Best Shipping Methods for Your Freight
FreightCenter can help you Find the Best Shipping Methods for Your Freight. Decide which of the following types of freight transportation and services will best fit your needs.
Best Shipping Methods For Your Freight
There are many ways to ship your freight from your home or business to its destination. Aside from modes of transportation, there are also various kinds of trailers and containers you can load your freight into, as well as services to help you save on shipping costs and move your freight efficiently.
Look below to learn about the different types of freight shipping and transportation, additional services you can use, and how FreightCenter utilizes it all to improve your shipping experience.
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 Freight Shipping?
Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
Popular Shipping Options
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
The most popular type of freight transportation, LTL freight, is generally shipped by truck to and from your pickup and destination locations. LTL freight shipping is the most cost-effective, reliable, and timely service because your shipment shares a truck with other LTL freight shipments.
Partial Truckload Shipping
Partial Truckload Different from LTL freight, this type of freight involves a dedicated truck that moves fewer loads at one time and handles all types of commodities, including refrigerated, temperature-controlled, hazardous material, and overweight or oversized goods.
Partial truckload shipping is reserved for medium-size loads booked by volume or requiring running feet of a truck.
Truckload (TL)
This service is ideal for commodities that are unpackaged or may require refrigeration, climate control, flatbeds or other special accommodation for oversize or overweight shipments.
Truckload shipping is not the least expensive transportation option, but it can be much faster than LTL freight because it requires no truck transfers (e.g., unloading and reloading your shipment).
Air Ride Truckload (Full or Partial)
If your shipment is delicate or has a high risk of damage, then a dedicated truck with air-ride suspension is the most preferred method of transportation. For this type of freight, an air ride provides a softer ride than a standard freight truck.
Because this type of service is used less frequently, it can often be more expensive than a standard full or partial truckload shipment.
Air Freight Shipping
Air freight services have the fastest transit time by far. Cargo airlines or air freight carriers are dedicated to handling logistics for cargo transport.
Specifically, for shipping smaller packages, air freight types usually have a higher density, which means they don’t take up much space on a cargo plane but meet the weight requirements to be considered freight.
If the package weighs more than 100 pounds and is tightly packed, air freight shipping can be more cost-effective than LTL freight methods.
Intermodal/Rail Freight Shipping
Shipping by rail is a cost-effective, efficient, and green transportation method. Widely used to ship bulk construction or hazardous materials, intermodal rail freight can save you time and money compared to shipping by truck.
With railroad systems throughout the United States and Canada, our extensive network of rail freight carriers can deliver your cargo to most places in North America.
Ocean (Container) Freight Shipping
Shipping by ocean via containers can be more cost-effective for international shipping than air freight shipping. However, it is a more time-consuming and complicated process due to the long travel periods and customs clearance process.
Truckload shipping benefits the best from this method, as the shipment takes up the entire container and keeps multiple shipments from the same manufacturer/retailer together.
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.
Learn how to safely ship a freezer via LTL freight with our step-by-step guide. Discover expert tips on packaging, securing, and labeling your freezer for efficient and damage-free shipping.
Get expert tips on shipping a freezer via full truckload (FTL). Learn how to package, secure, and label your freezer for safe and efficient shipping.
PTL shipping doesn't require the entire trailer like FTL shipping does, but has fewer shipments inside than LTL, ensuring a quick delivery with less stops along the way that doesn't compromise on transit times.
Rail shipping refers to transporting goods and commodities via railroads using trains. Rail shipping can be a cost-effective and efficient way to move large quantities of goods over long distances.
The fastest way to move freight is by air. The best way to get the lowest air freight rates is to book your shipment with FreightCenter.
Containerization allows shipping companies to transport sea cargo containers without ever having to touch the cargo inside. This greatly reduces the likelihood for harmed or lost freight during transit.
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.
Discover how to safely ship a freezer via expedited services. Learn expert tips for packaging, securing, and ensuring fast, efficient delivery.
