Apply a tight moisture barrier of stretch film from the pallet base to the top.
Machinery & Equipment
Ship Porcelain Tiles with Confidence — A Complete Guide from FreightCenter
Porcelain tiles add strength and style to kitchens, baths, and commercial lobbies—but only if they reach the job site intact. Because tiles are heavy, brittle, and high-value, one cracked corner can scrap an entire carton. This step-by-step guide explains how to pack, book, and track porcelain-tile freight while keeping costs low and breakage close to zero. Throughout the process, FreightCenter puts your schedule and budget first, matching every pallet to a carrier that already specializes in tile and other fragile building products.
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Why Porcelain Tiles Require Specialized Shipping
- High density, low impact tolerance. A single 12 × 24 in. tile weighs almost six pounds, yet hairline cracks can form under minor vibration.
- Carton stacking pressure: Pallet loads exceed one ton, so edge protection and flat stacking are critical.
- Moisture sensitivity. Even glazed tiles can wick moisture at chipped edges. Shrink-wrap must be tight and continuous.
- Job-critical timelines. Delays stall floor installers, grout teams, and finishing crews, costing far more than freight.
Because standard parcel carriers use rolling belts, multiple hand-offs, and upright orientation, they are not tile-friendly. Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight provides the sweet spot: affordable shared capacity with limited handling. FreightCenter’s tile-trained LTL carriers move pallets by forklift only, ride on air-ride trailers, and avoid conveyor hubs where cartons could drop or rotate upright.
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Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter
Choose FreightCenter when your machinery or equipment can’t afford mistakes. We match every loader, press, or generator to a rigorously vetted carrier with the right trailer—flatbed, step‑deck, or RGN—and confirm insurance, safety scores, and securement expertise before a truck is ever dispatched. Our online platform pulls live rates from dozens of heavy‑haul carriers, giving you transparent pricing and real‑time capacity for oversized and high‑value loads.
Once you book, a dedicated FreightCenter specialist takes over, securing permits, coordinating cranes or ramps, and sending GPS updates so you and your crew know precisely when the machine will arrive. Optional full‑value cargo insurance and rapid claims support add extra peace of mind, while proactive delay alerts keep your project on schedule. Ship smarter, safer, and on budget—start with a FreightCenter machinery quote today.
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Trusted, Tested, Delivered
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Shipments Delivered
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On-Time Performance
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Damage Free Shipments
Packaging Checklist for Zero-Damage Delivery
| Step | Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Carton Integrity | Keep tiles in factory boxes; re-tape any opened cartons. | Original dividers dampen vibration. |
| Edge Guards | Add cardboard L-angles on all four pallet corners. | Stops strap pressure from crushing carton edges. |
| Flat Stack | Lay cartons in an interlocking brick pattern, and label them. | Weight is distributed, preventing tilt. |
| Void Fill | Insert honeycomb pads or foam sheets to remove gaps. | The pallet won’t shift on hard stops. |
| Strapping | Band with two steel or heavy-poly straps each way. | Keeps cartons tight even if the wrap loosens. |
| Shrink-Wrap | Stretch from the pallet base to the top with at least four revolutions. | Locks load and add a moisture barrier. |
| Labeling | Mark “Fragile – Porcelain Tile” on two sides; apply orientation arrows. | Dock crews handle the pallet gently and keep it flat. |
FreightCenter tip: Photograph every finished pallet. Images act as proof of proper prep if a claim ever arises.
Discover finely-tailored freight solutions for Machinery & Equipment shipping. Our specialized services ensure safe, efficient, and timely transport of your heavy and oversized items, with expert handling and comprehensive logistics support. Trust us to deliver your machinery and equipment with precision and care.
LTL Shipping
LTL shipping involves combining multiple small shipments from different customers onto one truck, allowing each customer to share the shipment cost. Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
Full Truckload
Truckload shipping, also known as full truckload (FTL), is a transportation option for freight that requires the entire trucks trailer space. Unlike LTL shipping, FTL shipping is reserved for larger commodities that exceed LTL weight and size limits, typically weighing more than 20,000 pounds or having dimensions that exceed 12 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Expedited Service
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
Specialized Freight Shipping
Specialized is a transportation option for items that require specialized handling, equipment, or shipping conditions. Specialized shipments may include high-value cargo, oversized cargo, or cargo that require temperature-controlled transportation. The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Typical LTL Workflow for Porcelain Tile Shipments
-
Quote Accepted
FreightCenter verifies the carrier’s insurance and safety rating, then secures the booking. -
Pickup
Driver ETA is confirmed, and a FreightCenter agent remains on call to resolve any loading issues. -
In Transit
Real-time GPS tracking begins, with proactive delay alerts if weather, traffic, or mechanical issues arise. -
Terminal Sort (if needed)
FreightCenter instructs the terminal to keep your pallet floor-loaded—never sent down a conveyor—to minimize tile breakage. -
Out for Delivery
A dock appointment is scheduled, and the receiver receives a live-tracking link so crews can prepare for unloading. -
Delivered
Proof of delivery is signed, photos are uploaded, and FreightCenter stands ready to help with any damage claim.
Machinery & Equipment Shipping FAQ’s
Q. What freight method is best for shipping a small batch of tiles?
A.
LTL freight keeps costs low while limiting handling that can chip porcelain.
Q. Can I track my pallet in real time?
A.
Yes—FreightCenter’s tracking portal shows GPS location and ETA updates.
Q. Do I need to place tiles on a pallet?
A.
Absolutely—stack cartons on a sturdy pallet and strap them tight to prevent shifting.
Q. How do I prevent edge chips during transit?
A.
Add edge protectors on all pallet corners before shrink-wrapping.
Q. What paperwork goes with the shipment?
A.
Include a packing list and bill of lading; FreightCenter auto-generates both.
Q. Does carrier liability cover the full cost of my tiles?
A.
Usually not; add full-value cargo insurance during checkout.
Q. What freight class do porcelain tiles ship under?
A.
Most tiles rate at NMFC class 55–70, depending on density.
Q. My site has no dock—can I still get delivery?
A.
Yes—request a truck with a lift-gate to lower the pallet curbside.
Q. Are flatbeds ever used for tile?
A.
A flatbed works for large, crated loads that must be top-loaded by forklift.
Q. How far in advance should I book?
A.
Reserve space 24–48 hours ahead to lock the best FreightCenter rate.
Q. Do tiles need climate-controlled trailers in winter?
A.
Add a dry van with optional heat if temperatures will drop below freezing.
Q. What if my pallet is oversize?
A.
FreightCenter secures any required permit and finds the right carrier.
Q. Can I get help placing pallets inside the building?
A.
Yes—select inside delivery for driver assistance past the threshold.
Q. How do I ship tiles internationally?
A.
FreightCenter handles customs paperwork and books ocean or air freight.
Q. What wrap should I use against moisture?
A.
