What Is Freight Shipping and How Does It Work?

Are you looking to ship large quantities of goods for an affordable price? Does your business need a reliable logistics solution to move products around? If so, then you need to join the global network of individuals and companies using freight shipping as a solution.

Freight forwarders alliance is a reliable, cost-effective way to move goods around using land, air, and sea. Read on to find our must-know guide on freight shipping and how it works.

What Is Freight Shipping?

Freight shipping is the movement of goods by land, sea, or air. It can involve various methods and loads, including intermodal (rail and road transportation), truckload, and less than truckload. Freight is the name given to the goods transported.

Goods can transport domestically or internationally. It is an integral part of many e-commerce businesses working methods.

What Is the Difference Between Freight and Post?

If a shipment weighs over 30x30x30 inches or has a weight exceeding 150 pounds, it becomes freight. Anything under this becomes cheaper to send by standard post. Larger freight shipments are usually loaded onto pallets for ease of movement and extra protection.

26 pallets can fit onto an average-sized truck, based on the standard pallet dimension of 48 inches in height by 40 in width. If a pallet is taller than this, it counts as a double-stacked pallet.

These pallets load and unload using a dock. Many warehouses have a dock, which is around 4 feet off the ground, the same height as a truck bed or container. This makes it easier to remove and pack the truck, by driving the back of it straight up to the dock.

If you do not have a dock, then the pallets unload using a forklift. Failing this, some trucks can have gate lift equipment fitted to the back, which acts as a small elevator to remove the goods.

How Does Freight Shipping Work?

Once you know what you want to send by freight, you must start to decide which method is best for you. You have a choice of five overall shipping methods. These are full or partial truckload, less than truckload, intermodal and expedited.

Full truckload is exactly what it says. You pay for a whole truck of goods to ship your freight. This truck will fit in 24 to 26 pallets, and it shall go straight from pick up to its destination.

A partial truckload is a payment for a section of a truck, usually between 6 to 12 pallets. The shipment will usually go straight to its destination, though there is a very slight possibility it could be loaded onto another truck en route.

Less than truckload is the most common method and is usually used to ship under 6 pallets. The load will often be moved from truck to truck on its way to the destination.

Intermodal uses a combination of rail and road and sometimes shipping. Although it can mean your package is moved around a lot more, less fuel due to railroad keeps costs low.

Expedited is the most expensive method of freight. It uses truck and air and will get your freight where it needs to be using the fastest methods possible.

How Much Does It Cost?

The rates you pay will be determined on a number of factors, including the methods used and the volume of freight you are sending.

Less than truckload rates are dependent upon the class of freight being sent. You may also incur additional fees like scheduled delivery times or unloading requests. Full truckload rates are generally calculated by the miles that will be covered, and a quote may or may not include fuel.

Your freight will be classified by one of the 18 types of freight classes set out by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. This standardized pricing structure judges a shipment based on dimensions, weight, density, value, liability, and ease of handling. The lower the number your freight has, the lower its price for shipping will be.

How Do I Prepare a Freight Shipment?

When preparing a freight shipment, you will need to add your goods to a pallet. These are usually made from wood and weigh up to 70 pounds. It must be sturdy enough to support and protect the weight of your goods.

If you choose not to add goods to a palette, then you need to prepare appropriate containers. For both pallets and containers, each side needs to contain a label that includes your telephone number and the address you are shipping from. If you are reusing packaging, be sure to remove old shipping barcodes from them before use.

Do I Get a Receipt?

In the freight industry, your receipt of service is known as a BOL. This BOL is a bill of lading and contains the agreement between you and the carrier. It will have the details required to process the shipment correctly and in the requested manner.

This may include the weight, number of parcels or packages, the date of the shipment, the destination, and the freight classification. It is given to the carrier at pickup and used for financial records.

Can I Ship Hazardous Materials?

Any material that poses an unreasonable safety risk to health, property, or safety, is classed as hazardous. There are a number of substances that fall under this category, including poisons, gases, explosives, and flammables. Before transporting goods of this kind, you must find a specialist carrier that fulfills all the requirements set out by DOT transport regulations.

Finding a Freight Company

Once you have decided to use freight shipping, you just need to start finding a reliable company. There are many shipping companies available for a number of logistics options. Shop around for the lowest and highest quality quote available.

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