Shipping Plants
Discover a wide range of shipping solutions for plants
Shipping plants requires careful planning and preparation to ensure they arrive at their destination healthy and undamaged. FreightCenter ensures quality, safe, and secure delivery.
Related Shipping Options:
Shipping Soil Shipping Mulch Shipping Landscaping Shipping Agricultural Products
FreightCenter: Your Trusted Platform for Safe Plant Shipping
Shipping plants requires specialized handling, from obtaining a phytosanitary certificate for international shipping to temperature-controlled trailers to ensure their freshness. Whether shipping succulents, flowers, or shrubs, plants require meticulous planning and care to maintain product quality to ensure a successful delivery.
FreightCenter is the top choice when it comes to partnering with a 3PL for shipping plants. With our industry expertise, caring customer support, reliable delivery services, and vetted network of top carriers, you can put your trust in us to keep your plants in optimal condition during transit and efficiently deliver them to their destination.
- Please note live plants must be shipped via Truckload Services and not less-than-truckload services.
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 Partner with FreightCenter for Plant Shipping?
Expertise in Plant Shipping: At FreightCenter, we understanding how delicate the process of shipping plants can be. Our experienced team of freight agents has extensive knowledge about shipping plants. No matter what type of plants, or how large or small the shipment is, we’ll help you find a carrier that specializes in shipping plants and assist you with the paperwork that is required so that your shipment is delivered with ease.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is dedicated to exceeding our customers expectations. Our customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on what matters while we manage your plant shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes.
Competitive rates with Tailored Solutions: We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates for landscaping shipping while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a temperature-controlled trailer? We got you! Want to expedite your order? No problem! We’re here to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your plant shipment.
FreightCenter Assists in Preparing Plants for Transport
Preparing plants for transport involves careful planning due to their delicate nature. Here are a few general steps that FreightCenter recommends to properly prepare plants for a safe journey and compliant delivery to their destination.
Preparing the plant
Most plants should be watered 12-24 hours before shipping so that they have adequate moisture to prevent them from drying out during transit. However, they should be moist, not wet – excess water can cause rot and increase the weight of the plant. Prune the plant if needed to help conserve moisture. It’s also important to inspect the plants for pests before shipping to mitigate the spread to other shipping items and locations.
Secure the Root System
Depending on the destination and the type of plant you are shipping, you can ship bare root, in soil, or in growing medium. If shipping bare root, remove the soil, gently rinse the roots, and wrap them in moist paper towels before placing in a plastic bag. This method is best for dormant or hardy plants. If shipping potted plants, utilizing plastic pots for shipping is the best option because they are lighter and more durable. Cover the soil with plastic wrap to prevent any spillage during transit.
Packaging the Plants
To package plants, it’s best to use corrugated cardboard boxes and cushioning the plants with materials such as crumpled paper or packing peanuts. Utilize carboard dividers to stabilize tall plants. For more delicate plants, use plants sleeves or stakes to secure the stems and then tape the pot to the bottom of the box if able.
Clearly Label
Clearly mark the box with handling instructions or warnings such as “Live Plants – Perishable”, “This Side Up”, or “Fragile”. Include temperature-sensitive stickers if needed.
Necessary Documents to Ship Plants
Having the proper documentation is essential when shipping plants to comply with local and federal regulations and ensure a smooth and successful delivery. These will depend on the country, state, or region where you are shipping from and to and the type of plant being shipped.
The most common documents you may need to prepare when shipping plants are a Phytosanitary Certificate to certify that the plants being shipped are free from pests and diseases, a CITES Certificate if your plants are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Import/Export Permits to regulate the import and export of certain plant species, a Commercial Invoice that provides details about the shipment, and a Bill of Lading which serves as a receipt of goods.
Standards and Regulations for Shipping Plants
Shipping Plants require compliance with various standards and regulations to ensure that plants are transported safely and without harm to the environment. Important ones to keep in mind include the International Plant Protection Convention, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the United States Department of Agriculture, the International Air Transport Association, and the International Maritime Organization.
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.
Your plants are valuable, and protecting them during transit is essential. FreightCenter offers customizable freight insurance options to give you peace of mind. In the rare events of damage or loss, our insurance plans ensures you're covered, minimizing risks and financial impacts.
For plant shipments that need extra attentions, our White Glove service delivers! From inside pickup and delivery to expert handling and assembly, we ensure your high-value, fragile, or sensitive plant shipment arrives in perfect condition - every time!
Stay in-the-know with accurate tracking for your plant shipment. FreightCenter's tracking tools allow you to monitor the location and status of your freight, providing updates and ensuring on-time delivery. with complete visibility, you can plan and manage your operations with confidence.
Shipping to a location with restriction access? Limited access ensures your freight reaches places like neighborhoods or parks. Perfect for hard-to-reach destinations that require extra coordination.
For businesses shipping large quantities of plants, FreightCenter offers volume shipping discounts. By consolidating your shipments and working with our network of carriers, you can lower costs without sacrificing dependability or efficiency.
Cross boarders easily! Our international shipping services connect you to top carriers for seamless ocean, air, and cross-border freight. Whether importing or exporting, we handle the logistics so you're plants arrive fresh, safe, and on time.
Accurate freight classification is key to receiving fair and transparent shipping rates. Our easy-to-use Freight Class Calculator helps you determine the correct freight class for your shipment based on size, weight, and product type. This tool simplifies the quoting process and ensures you avoid costly reclassification fees.
