Types of Freight Shipping: How to Choose the Best
Freight shipping represents an essential part of logistics for your business: the bulk transportation of goods. The type of freight shipping methods you choose will directly impact costs, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the many types of freight shipping methods and some practical tips for helping you decide which strategies to adopt.
What Is Freight Shipping?
Freight shipping refers to the transportation of goods, commodities, and cargo in bulk by different modes, including:
- Road
- Rail
- Air
- Sea
It encompasses everything from small packages to oversized machinery. Your business relies on freight shipping to move products from manufacturers to warehouses, distribution centers, and retail outlets.
Your company’s success and your customers’ satisfaction depend on your shipments getting to their destinations on time. It’s therefore vital that you choose the method that best matches your business needs.
Types of Freight Shipping
Here’s a look at the main types of freight shipping methods, which include the following:
Full Truckload (FTL)
FTL shipping involves a single load that fills an entire trailer. You should consider this approach if you need to transport large quantities of goods at once. FTL offers direct routes with fewer stops, leading to faster delivery times. It’s also a more secure option since the shipment won’t be handled multiple times.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
Less-than-truckload involves transporting multiple shipments from different businesses in the same trailer. It’s very cost-effective, as you’ll only have to pay for the space you need. LTL also offers flexibility and lower costs for small businesses.
Parcel Shipping
Parcel shipping is used for small, lightweight packages. Couriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS typically manage these methods. You can take advantage of parcel shipping when you’ve got to send a small item quickly.
Air Freight
If you need a shipment to get there fast, air freight is likely a good option. It is ideal for high-value, time-sensitive orders. However, the added cost makes it impractical for all of your shipping needs. Instead, you should be strategic about when and how often you use air freight.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is employed for international shipping, and it allows you to send large, heavy items. It’s the most cost-effective choice for long-distance transportation, especially if you aren’t in any hurry to get your order.
Rail Freight
Rail freight offers a reliable and economical solution for transporting goods over land. It’s particularly useful for heavy and bulky items that may be difficult to load into trailers. Rail freight is frequently used in combination with truck shipping to create an intermodal solution.
How to Choose the Best Freight Shipping Method
With so many options, it can be tough to identify the ideal freight shipping strategy for your business. Like most companies, your organization will need to use a combination of multiple solutions depending on current needs, customer demand, and other variables. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right shipping method:
Assess Your Needs
Consider what you need to ship and how fast you need it to arrive. If your customer is expecting the order to arrive yesterday, go with air freight. On the other hand, FTL or LTL can be far more cost-effective if you’ve got extra time.
Consider Delivery Times and Costs
Next, count the costs and projected delivery times. Will the particular method get the package there on time and within budget? Compare your options to choose the most cost-effective solution that will also align with your delivery timetables.
Check Carrier Availability
Finally, check whether the carrier you are considering has a good reputation for reliability and customer service. Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find a provider that can meet your needs. See whether they’re able to accommodate the order and get the shipment there on time.
Partner With R2 Logistics
Are you still not sure which freight shipping methods are the best fit for your business? Team up with R2 Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider that offers personalized solutions to put your shipping headaches behind you for good. Request a quote or connect with our team so we can chat about your business needs.