Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
Compare LTL and truckload options for inbound materials, plant-to-plant moves, and finished products.
FreightCenter helps manufacturers enter shipment details, compare available freight rates, book online, or get help from a freight specialist.
Freight Tools and Services for Manufacturers
LTL Freight Shipping Truckload Freight Services Freight Calculator FreightCenter Shipping Rewards
Manufacturers can use FreightCenter to compare LTL and truckload rates for inbound materials, transfers between facilities, and finished products. Quote and book shipments online, or work with a freight specialist when a load requires additional planning.
FreightCenter supports inbound materials, shipments between facilities, and outbound finished products while giving manufacturers access to online quoting and freight specialists when a shipment needs more attention.
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.
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Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
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- 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 Manufacturers Use FreightCenter for Freight Shipping
Manufacturing freight can change from one shipment to the next. One week you may have a few pallets moving LTL; the next week you may require a dedicated truck or equipment matched to the size and loading method of the shipment. FreightCenter gives manufacturers one place to compare options and move from quote to booking.
Benefits:
- Compare available freight rates without contacting carriers one by one. Enter the shipment details once and review available options for the move.
- Choose between LTL and truckload based on the shipment. Compare shared-trailer LTL service with dedicated truckload service instead of forcing every plant shipment into the same shipping method.
- Get expert help when the load needs more planning. A freight specialist can help when equipment, loading requirements, timing, or other shipment details aren’t straightforward.
- Make repeat quoting less repetitive. Registered users can save and manage quotes, giving regular shippers a more practical starting point for future shipments.
- Earn rewards on eligible shipping activity. FreightCenter Shipping Rewards builds points from eligible LTL freight spend after qualifying bookings are paid and finalized.
For manufacturers with freight moving in and out of facilities regularly, the goal is simple: fewer steps between needing a rate and getting the shipment booked.
Match the Shipping Method to the Manufacturing Move
LTL and truckload solve different shipping problems.
LTL combines your shipment with freight from other shippers in the same trailer. It can make sense when your pallets, crates, parts, or finished products don’t require the entire trailer.
Truckload gives one shipper the trailer. Manufacturers may compare truckload when a shipment takes substantial trailer space, needs a specific equipment type, shouldn’t be consolidated with unrelated freight, or has loading requirements that make a dedicated trailer more practical.
For manufacturing freight and logistics, service selection should start with the actual shipment rather than a default shipping method.
Have Accurate Shipment Details Ready
Good rate comparisons start with good information.
For LTL freight, prepare:
- Origin and destination ZIP codes
- Packaged dimensions
- Shipment weight
- A clear description of what you’re shipping
- Freight class when applicable
- Pickup or delivery requirements such as liftgate service when needed
FreightCenter’s LTL quote process uses these details to produce rate options for comparison.
For truckload freight, have the pickup and delivery locations, requested dates, total weight, shipment description, dimensions when relevant, and required equipment type if you know it. If you’re unsure which equipment fits the shipment, a freight specialist can help review the load.
Plan Around the Manufacturing Workflow
Logistics for manufacturers may involve more than finished products leaving a warehouse.
Freight planning is only one part of broader manufacturing supply chain management. Manufacturers also need to account for how materials move from suppliers into production, between facilities, and eventually to customers.
That means the right freight services for manufacturers can change according to where the shipment sits in production.
A smaller inbound pallet order may call for LTL. A larger finished-product shipment may be worth comparing as a truckload. Machinery, unusually shaped freight, temperature-sensitive products, or other specialized loads may require additional equipment or service planning.
Build Repeat Shipping Around Consistent Information
Repeat manufacturing shipments are easier to quote when your shipping team isn’t rebuilding the details from memory every time.
Keep frequently used facility information, typical shipment weights, equipment requirements, receiving restrictions, and normal pickup schedules accessible to whoever requests rates. FreightCenter recommends this approach for recurring truckload lanes because it gives each new quote a more accurate starting point.
Registered FreightCenter users can also save and manage quotes for future reference.
Compare More Than the Price
A useful freight rate needs to match the shipment.
