What Is Freight Shipping?

Your business has received a larger-than-normal order, implying you need to figure out how to ship products quickly. Will traditional package delivery cut it? Probably not.

Ideally, shipping by freight helps deliver items on time and in good condition because the approach typically facilitates the movement of larger or bulkier items over longer distances. And with a logistics partner such as ArdentX, your business can tap into a vast network of carriers, enabling you to ship items securely. To learn more about the nuances of freight shipping, keep reading.

Freight

Freight is basically cargo shipped by land, sea, or air. It may include vehicles, manufactured goods, raw materials like oil and natural gas, or oddly shaped items. In the United States, freight is usually shipped via truck, rail, barge, airplane, or ship. As you've noted, it typically involves large volumes of cargo weighing over 150 pounds. To qualify as freight, the item in question should also exceed 108 inches in length or be over 160 inches in combined length and girth.

Likewise, consolidated items that necessitate transport on a pallet fall in this category. In contrast, parcels are usually smaller, typically sent via courier services like UPS or FedEx. So, while freight applies to larger-scale shipments, parcels are perfect for smaller, more individualized deliveries.

Ergo, freight shipping involves the transport of cargo via the aforementioned means to a specific destination, either domestically or internationally. For eCommerce businesses, freight shipping is critical to their operations, as they need to get products from their source to customers efficiently.

The modes of transport used to complete the shipment depend on factors such as weight, size, fragility, urgency of delivery, and budget. Nonetheless, shippers commonly rely on one or a combination of delivery modes to move freight. Case in point, a shipper who sells their products overseas may rely on trucks to get their products to the port, ships to transport them across the ocean, and more trucks to shuttle their items to customers. Or, they may use a train to move products across the country.

How It Works

While the transport of packages and cargo appears simplistic, the process is quite complex. When shippers use freight services, they usually book the shipment with an intermediary or a third-party logistics provider (3PL). The intermediary handles the paperwork and communicates with carriers to ensure the products arrive at their intended destination.

The 3PL usually scouts out the best option for a shipper. They also verify freight classifications for accuracy. Then, they book a carrier suitable for the job.

Some logistic partners help their clients by preparing shipments. For instance, they may package items securely, consolidate cargo from multiple sellers, inspect products for damage, arrange pick-up, or track the shipment.

Upon picking up the shipment, they liaise with carriers to transport it to its final destination according to the agreed service terms. The shipping partner also handles customs clearance, if applicable. This might involve submitting documentation and paying applicable duties or taxes - the shipper is usually responsible for these costs.

Why Freight Shipping Makes Sense

What drives the popularity of freight shipping as a delivery solution? Well, shippers rely on it for some of the reasons listed below:

• Cost-effectiveness - It provides an economical way to move larger volumes of goods across long distances. Shippers also benefit from the high ceilings of freight transportation. This allows them to transport large volumes of goods at once without spending more on multiple trips or parcel deliveries. Plus, your shipping partner can do the legwork and find competitive rates.
• Top carriers - Every shipper wants their cargo to reach its destination safely. And when dealing with vital freight such as medical or food supplies, they need a reliable carrier. Generally, 3PLs worth their salt partner with reputable contract carriers to ensure timely and safe cargo delivery.
• Flexibility - Business owners can choose many ways to move freight depending on the situation and budget. For instance, air shipments are more practical than ocean transport for time-sensitive deliveries.
• Less stress - With the help of logistic partners, shippers don't have to deal with carriers directly for their freight transportation needs. You can book a shipment and let the partner handle all the logistics. This allows you to keep your business humming without fretting about delivery issues.
• Range of items - As aforementioned, freight shipping lets businesses deliver all manner of items regardless of quantity. Whether you have an awkwardly shaped item, an oversized machine, a high volume of products, or a combination of these, freight shipping can accommodate your needs.

Freight shipping is a diverse subject we can't exhaust in one sitting. Nonetheless, this primer tackles the basics, providing an overview of the process and its upsides. If this write-up piques your interest in the subject, consider exploring our other freight shipping resources.