Freight shipping is the transport of large shipments of goods transported within the country or across the world by air, land or sea. Goods are loaded onto pallets or large, sturdy containers and transported using one or more modes of transport.
People wish shipping freight was as easy as sending a message in a bottle, the reality is that there are a number of regulations and processes in place to ensure valuable freight is delivered. Safely to its final destination.
Read more: Canada-wide shipment Service
Freight Shipping Questions
Here are 10 of the most common freight shipping questions, people ask about the freight shipping process.
1. How long does freight shipping take?
It is difficult for a carrier or middleman to provide an accurate estimate of how long a certain type of shipment will take. This, of course, depends on origin and destination, type of shipment (remember that LTL will be much slower than TL), whether domestic or international, whether it has a process of rigorous customs or unloading, etc. right now.
The lack of standardization within the industry can make this question difficult to answer without going into specifics.
Related article: Four Logistics Trends to Watch
2. What’s the difference between less-than-truckload and truckload?
The main differences between LTL and TL shipments are the amount of space they take up in a trailer and how they are transported.
LTL freight is larger than the package but does not fill an entire trailer. Basically, several small shipments are combined to fill a full 28ft trailer. Rates are based on space used, weight, freight class, accessories, and origin and arrival location – and rates are often pre-set.
Truck freight shipments are larger than LTL, taking up all or most of the space on a truck. Contract carriers typically carry full loads and rates are negotiated per load (determined by market, supply, and demand). Because loads are unconsolidated and the carrier picks up and drives directly to the destination, transit times are often faster.
3. Is there a difference between parcel and freight?
Parcel shipments are small, light, individually wrapped and labeled, and typically weigh 75 pounds or less. However, most package carriers allow shipments up to 150 pounds and 165 inches in length + girth. Freight, on the other hand, is any shipment that weighs more than 150 pounds and is normally boxed, palletized, or crated.
4. Can I estimate the dimensions and weight of my freight?
Freight dimensions and weight should never be estimated. Measuring length, width, and height to the nearest inch is critical, especially for LTL shipping, as these carriers rely on exact dimensions to determine how much freight can fit on a truck. Incorrect or estimated measurements could result in costly carrier adjustments and other incidental freight charges. Just like cargo dimensions, weight must also be accurate.
5. How many options are available for freight shipping?
Regardless of the cargo weight or volume, you can ship your goods to other countries as long as your cargo type is not prohibited or restricted. Freight can be shipped by air, sea, or road – depending on the freight volume, current shipping time, and cost or budget, you can choose one or more freight shipping methods.
Then, depending on the volume of goods, you can choose between FCL, LCL, FTL or LTL. If the volume of your goods is not enough to fill an entire container, you can opt for LCL/LTL.
Related article: What Is Expedited Shipping & Why Would I Need It
6. Is packing freight important?
Surely! Many countries have their own guidelines regarding the packaging of goods when importing or exporting. It is important to follow these guidelines, not only for rules reasons but also for the safety of your cargo. Goods in transit go through many handling points and are susceptible to damage, theft or simply falling out of the package, which could result in unnecessary losses for you.
7. Is there a weight limitation?
Yes. There are different weight limits depending on how you are shipping. For example, sea freight is generally subject to fewer weight restrictions than inland freight. This is because trucks can only carry a certain weight; not to mention that state and federal laws govern the amount of cargo a truck can haul on US roads. Weight restrictions for trucks can range from 38,000 pounds to 44,000 pounds, depending on container size and other state restrictions. Three-axle frames are used for heavy loads.
8. How are freight shipping charges determined?
Freight shipping rates generally depend on a variety of factors, including the type of freight being shipped, mode of transportation, weight, distance, and more. Here is a brief overview of how these rates are determined:
- LTL: LTL rates are largely dependent on the freight class. Other charges are usually applied for additional services and actions such as delivery appointments and tail lift services.
- Truckload: For truckload rates, the common determination is a per-mile amount which may or may not include the fuel surcharge. Additional charges may be added for things like detention and driver assistance.
- Flatbed: Flatbed rates are based on equipment type, mileage, and total shipment weight. If there is oversized cargo on board, additional charges may apply and additional transit time may be required.
Related article: E-Commerce Order Fulfillment: How the Supply Chain Has Evolved
9. What are accessorial costs?
Indeed, accessorial costs are charges that are added to the initial estimate. They could be considered as extras that arise by circumstance. For example, you decided to ship a bunch of engine parts to a certain warehouse. If this warehouse does not have a loading dock for the truck to park and unload, you will need a truck with a lift door to unload. This will incur incidental charges
10. What is the best way to pack my fragile goods?
When packing fragile items for shipment, it is important to pack them with extra care to avoid damage during the shipping process. While crating fragile items is a necessary precaution, other steps can be taken to further protect them, including:
- Pack items such as glass separately. This protects them from contact with non-fragile objects.
- Pack as many fragile items in a crate as possible so that there is limited movement inside the crate during transport.