When comparing manufacturing logistics services, check whether the option fits:
- The shipment size and weight
- The required equipment
- Pickup timing
- Delivery requirements
- Loading and unloading conditions
- Facility restrictions
- Special handling needs
Different production loads may require different shipping methods. Use these FreightCenter resources to compare services, prepare your shipment, and make the next booking decision.
Compare LTL options when your manufacturing shipment does not need an entire trailer.
Compare dedicated trailer and equipment options for larger or more demanding plant shipments.
Enter shipment details and review available freight pricing for LTL or truckload service.
Eligible FreightCenter LTL bookings can build Shipping Rewards points after they are paid and finalized.
Who Should Use Logistics for Manufacturing Companies?
Manufacturers that regularly receive materials, move products between facilities, or ship finished products should have a repeatable way to compare freight options.
Those movements don’t always require the same service. FreightCenter’s manufacturing guidance covers transportation from suppliers to manufacturing facilities, movements during production, and outbound transportation of finished goods.
Using one quoting process gives your shipping team a consistent place to start when those requirements change.
When Is LTL a Strong Fit for Manufacturers?
LTL is worth comparing when the shipment doesn’t require the use of an entire trailer.
The shipment shares trailer space with other freight, making LTL a practical option for many palletized manufacturing shipments and smaller production loads. Accurate dimensions, weight, origin, destination, and classification information help produce a more useful quote.
When Should a Manufacturer Compare Truckload?
Compare truckload when dedicated trailer capacity or specific equipment provides an operational advantage.
That could include a shipment occupying substantial trailer space, freight that shouldn’t be consolidated, a load requiring open-deck equipment, temperature control, or a defined loading setup. FreightCenter’s truckload services also support equipment selection based on the shipment’s size, shape, handling requirements, and loading method.
What Information Do You Need for a Manufacturing Freight Quote?
Start with accurate route, size, weight, timing, and handling information.
For LTL, FreightCenter asks for details including origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and a description of the shipment. Truckload quoting also considers requested dates and required equipment.
Before starting your quote, confirm:
- Pickup location
- Delivery location
- Shipment weight
- Packaged dimensions
- Description of the items
- Requested pickup timing
- Freight class when applicable
- Equipment requirements when applicable
- Facility or delivery services needed
The closer these details are to the shipment that will actually be tendered, the more useful your initial comparison will be.
How Should Manufacturers Compare Available Freight Options?
Compare whether each option actually works for the shipment before choosing by price.
For manufacturing plants, equipment fit, loading method, pickup requirements, delivery restrictions, timing, and shipment characteristics can matter just as much as the displayed rate.
If two options appear similar, review what each service includes before booking.
How Can Repeat Manufacturers Reduce Booking Friction?
Standardize the information your team collects before requesting a quote.
For recurring lanes, keep facility locations, usual weights, equipment needs, receiving restrictions, and typical schedules in a consistent place. FreightCenter’s truckload guidance specifically recommends keeping recurring shipment information available so each quote begins with accurate operating details.
Creating a FreightCenter account can also help repeat shippers save and manage quote information.
When Should You Ask a Freight Expert for Help?
Ask for help when the shipment doesn’t fit neatly into a standard LTL or truckload setup.
Uncertain equipment requirements, unusual loading methods, oversized dimensions, temperature requirements, or tight scheduling can change which options make sense. FreightCenter provides freight-specialist support alongside its online quote and booking tools.
You can handle straightforward freight online and bring in an expert when the load needs a closer look.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
What Affects Manufacturing Freight Rates?
Manufacturing freight rates depend on the shipment, route, service type, and requirements at pickup and delivery. Accurate information gives you a better basis for comparing the available options before booking.
- Shipment dimensions: Length, width, and height determine how much space the packaged shipment requires and can affect equipment selection.
- Shipment weight: Weight is part of both LTL and truckload quoting and can affect available service and pricing.
- Origin and destination: Pickup and delivery locations establish the shipping lane and help determine the options available for that move.
- Freight class: For applicable LTL shipments, classification can affect the quoted rate, making accurate shipment information important.
- Pickup and delivery requirements: Liftgate needs, facility restrictions, loading methods, or other location requirements can change how the shipment must be serviced.
