Household Goods

How do I ship household goods across the country?

To ship household goods across the country, you will typically use freight shipping services. Freight shipping household items is a convenient and cost-effective option for long distances​.

First, determine how much you need to ship – if it’s an entire home’s worth, you might use a full truckload, but for a smaller quantity, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight is ideal. You’ll need to pack your belongings securely (in boxes, on pallets, or in crates) and provide the weight and dimensions. From there, you can get a quote from a freight provider.

FreightCenter specializes in helping individuals and families arrange cross-country shipments easily, offering guidance on choosing the right carrier and services for your move. We can handle everything from picking up your packed goods to delivering them to your new home.

What is the cheapest way to ship household items long-distance?

The cheapest way to ship household items long distance is usually by using LTL freight and planning ahead. By consolidating your goods onto as few pallets as possible and measuring accurately, you can avoid paying for unused space or surprise fees.

• Use LTL Freight: LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping lets you share trailer space with other shipments, so you only pay for the portion you use, making it very budget-friendly for small moves.

• Pack Efficiently: Pack items securely in appropriately sized boxes or crates and palletize them. Accurate dimensions and weights help ensure you get an accurate quote and avoid reclassification charges.

• Choose Flexible Timing: If possible, ship during off-peak seasons (fall or spring) or be flexible with pickup dates to get lower rates.

Also, opt for terminal pickup or delivery (dropping off or picking up at a carrier’s terminal) if you can, as delivering to a residence costs extra.

By comparing rates from multiple carriers – something FreightCenter can do for you instantly – you’ll find the most economical option.

FreightCenter’s platform lets you compare quotes and choose the best value for your long-distance household shipment.

How should I pack household goods for freight shipping?

Proper packing is crucial to keep your household goods safe during freight shipping.

Start by using sturdy boxes for smaller items and disassemble large furniture if possible. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper and cushion any empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting.

For big or heavy pieces, place them on a pallet or in a wooden crate. Securely wrap and strap items to the pallet, and then cover the entire pallet with stretch wrap for stability​.

This palletizing process is important because LTL shipments are loaded and unloaded multiple times, so everything should be bundled together and protected. Clearly label each package, especially if you have multiple pallets.

If you need help with packing or don’t have the materials, FreightCenter can offer guidance and even connect you with packaging services to ensure your goods are prepared correctly for transit.

What’s the difference between using a moving company and freight shipping for a household move?

A traditional moving company and freight shipping both can move your household items, but they operate differently.

Moving companies typically offer full-service: they can come into your home, pack and wrap your furniture, load everything, transport it in a dedicated truck, and even unpack at your destination.

You’re usually the only customer’s goods on that moving truck, and you get door-to-door (often indoor) delivery with a crew handling the heavy lifting.

This convenience, however, comes at a higher price – especially if you’re not moving a lot of stuff, since you may be paying for an entire truck and service crew.

Freight shipping, on the other hand, is more of a DIY or “a la carte” approach. With freight, you typically handle the packing or hire local help separately, and your goods ship on a freight truck (often on pallets).

In LTL freight, your shipment will share space with other freight shipments on the same truck, which makes it more cost-effective for smaller loads. The trade-off is that standard freight service is usually curb-to-curb – the driver will pick up and drop off at the curb or driveway rather than move items into your home (unless you add services).

You can opt for accessorial services like inside pickup/delivery or white glove if you need more help.

In short, use a moving company if you want an all-in-one service and have a larger household to move, but if you only have a few large items or a partial load, freight shipping through a broker like FreightCenter can save you money.

FreightCenter’s experts can even help you decide which option is best for your situation and arrange any extra services you require, bridging the gap between the two options.