Freight shipping is the process of transporting various types of cargo. The cargo can be transported by truck, train, ship, or plane, but truck freight shipping is the most common. When shipping freight, many factors must be considered. To determine which shipping solution best meets your needs, you must first understand the fundamentals of freight shipping. So, let’s take a look!
Contents
1. Determine the Cargo’s Weight and Volume
Did you know that the type of freight shipping used is determined by the weight and volume of the cargo?
Not only that but the shipping costs are also determined by these two key elements.
There are two types of freight shipping in the freight shipping industry:
FCL- Full Container Load Shipping
Logistics companies strongly advise customers whose cargo can fill the entire container to use FCL freight shipping services.
However, even if you have a small amount of cargo and prefer to have the entire container to yourself rather than sharing it with other shippers, you can still request an FCL freight shipping service.
LCL stands for Less Than Container Load.
LCL shipping is used by logistics companies when a customer is shipping a small number of goods that do not take up a lot of space.
That is, if your cargo is low in volume, you will most likely want to use the LCL freight shipping service. Why is this the case?
If your cargo is low in volume, you may be able to share a container with other shippers and split costs proportionally.
TIP: If you own a small business and are just getting started, it is best to use the LCL freight shipping service.
FTL stands for Full Truck Load.
Similar to full container load shipping, customers can reserve the transportation process solely for themselves with full truckload freight. In other words, full truckload freight allows you to reserve a truck for only one shipment.
In other words, FTL is a type of freight shipping mode in which the truck transports a single shipment.
This type of freight shipping is typically recommended by logistics companies when:
- When the freight is time-sensitive (because the truck does not make additional pickups or drop-offs with FTL);
- If the shipments are large enough to fill a container;
- Alternatively, if the customer only requires the container for his freight;
Overall, full truckload freight transportation entails either direct or dedicated shipping. Because there is no mid-transit, your freight is less likely to be lost or damaged with this method of shipping.
LTL: Less Than Truck Load.
On the other hand, we have LTL, or less than truckload freight shipping, which is very similar to LCL. LTL is typically used for the transportation of small-volume freight, that is, freight that does not necessitate the use of an entire trailer.
The advantages of using less than truckload freight shipping are numerous, including cost savings and increased security.
Many people are hesitating when it comes to selecting LTL services. They are mostly concerned about the safety of their cargo. Actually, this is the most common misconception about LTL. When you ship freight with LTL, your freight will be packed in a pallet, giving it a better chance of remaining secure than shipments with multiple handling units.
LTL shipping quotes are typically calculated by freight class, which is usually expressed as a price-per-weight.
2. There are two types of routes: direct and indirect.
Choosing between direct and indirect freight shipping routes is one of the many considerations you will have to make when shipping freight.
What is the primary distinction between direct and indirect freight shipping routes?
Let’s start with the most direct routes. This route includes a single carrier handling your freight from pickup to delivery. This same carrier will transport your cargo with no stops in between.
On the other hand, there are indirect routes. In order to maintain efficiency and low freight shipping costs, indirect routes are the best option. Understand that by selecting indirect routes, you are allowing your carrier to collaborate with another carrier or carriers to transport your cargo.
TIP: Before deciding on direct or indirect freight shipping routes, consider your company’s (cargo) needs and priorities.
3. Freight Shipping Delays Happen
Every logistics company strives for on-time cargo deliveries.
However, even in freight shipping, unexpected events can cause delays. It could be due to a variety of factors, including inadequate documentation, bad weather, or the cargo failing to meet certain requirements.
On the negative side, these unexpected situations can have an impact on the buyers’ transportation costs. In other words, freight shipping delays are associated with high logistical costs.
TIP: To reduce the likelihood of your cargo being delayed, partner with an experienced logistics company. Experienced logistics companies will walk you through the entire shipping process.
4. Important Freight Shipping Documents
Cargo documents are central to timely freight shipping.
As a result, if you want your cargo to arrive at its destination on time, make sure to prepare the following important freight shipping documents:
- Proforma Invoice
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Export customs declaration
- Certificates of Origin
- Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
- Bills of Lading
TIP: To ensure that your cargo arrives on time, always implement proper document management practices. It is critical to have all of the necessary documentation.
To summarize, before making a final decision on the freight shipping option that best meets your needs and circumstances, you must thoroughly understand its aspects and core benefits.
Hopefully, these four facts have given you enough information to make an informed decision.