Shipping to or from home? Residential freight shipping brings your plants right to your backyard. Perfect for home improvement projects, this service ensures a smooth and hassle-free delivery.
The Best Transportation Options For Shipping Plants With FreightCenter
FreightCenter offers the best transportation options for shipping plants – whether it’s across town, the country, or the globe. To determine the best method for your plant shipment, several factors such as the type of plants, distance, destination and any other specific needs should be considered. Importantly, please note that we do not ship live plants via less-than-truckload (LTL) services. To ensure the quality and health of live plants, all shipments are conducted solely through truckload services. This ensures a controlled environment and minimizes handling risks during transit. However, FreightCenter offers a wide range of transportation methods for shipping plants, including:
Full Truckload (FTL): Full truckload shipping is utilized for shipping plants via ground freight. FTL offers fast transit times since the shipment goes directly from pickup to drop-off, reducing handling and potential damage to plants, while keeping them fresh and alive.
Ocean Freight: Ocean freight is an optimal choice for shipping plants internationally, with the use of temperature-controlled packaging, ocean freight offers cost savings for large shipments while still keeping plants fresh for delivery.
Expedited Shipping Services: For plants that require urgent delivery, expedited shipping services is the optimal choice. These services minimizes transit times by prioritizing the shipment and optimizing routes.
Temperature-Controlled Shipping: Keeping plants in a controlled-environment is crucial and can be damaged by high or low temperatures. Climate-controlled freight assists in maintaining stable temperature conditions throughout transit, preserving the quality of your plant shipment.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
We Handle Plant Shipping with Precision
At FreightCenter, we understand the importance of getting plants to their destination as quickly as possible, given their delicate nature. Along with our 25+ years of industry expertise, we provide specialized shipping solutions to ensure the plants are adequately protected, transported, and delivered to their destination.
We partner with a network of top carriers that have the expertise to ship time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive goods. We put high-quality customer service at the top of our list without breaking your budget. We offer competitive rates, so you receive the services you need at a price you want.
FAQ: Shipping Plants
Q. What are the best practices for preparing plants for freight shipping?
FreightCenter recommends using plastic pots, securing the root ball, wrapping the soil, pruning the plant, and stabilizing it with padding in a ventilated box.
Q. What is the best transportation method for shipping plants with FreightCenter?
The best transportation method for shipping plants depends on your exact shipping needs. FreightCenter offers Truckload, Ocean Freight, Expedited Shipping, and Temperature-Controlled Shipping options.
Q. What packaging does FreightCenter recommend for plant freight shipments?
FreightCenter recommends utilizing plastic pots or bare root wrapping, moist paper towels for root protections, plant sleeves, cardboard dividers, and sturdy, ventilated cardboard boxes.
Q. Do I need a phytosanitary certificate to ship plants through FreightCenter?
Yes, but only if your destination requires one. A phytosanitary certificate is typically needed for international shipping or regulated states. FreightCenter will ensure you have all the correct documentation for your shipment, but a phytosanitary certificate is available through your local agricultural office or USDA.
Q. What states have restrictions on plant shipping through FreightCenter?
States like California, Florida, Hawaii, and Arizona have strict plant import regulations. Check with your state agricultural department before shipping.
Q. Does FreightCenter provide assistance with plant shipping regulations?
Yes, FreightCenter offers shipping guidance and will ensure you have all the correct documentation for your shipment. However, it is best to consult the USDA, APHIS, or your state agriculture department for detailed plant shipping laws.
Q. Can FreightCenter ship potted plants and bare-root plants?
Yes, FreightCenter can ship both potted and bare-root plants. Bare-root plants are typically lighter and easier to ship, while potted plants require extra padding and stabilization.
Q. Are there size or weight limits when shipping plants with FreightCenter?
FreightCenter can handle shipments of almost any size of freight. However, size and weight limits depends on the carrier and the type of shipping method you are utilizing.
Q. Can I ship temperature-sensitive plants with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter offers temperature-controlled freight services to ensure that your plant shipment is in a controlled environment during transit.
Q. How do you handle shipping to locations with limited access, like residential neighborhoods?
We work with carriers experienced in delivering to limited-access locations and can arrange smaller delivery trucks, curbside drop-offs, and even liftgate services for larger shipments to ensure your plants are delivered without hassle.
Q. Do I need insurance for my plant shipment with FreightCenter?
While it isn’t required, we highly recommended. Freight insurance not only gives you peace of mind, but protects your shipment in the rare case of damage or loss.
Q. Can I track my shipment with FreightCenter?
Yes, you can track your plant shipment with FreightCenter. We provide tracking tools on our website; all you need is your tracking number, which is provided to you after booking your shipment.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer volume discounts for bulk shipments of plants?
Yes. Frequent shippers and large-volume orders with FreightCenter may qualify for special pricing and negotiated carrier rates.
Three Things You Didn't Know About Shipping Plants
Roots Don't Always Need Soil For Transport
Many plants are shipped bare-root, meaning the soil is removed and the roots are wrapped in damp material to prevent rot and deyhydration. This saves space and the chances of soil spilling during transit.
Dormant Season Is Shipping Season
Shipping plants often occurs during the fall and winter, when plants are dormant, minimizing stress and making them easier to transport to their destination.
Succulents Are The Easiest To Ship
Succulents are tough in nature and have water-storing leaves, making them one of the easiest and most popular plants to ship worldwide.
