What is Freight?
The term freight can be defined as goods, items, or commodities weighing more than 150 lbs., requiring specialized transport methods.
Freight shipping involves transporting commodities, goods, and cargo in bulk via air, land, or sea/ocean. Common types of freight shipping over the road include truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal.
How Does Freight Shipping Work?
Freight shipping involves loading and unloading equipment such as docks, lift gates, large trucks, etc. Packages shipped as freight should be in crates, pallets, barrels, or boxes. The more protection, the better! Freight is delivered “curbside” and is not brought to your door. If extra assistance is needed, it is available to request at booking.
Shipping Methods
LTL (Less Than Truckload) – For shipments more significant than a parcel but don’t fill an entire truck, shippers are allowed to pay only for the space their shipment occupies. By using capacity sharing, shipping LTL freight reduces costs for shippers (the most common method).
Full Truck Load—This involves transporting goods that require an entire semi-trailer and is often a cost-effective option for large shipments. This truck can be filled as much as possible and transported to your desired destination.
Intermodal – Transportation of freight in an intermodal container or vehicle, using multiple modes of transportation such as truck, train, boat, plane, etc. Intermodal shipping reduces cargo handling, improves security, reduces damage and loss, and allows freight to be transported faster. For example, intermodal shipping would be used if cargo needs to be shipped from China to Austin, Texas. The freight would be brought by a cargo vessel to the Port of L.A., where it would be dragged by a drayage truck to a terminal, where a long hauler truck would deliver it to the Austin Terminal.
Expedited – Allows urgent shipments to be delivered quickly, typically by truck or plane, often moving directly from pick up to delivery with few stops. Expedited shipping involves handling critical or time-sensitive loads; there are usually no accessorials on this type of shipping.
Prep Pack
There are many options for packaging your freight in the most efficient way to keep it safe and undamaged. Let us help you find the choice that fits your situation best!
Awards and Endorsements
- 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 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 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
What’s The Difference Between Freight and Parcel?
Freight and parcels are often mistaken because they are both shipping types. Here are some common misconceptions to give you a better understanding:
- Freight is the shipment of large products or large amounts of items, often more significant than 150 lbs. At the same time, the parcel is the shipment of one or many individually shipped packages weighing in at less than 150 lbs.
- Freight delivery is curbside without moving assistance. Your package will not be brought up to you or brought inside unless booked at shipping. If you need those services, you would want to learn more about white glove delivery. You can find more info about that here. On the other hand, a Parcel is brought to the mailbox or doorstep and often hand-delivered to you.
- Freight uses larger trucks, which restricts certain shipping areas, such as areas with tricky turns, gates, small streets, etc. Smaller trucks deliver shipments with parcels, making it easier for the driver to maneuver through limited access areas.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
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.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Freight FAQs
Q. What is freight shipping?
A. Freight shipping, or cargo or freight transportation, refers to transporting goods, commodities, or merchandise by land, air, or sea. It involves the movement of large quantities of goods from one location to another, typically using specialized carriers or freight services.
Q. How does freight shipping differ from other shipping methods?
A. Unlike traditional parcel shipping, which is typically used for smaller, individual shipments, freight shipping is designed for more extensive and heavier loads. Freight shipments often require specialized handling, equipment, and documentation due to their size, weight, and volume. Additionally, freight shipping is commonly used for commercial or industrial purposes, such as transporting goods between manufacturers, distributors, retailers, or consumers.
Q. What are the different modes of freight transportation?
A. Freight can be transported using various modes of transportation, including trucking (road freight), rail freight, air freight, and ocean freight. Each mode offers distinct advantages and is chosen based on the destination, transit time, cost, and nature of the goods transported.
Q. What factors influence the cost of freight shipping?
A. Several factors can influence the cost of freight shipping, including the weight and dimensions of the shipment, the distance traveled, the mode of transportation used, the shipping speed or service level selected, any additional services required (such as insurance or specialized handling), fuel prices, market demand, and regulatory compliance costs. Understanding these factors can help shippers estimate and manage their shipping costs effectively.