- Additional services: Services beyond standard pickup and delivery may affect the rate shown for the shipment.
- Timing: Requested pickup and delivery dates help determine what capacity and service options can meet the shipment’s schedule.
- Shipping frequency: Recurring freight gives your team an opportunity to standardize lane, facility, equipment, and load information before requesting each new quote.
- Equipment type: Dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, step deck, and other truckload equipment serve different shipping requirements, so equipment choice can affect which options are available.
Enter your actual shipment details to compare available LTL or truckload rates for your next manufacturing move.
Frequently Asked Questions about Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
Q. How can FreightCenter help with logistics for manufacturing companies?
FreightCenter helps manufacturers compare freight options and book shipments from one platform. Manufacturers can request LTL or truckload rates online and get help from a freight specialist when equipment, handling, or scheduling requirements need more discussion.
Q. How do I get a freight quote for a manufacturing shipment?
Enter your shipment information into FreightCenter’s online quote tool. Depending on the service, you’ll provide information such as origin, destination, weight, dimensions, shipment description, requested dates, and equipment requirements.
Q. What information should I have before requesting a rate?
Have accurate shipment measurements and route information ready before requesting a rate. Start with pickup and delivery locations, packaged weight and dimensions, what you’re shipping, and any special pickup, delivery, equipment, or timing requirements.
Q. Should manufacturers use LTL or truckload shipping?
The better option depends on how much trailer space the shipment needs and how it must be handled. LTL shares trailer space with other shipments, while truckload gives one shipper use of the trailer. Equipment requirements, loading conditions, timing, and shipment size should also be considered.
Q. Can I compare freight rates before booking?
Yes, FreightCenter lets you compare available freight rates before selecting a shipment option. The freight calculator uses shipment information such as weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and service type to provide options for comparison.
Q. Is a FreightCenter account useful for repeat manufacturing shipments?
Yes, an account can reduce repetitive work for manufacturers that request freight rates regularly. FreightCenter states that registered users can save and manage quote information, which gives your shipping team a starting point for future freight activity.
Q. Can FreightCenter help me choose truckload equipment?
Yes, a freight specialist can help when you’re unsure which equipment fits the shipment. FreightCenter’s truckload guidance recommends starting with the load details when equipment needs aren’t clear so the appropriate options can be reviewed.
Q. Can manufacturers use FreightCenter for recurring freight?
Yes, FreightCenter supports repeat freight quoting and booking. For recurring lanes, keeping facility locations, typical weights, equipment needs, receiving restrictions, and schedules organized can make each new quote easier to prepare.
Q. What affects freight rates for manufacturers?
Rates can change based on the shipment, lane, service requirements, and timing. Weight, dimensions, origin and destination, freight class when applicable, equipment, facility requirements, and additional services may all affect the available rate options.
Q. Can manufacturing companies earn FreightCenter Shipping Rewards?
Eligible FreightCenter shipping activity can earn Shipping Rewards points. FreightCenter states that an account builds points based on eligible freight spend after the booking has been fully paid and finalized.
Q. What should I do if my manufacturing shipment has unusual requirements?
Talk with a freight specialist when the shipment needs equipment, handling, or scheduling that isn’t straightforward. Oversized dimensions, temperature requirements, unusual loading methods, or uncertain equipment needs are examples of situations where additional planning may help before booking.
3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Manufacturing Logistics
Manufacturing Freight Starts Before the Finished Product Leaves the Plant
Manufacturing transportation can include incoming materials, movements between production facilities, and outbound finished products. Looking at all three can help your team choose freight services around the actual production flow rather than treating shipping as only the final step.
LTL vs. Truckload Isn't Just a Weight Decision
Trailer space, equipment, loading method, facility requirements, and whether the shipment should share a trailer can all help determine which service is worth comparing. A larger shipment doesn't automatically require truckload solely because of its weight.
Standard Shipment Data Can Make Repeat Booking Simpler
Manufacturers that keep recurring lane details, equipment needs, facility restrictions, typical weights, and schedules organized don't have to reconstruct the same information every time another shipment is ready.
