you. They’ll review your shipment for accuracy, book, and schedule, and even provide tracking services throughout the entire transit. They also take care of all the billing, paperwork, and claims. Have questions about how we can help out with Shipping for your business? Get an instant freight rate quote or call our freight experts at 800.716.7608.
Drop Shipping FAQ
Q. What is drop shipping?
Drop shipping is a business model where a seller takes an order from a customer, then the product ships directly from a supplier, manufacturer, warehouse, or distributor to the customer. The seller does not need to store the product at their own location.
Q. Is drop shipping legal?
Yes, drop shipping is legal when it is done through proper suppliers, accurate product listings, and honest business practices. Sellers are still responsible for customer service, order accuracy, and making sure products are shipped correctly.
Q. What is freight drop shipping?
Freight drop shipping is when a large or heavy order ships directly from a supplier, manufacturer, distributor, or warehouse to the final customer by freight. This is often used for items that are too big, heavy, or bulky for standard parcel carriers.
Common freight drop ship items include furniture, appliances, machinery, fitness equipment, auto parts, building materials, retail inventory, and palletized goods.
Q. When do drop ship orders need freight shipping?
Drop ship orders may need freight shipping when the item is too large, heavy, fragile, or bulky for parcel delivery. Freight is also common when products need to be shipped on a pallet, in a crate, or by truckload.
If the item cannot move safely through a parcel network, FreightCenter can help compare freight options and match the shipment with the right service.
Q. Can FreightCenter help with drop shipping freight?
Yes. FreightCenter helps businesses arrange freight shipping for drop ship orders. This includes supplier-direct shipments, warehouse-to-customer deliveries, marketplace orders, and large eCommerce purchases.
FreightCenter helps shippers compare carrier rates, choose the right freight service, book shipments, and track freight after pickup.
Q. What types of drop ship products can ship by freight?
Many large or heavy products can ship by freight, including furniture, appliances, equipment, machinery, auto parts, exercise equipment, commercial supplies, building materials, and palletized retail goods.
The right shipping option depends on the product’s size, weight, packaging, delivery location, and handling needs.
Q. Is LTL freight good for drop shipping?
Yes. LTL freight is often a good option for drop ship orders that are too large for parcel shipping but do not need a full truck. LTL is commonly used for palletized goods, crates, large boxes, furniture, appliances, and business inventory.
With LTL freight, your shipment shares trailer space with other freight, which can help lower the cost.
Q. When should I use truckload shipping for drop shipping?
Truckload shipping may be a better fit when a drop ship order is large enough to fill most or all of a trailer. It may also be useful for high-volume orders, fragile shipments, direct delivery needs, or freight that should have less handling in transit.
Q. Can drop ship freight be delivered to a residential address?
Yes. Drop ship freight can often be delivered to a residential address, but residential delivery should be selected when booking. Homes, apartments, condos, farms, and home-based businesses are usually treated as residential locations by freight carriers.
If the customer does not have a loading dock or forklift, liftgate delivery may also be needed.
Q. Do drop ship orders need liftgate delivery?
Drop ship orders may need liftgate delivery if the customer or pickup location does not have a loading dock or forklift. A liftgate helps lower heavy freight from the truck to the ground.
Liftgate service is common for residential deliveries, small businesses, storage units, schools, churches, and job sites. Adding it upfront can help prevent missed deliveries and extra charges.
Q. How much does drop shipping freight cost?
Drop shipping freight costs depend on shipment size, weight, distance, freight class, carrier availability, delivery location, and added services. Residential delivery, liftgate service, limited access delivery, or expedited shipping may increase the cost.
FreightCenter helps businesses compare rates from trusted carriers so they can choose an option that fits the order and budget.
Q. Can marketplace sellers use freight shipping for drop ship orders?
Yes. Marketplace sellers can use freight shipping for large drop ship orders sold through platforms like eBay, Amazon Marketplace, Walmart Marketplace, Shopify, Etsy, or their own website.
FreightCenter helps marketplace sellers ship bulky, heavy, or palletized orders from suppliers, warehouses, or distributors directly to customers.
Q. Is drop shipping profitable?
Drop shipping can be profitable, but profit depends on product cost, shipping cost, supplier reliability, pricing, returns, and customer service. Freight costs are especially important when selling large or heavy items because shipping can affect the total price a customer is willing to pay.
Q. Is drop shipping good for beginners?
Drop shipping can be a good option for beginners because sellers do not need to buy or store inventory upfront. However, beginners still need to understand product sourcing, customer service, returns, and shipping costs.
For large products, freight shipping should be planned before the sale. FreightCenter can help new sellers compare freight rates and understand the services needed for large drop ship orders.
