How Freight Shipping Works

Freight shipping is critical for almost any industry today. Whether you're looking for products to end up at customers' doors or your product is made overseas, it's likely involved with freight shipping. From raw materials to finished goods, freight shipping gets bulk products where they need to go.

If you're moving large amounts of material, you need to understand freight shipping. From coordinating logistics to figuring out the cost of freight shipping, this process can make your operation more efficient and cost-effective.

What Is Freight Shipping?

Freight shipping is the process of transporting commercial-sized goods. Smaller packages, like single consumer orders, are usually sent through parcel services. But anything too big to fit on these trucks needs more coordination and special support. Freight shipments are much larger, clocking in at hundreds of pounds. They're often transported on pallets, inside large containers or in crates. Freight shipping covers all packaging, documentation, customs and delivery.

How Does Freight Shipping Work?

Freight shipping works like parcel shipping but on a much larger scale. Your freight gets packed up, loaded onto the transport method by your freight service and sent where it needs to go. It's just a bigger version of standard shipping designed for commercial purposes. 

Since freight needs to move all over the world, it gets shipped through different methods. Road, rail, ocean and air transport are all used to get your freight where it has to go. These methods work together to move large cargo volumes from state to state or internationally. Businesses rely on freight shipping to manage their inventory while meeting customer demands. 

Is Freight Shipping Expensive? 

Freight shipping can seem expensive to the average person, but in relation to businesses, it's a necessary, cost-effective expense. Most freight shippers will charge you a rate based on freight weight, with additional costs for shipping mode, service and location. Transporting high volumes of goods can be expensive, but balancing your shipping needs with your budget can make freight services more affordable. 

The Benefits of Freight Shipping

Freight shipping makes transporting your bulk goods simple and scalable. If you want to ship without stress, you should consider partnering with a trusted freight shipper. Freight shipping offers customers:

• Scalability: Freight shipping is ideal for operations handling large volumes of goods. It offers options tailored to your shipment sizes, giving you flexibility as your needs grow or shrink.

• Cost efficiency: Freight shipping uses bulk sizes to bring costs down. It's more cost-effective per unit to consolidate your bulk goods in shipments with other cargo than to send out thousands of parcel packages. 

• Customizable solutions: Get everything from expedited services to intermodal shipping with freight solutions. It's a highly diverse shipping service that meets your budget, delivery time and cargo needs.

• Global access: Freight services work internationally, letting you access overseas markets. Freight forwarders even assist with customs, documentation and compliance. 

• Supply chain optimization: Using freight shipping lets businesses keep goods arriving on time. The process works to get products where they need to go faster and cheaper, keeping your operation moving.

5 Types of Freight Shipping Services

Whether you're working with international or domestic freight shipping, you'll use a specific type of freight shipping. You'll work with your freight solutions partner to find the service that works best for your cargo, budget, and timelines.

Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) 

LCL shipping is a cost-effective service for smaller cargo. If your freight is smaller than the shipping container, it gets packed with multiple shipments from other customers. Loading partial shipments up in the same container saves on transportation costs while getting smaller volumes where they need to go.

Partial Truckload

Partial truckloads are similar to LCL but on a smaller scale. Freight shipments that do not take up an entire truck share space with other truck orders. It's a smart option for shipments that are too big for parcel services but do not meet entire truck volumes.

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipping provides an entire container for one customer's cargo. It's the preferred method for large shipments requiring high security or minimal handling. While FCL services are more expensive than LCLs, they're usually faster than shared shipments since they move directly to the cargo's destination.

Intermodal

Intermodal shipping uses multiple transportation methods — like ocean or air shipping — to move goods. Using just truck transportation is often more expensive than intermodal. Keeping trucks on the road is faster, but they can transport fewer items and are more costly to use as a result. Intermodal optimizes the process. Your freight might travel by cheaper rail services for most of the journey before moving to a truck for final delivery. It's the perfect way to balance cost and efficiency. 

Expedited

Expedited shipping prioritizes speed above everything else. Air and truck shipping are two of the most common modes for these orders. Time-sensitive shipments — like high-value cargo — often need expedited services. Businesses will pay more for this service, but they get their freight as quickly as possible. 

How to Get (And Calculate) Freight Shipping Quotes

Once businesses understand how freight transport works, it's time to find the right option for your goods. Getting a freight shipping quote lets you select the best partner for your shipping and budget needs. Freight shipping costs change based on your shipment, destination and other services, so use these steps to get an accurate quote: 

1. Get shipment details: Provide the shipping company with cargo measurements, weight and packaging type. What type of goods are you shipping? All of these details influence the cost of your quote.

2. Choose transport: Decide on rail, air, ocean or an intermodal option. Each shipping mode varies in cost, speed and capacity.

3. Include destination: Freight quotes will change based on pickup and delivery locations. International shipments also require customs information and duty costs, which your freight forwarder will include in the quote. 

4. Request your quote:  Contact a few freight companies and submit your details. Compare their quotes, shipping options, and reputations to find the right provider. Use their online quote tools to make the process faster.

5. Discuss fees: Once you get your quote, confirm that it covers all the fees that might come with freight shipping. Fuel surcharges, accessorial fees and documentation could all cost extra.

How to Prepare a Freight Shipment

Once you have your freight quote in hand, how do you ship by freight? Pick out your freight service and get ready for the shipment date. Make sure your shipment is prepared for pickup by:

1. Choosing packaging: Use durable crates, pallets, or containers to secure your goods. Invest in padding to avoid transit damage.

2. Labeling everything: Double-check your labels and documentation. Everything needs accurate shipment details, paperwork, bills of landing and customs forms.

3. Measuring freight: Confirm freight dimensions to avoid delays or extra fees.

4. Scheduling pickup: Coordinate with your freight partner to confirm pickup and delivery times. 

Get Your Freight Forwarding Quote Online Today

When it comes to freight forwarding, you need a partner you can trust. CSL Express Line stands out from the crowd thanks to our commitment to efficiency, transparency and exceptional customer service. For over 30 years, we've helped businesses like yours streamline freight transportation into the U.S. Work with our team and enjoy customized logistics solutions every step of the way. 

Whether you're moving goods across the country or the globe, we'll craft efficient, cost-effective solutions for your operation. Our advanced customer portal provides real-time tracking and milestone emails, so you are always in the loop. Enjoy hassle-free freight shipping when you request your quote now!