Shipping Dry Goods
Ship Dry Goods with Ease and Confidence
FreightCenter makes shipping dry goods simple and cost-effective. Whether you're moving bulk items or small shipments, our reliable services and trusted carrier network ensure your goods arrive safely and on time. Get a free shipping quote today!
Shipping Dry Goods
Wholesale dry goods make up the majority of freight shipping in the US. Historically, “dry goods” were used to describe non-perishable products, such as textiles, toiletries, and grocery items that did not contain liquid. They were sold at a dry-goods store, distinct from hardware and grocery stores by the type of products they sold. Some of these stores still exist as historic buildings today and may or may not sell vintage products.
Today, dry goods (also known as shelf-stable foods) refer to non-liquid foods, like grains, pasta, rice, dried beans, flour, and soup mixes. These products have a longer shelf life since they do not contain any fresh ingredients; some can even last decades if properly stored at room temperature. While they are easier to ship and store than refrigerated or frozen goods, contamination or packaging damage can increase the risk of spoiling dry goods early.
Shipping dry goods requires proper handling and oversight to ensure safe, secure products for delivery. Learn more about how this is accomplished and how FreightCenter can help wholesale dry goods sellers ship their bulk items.
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- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
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- 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 Shipping Dry Goods?
Shipping dry goods requires a balance of efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. At FreightCenter, we specialize in connecting you with the best shipping solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re moving bulk products for your business or smaller shipments for personal use, our extensive network of trusted carriers ensures your goods are transported safely and on time. With FreightCenter, you’ll gain access to competitive rates, flexible shipping options, and dedicated support every step of the way.
What sets FreightCenter apart is our commitment to making the shipping process seamless and stress-free. From selecting the suitable carrier to tracking your shipment in real time, our team of logistics experts is here to guide you through the process. With tools like instant quoting and personalized assistance, we make planning, booking, and managing your shipments easy. Trust FreightCenter to deliver your dry goods with precision and care, no matter the destination.
What Counts as Dry Goods?
Dry goods may refer to the following goods:
- Rice
- Dried Beans
- Pasta
- Soup mixes
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Flour
- Bread Crumbs
These products have extended shelf life since they do not contain fresh ingredients that deteriorate quickly. They can last anywhere from a few months to decades sealed. However, they aren’t entirely invulnerable; they are susceptible to extreme temperature fluctuations and damage to packaging. They also lose their freshness, texture, and color if opened past its expiration date. Therefore, dry goods shippers must keep their items well-protected for shipping, especially if they are being shipped with other freight on an LTL trailer.
How Do You Prepare Dry Goods for Ltl Freight Shipping?
What kind of shipping option you choose depends on your freight size. If you are a supplier or manufacturer shipping bulk dry goods, you may need a full truckload. It is more expensive but more secure since your shipment is the only one on board. But if you don’t have an entire trailer worth of goods to ship, then LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping may be right for you. It’s cheaper since it shares space with other shipments, making it less secure but more economical.
Dry goods are usually shipped in boxes strapped (banded) to a pallet. The best type of trailer to ship your dry goods in is a dry van. They are designed to be enclosed boxes (aside from the big doors at the back) that keep goods safe from the weather and other environmental hazards. It is not temperature controlled, which means items retain their internal temperature during transit.
Here are some tips that could help you save money and time.
- Package dry goods to condense items to take up as little space as possible
- Keep weights and dimensions to a minimum
- Used proper packaging materials such as packing paper, bubble wrap, foam packaging products, packing tape, etc.
- Wrap packed boxes with shrink-wrap.
- Label your pallets and boxes accurately in several locations to find the label easily.
- Use standard-size boxes to make safe stacking easier
- Do not overpack boxes beyond their weight limits
- Stack goods on as few pallets as possible, up to 72” in height
- Keep packages from overhanging the pallet edge on any side
- Use banding straps to prevent load shifts
- Ship to and from facilities with loading docks when possible
How to Compare Ltl Freight Shipping Costs From Trusted Carriers When Shipping Dry Goods
FreightCenter is where the best freight carriers compete for your business. We enable you to compare multiple carriers’ rates and expected transit times in seconds. Then, you choose which carrier you want to handle your shipment. FreightCenter takes care of the rest. Your first step is to get an instant online freight shipping quote.
- Enter the dimensions, weight, relevant zip codes, and freight class (if you know it) into the quote form.
- You’ll see a list of qualified carriers, their quote, and estimated transit time for your shipment. Choose your carrier and book your shipment.
- A FreightCenter expert will review your shipment and check for accuracy.
- Once the shipment is scheduled, you’ll receive your bill of lading and other paperwork.
- Double-check that all information is correct.
What if You Need Help?
Need help booking your dry goods shipment? Questions about packaging? Have questions or concerns after you’ve booked your shipment
FreightCenter is a leader in customer satisfaction because we back up our technology with real, live shipping experts who can help you. Our shipping experts are available to answer 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.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Rail shipping is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation method that utilizes trains to move goods over long distances. It's known for its efficiency in handling large volumes of cargo, making it a sustainable and economical choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transport options.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Dry Goods
Q. What’s considered dry goods?
Dry goods in the United States originally referred to any product, edible or not, that isn’t sold at a hardware or grocery store, including textiles, toiletries, and non-liquid foods. Today, dry goods only refer to dried foods with a longer shelf life. This includes rice, dried beans, pasta, soup mixes, flour, seeds, and nuts.
Q. Can you send dried food via parcel?
Yes, you can send dried food via parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS. According to perishable mail guidelines, dried fruits and veggies can be mailed via parcel. However, it’s important to note that anything that can deteriorate quickly, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cannot be sent. Additionally, specific requirements apply when mailing items like eggs and meat.
Q. Can I ship dry goods of any size via freight?
You can ship any bulk dry goods so long as they meet the minimum requirements for freight shipping, including weighing over 150 lbs. and packing them into an acceptable container for transport.
Q. Are there any specific labeling requirements for shipping dry goods via freight?
While there may not be specific labeling requirements for all dry goods, it’s essential to label packages clearly with shipping and destination addresses, especially if the shipment contains multiple boxes. Additionally, if any special handling instructions are necessary, they should be clearly labeled on the packages.
Q. Are there any restrictions on shipping certain types of dry goods via freight?
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on shipping dry goods via freight. However, it’s essential to adhere to any transportation regulations related to specific types of dry goods, such as hazardous materials or restricted items, to ensure compliance during transit.
Three Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Shipping Dry Goods
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
