Shipping Salt
FreightCenter makes shipping salt easy & affordable; bulk, bagged, boxed or in barrels. Compare rates from multiple carriers. Track shipments online.
Shipping Salt
Sodium chloride, also known as salt, is a mineral consumed by billions worldwide. It is an essential part of the human body—the average healthy human body contains 250 grams of sodium (about 9 ounces), which it uses for water absorption and within bodily fluids like blood, plasma, and sweat.
It’s also an essential aspect of various cultures. How many restaurants have you gone to that didn’t have a salt shaker on the table? From seasoning to preserving, this valuable mineral helps keep food fresh and delicious while being practical for ceremonial and religious purposes.
But did you know that most salt is not used in food? The majority is used in manufacturing and industrial processes to create crucial chemicals like sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and chlorine. Here are the numbers on how salt is used:
- Food – 6%
- Water conditioning – 12%
- De-icing roadways – 8%
- Agriculture – 6%
- Manufacturing & industry – 68%
One thing all types of salts have in common is that they are all shipped in bulk, but not as easily as you think. Since salt is a corrosive and moisture-vulnerable element, it must be carefully packaged and shipped to avoid contaminating it during transport. FreightCenter has years of experience shipping minerals like salt. Let us help you make shipping your salt easier so all you need to stress over is your core operations.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
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Why Choose FreightCenter for Salt Shipping?
- Shipping Quotes from 50+ carriers
- Instant rates anytime
- Shipping solutions to anywhere in the U.S. & Canada
- Unbeatable discounts on your less-than-load, truckload, rail, air, and more
- Automated LTL tracking, paperwork & invoices
- Manage all freight quotes & shipments in one place
- 25+ years of transportation experience working for you!
How is Salt Produced and Shipped?
There are many ways to produce salt, but the U.S. produces it by evaporating or artificially heating salt brines and seawater or by mining salt deposits. In 2022, the U.S. produced 42 million tons of salt, worth around $2.5 billion. It is the 8th largest exporter of salt worldwide, shipping to places like Canada, Germany, and Belgium.
Since so much salt is sold and exported, it must be shipped in bulk. However, two issues arise when shipping salt. First, salt cannot be exposed to water, moisture, or other contaminants. If exposed, the salt will form into unusable lumps. Second, salt is corrosive; if it comes into contact with iron or steel, it will create rust and erode it.
Therefore, special precautions should be taken when transporting salt. Salt can be packed into palletized bags or put into tightly sealed barrels. You can transport salt on a regular semi-truck or in a dry van. The salt’s packaging must be airtight, using a fitted inner liner to protect the bags and shrink-wrapped to prevent exposure. If being stored in a warehouse, salt must be placed in a dry, clean area. Salt being used for food must be stored with a food-grade certified carrier, while rock salt and industry salt can be stored in silos or domes.
How Do You Select a Carrier for Salt if You Need a Full Truckload?
If you ship salt in bulk, your shipment will require full truckload service (FTL). FreightCenter’s Truckload division will match the suitable carrier for your shipment. We maintain relationships with hundreds of regional and national freight trucking companies within our network. We excel at finding and booking specialty vehicles; if you need a specialty vehicle like a flatbed, RGN, or climate-controlled van for your salt shipping, we’re here to help.
Call our Truckload shipping experts at (800) 716-7608 to learn more, or use our free online quote tool to get started immediately.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Salt
Q. What is salt used for?
Salt can be used in various ways. It is used for manufacturing, water conditioning, farming, road de-icing, and food production and seasoning. Out of all the industries salt is used for, 68% is created exclusively for manufacturing—only 6% is actually used for food consumption.
Q. How is salt shipped?
Salt can be shipped either in palletized bags or in barrels, and can be shipped either on a regular semi truck or in a dry van (depending on what the salt is being used for). The salt must be packed tightly, avoiding exposure to moisture or contaminants, and kept in a dry, clean area if being stored.
Q. Why must salt be packaged tightly for shipping?
Salt is vulnerable to moisture and contaminants. If exposed to either, the salt will form hard clumps that render it unusable. It is also highly corrosive, creating rust and recording iron and metal. You must package salt tightly and avoid any wet, humid conditions.
Three Advantages of Freight Shipping with FreightCenter
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience and deliver your salt safely and efficiently.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a dry van? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific salt shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your salt shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
