Shipping Freight

When you choose FreightCenter, you get:

• 200 top-tier companies, ensuring you have options to meet your specific shipping needs.
• Instant shipping rates empowering you to make quick and informed decisions.
• Shipping solutions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to support all your shipping needs.
• Unbeatable shipping discounts for truckload, rail, air, and more, ensuring minimal cost possible.
• Automated tracking, text notifications, and status updates to keep you fully informed.
• Simplified logistics management to keep track of all your shipments.
• A trusted partner with experience since 1998, knowing how to deliver exceptional service and support.

Methods of Shipping Freight via Ground

Most freight is transported via ground freight. The three most common methods of shipping freight via ground methods are:

Truckload (FTL)
Full truckload (FTL) shipping involves dedicating an entire truck to carry one shipment, making it the sole transportation focus. This mode is preferred when the load is too large for less-than-load (LTL) shipping or when shipping high-value or specialty items, such as luxury vehicles. FTL shipments typically utilize flatbed or drop-deck trucks for transportation.

Compared to LTL shipping, FTL is simpler and more direct, resulting in faster delivery times and reduced risk of damage. Since the truck only handles your shipment without additional pickups or drop-offs along the way, there’s less handling involved, making FTL a reliable and efficient choice for transporting goods.

Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
LTL shipping is the most popular mode of shipping in the United States. As the name suggests, LTL shipping is for freight shipments that do not require an entire truck. Instead of one shipper using the truck as a whole, multiple shippers share the same truck, reducing costs for all of them. The most significant benefit of LTL shipping is the price.

There are several processes involved with LTL shipping. Local trucks that deliver these shipments to a terminal or hub pick up freight from each shipper’s location. From there, all cargo is placed on a truck that carries it for the long haul to the destination terminal. The shipments are unloaded, reorganized at the destination terminal, loaded onto local delivery trucks, and sent to the destination location.

Partial Truckload
A partial truckload could be considered a hybrid between LTL and TL shipping. It’s used for six to 18 pallets of freight weighing 8,000-27,000 pounds. The advantages of using partial truckload include faster delivery and a lower price.

The downside to partial truckload service is that it has minimal capacity. Ask your freight agent whether your load should ship as a partial truckload or two LTL shipments.

Truckload Freight Services

We can provide a wide range of equipment through our extensive network of carriers. Here are just some of the types of trucks we have access to:

Dry Van Freight
Dry Van Freight is hauled on a standard enclosed trailer. This is the most common truck for shipping a full or partial truckload. When you think of a dry van, don’t think of a passenger vehicle like a minivan. Think about 15-wheel semis with 53-foot trailers in tow.

Flatbed Freight
Flatbed trucks have trailers with no sides or roofs and are typically used when transporting oversized freight. They ship lumber, cement tubes for utility construction, steel beams, and anything that needs to hang off the trailer bed’s edge.

Refrigerated Freight
Refrigerated trucks are used when your freight shipment requires refrigeration and temperature control. Refrigerated freight usually includes perishables, food, beverages, plants, or any item that requires refrigeration and temperature control.

Drop Deck Fright
Drop decks are designed to transport long loads. This specialized truckload equipment has a lower deck system that rolls onto an upper deck. This type of truck is best when shipping items such as heavy construction piping, stacked wood, flooring, and scaffolding setups.

Through LTL freight carriers, we can also ship specialized freight, cargo that requires dedicated equipment or special handling:

Tradeshow Shipping
Shipping large trade show exhibits requires special care. We’ll handle all paperwork and scheduling to ensure your trade show display arrives on time and intact.

Heavy Haul Shipping
heavy equipment transportation involves moving extremely large or heavy items that cannot be transported using standard shipping methods. This can include construction equipment, industrial machinery, oversized vehicles, and even entire buildings.

Freight Shipping FAQs

Q. What factors should I consider when choosing a freight shipping service?

A. When selecting a freight shipping service, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the type of goods being shipped, transit time requirements, budget constraints, and any special handling needs. Look for a reputable provider like FreightCenter that offers a wide range of services tailored to meet diverse shipping needs.

Q. How can I determine the most cost-effective shipping method for my freight?

A. Determining the most cost-effective shipping method involves evaluating various factors, including shipment size, weight, distance, and delivery deadlines. Utilize tools provided by freight shipping companies like FreightCenter to compare rates and transit times across different carriers and modes of transportation to find the best value for your specific requirements.

Q. What are the benefits of using a freight broker?

A. Freight brokers such as FreightCenter offer numerous benefits, including access to discounted shipping rates, expert guidance in selecting carriers, streamlined logistics management, and assistance with paperwork and documentation. Partnering with a trusted broker simplifies the shipping process and ensures cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Q. How can I track my freight shipments and ensure their timely delivery?

A. Most freight shipping providers, including FreightCenter, offer advanced tracking tools that allow customers to monitor their shipments in real time. These tools enable customers to receive updates on shipment status, estimated delivery times, and potential delays, empowering them to manage their logistics and ensure timely delivery proactively.

Q. What should I do if my freight shipment is damaged or lost in transit?

A. In the unfortunate event of damaged or lost freight, customers should immediately notify their shipping provider, such as FreightCenter, and initiate the claims process. FreightCenter’s experienced team will assist customers in filing claims with the carrier and facilitate communication to ensure swift resolution and compensation for any losses incurred.

Q. Can 3PLs handle international freight shipping?

A. Yes, 3PLs specialize in international freight shipping services. It offers expertise in navigating complex customs regulations, arranging transportation across borders, and ensuring smooth delivery to destinations worldwide. Whether shipping goods overseas or importing products, 3PLs like FreightCenter provide comprehensive solutions tailored to international shipping needs.

Q. How can I get started with FreightCenter for my freight shipping needs?

A. Getting started with FreightCenter is simple and hassle-free. Customers can visit the FreightCenter website to request a quote or speak with a logistics expert who will assess their shipping requirements and provide personalized guidance. With FreightCenter’s user-friendly platform and dedicated support team, customers can quickly find the right shipping solutions to meet their needs and move their freight efficiently.