Other Shipping Services
Aside from our freight shipping methods, FreightCenter also offers various services to customize your shipping experience to fit your business needs. Here are just a few services we offer to our customers:
Expedited Freight Services
Expedited freight shipping is predictable because it allows different types of freight to be moved at a very high speed. Although not the same as “Guaranteed Delivery,” expedited freight has a speedy transit time and is usually arranged with delivery between one and five days after pickup.
International Shipping
Similar to the differences between LTL and truckload freight, there are different types of container shipping loads, which are separated by full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL).
FreightCenter agents can arrange international freight shipping to and from most parts of the world through our network of freight forwarders and ocean or air transporters.
Whether you have smaller, dense packages or a shipment that can be moved by container or boat, we have solutions to keep your imports and exports moving.
White Glove Services
White glove services are where drivers carefully handle your cargo for you, from picking up and loading the freight into the vehicle to unloading and unpacking it at the delivery location. This is reserved for delicate, fragile items that need extra care and attention.
By choosing white glove services, you can trust that your precious cargo will be meticulously handled by expert professionals to ensure its safe delivery.
Heavy Haul Shipping
Heavy haul shipping involves transporting extremely large, oversized freight from point A to point B. There are many procedures that a heavy haul driver must undertake, including obtaining permits and getting the proper equipment for the job.
Heavy haul is crucial for moving essential equipment and machinery for construction projects and agricultural operations while keeping other drivers and pedestrians safe on the road.
Blanket Wrap or Van Move
Another method of shipping freight that cannot be boxed, palletized, or crated is to request blanket wrap or van move services. A perfect solution for large pieces of furniture that cannot be repackaged, blanket wrap shipping and van moves are slightly more expensive than basic LTL freight shipping.
Since both services require more specialized planning, a slower transit time is inevitable. Although a slower method, you can rest assured that your goods will be handled carefully.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter Has Shipping Solutions For You!
Since our humble beginnings in 1998, FreightCenter has made it our mission to enhance the shipping experience for our customers. We offer different freight transport methods and customizable shipping options to provide tailored solutions for your shipping needs. Whether you’re shipping freight a few towns away or across the globe, we’ll find the most efficient route to get your freight to its final destination on time and in good condition.
Of course, we also offer over 25 years of experience, brought to you by our professional agents, who can guide you through the shipping process from beginning to end. This, plus our affordable rates and friendly customer service team, make for a valuable deal you won’t find with any other 3PLs out there.
No matter how you want your freight delivered, know your freight is in good hands with FreightCenter. Call (800) 716-7608 to speak to one of our agents, or try our free online quote tool to get your first initial rate today!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Shipping Methods For Your Freight
Q. What are some common freight shipping methods?
The most common freight shipping methods are less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, full truckload (FTL) shipping, partial truckload (PTL) shipping, and expedited shipping. These methods are delivered via truck, although LTL can be done for rail, air, and ocean freight shipping as well.
Q. What is the most popular type of shipping method?
The most popular shipping method is LTL shipping. Shipments that utilize LTL share space inside the trailer with other shipments, allowing shippers to split the shipping cost between everyone using it.
Unfortunately, you cannot utilize LTL if you need an entire trailer’s space or if you have more fragile items in your possession, as LTL shipments need to be sturdy and small enough to fit into the trailer with other goods.
Q. How do I choose the right shipping method for my freight?
Choosing the best shipping method for your freight isn’t easy. There’s much to consider, including your shipment type, dimensions and weight, fragility, distance, and costs.
The best way of determining which shipping method is right for you is to evaluate your goals for this shipment. Do you want the shipment to arrive quickly, or can it take time? Is it a sturdy shipment, or is it fragile? How far away is your destination, and is it a business with a loading dock or a limited access area?
If unsure of what’s right for you, discuss your options with a FreightCenter agent. They can guide you through your options and customize a solution that fits your shipping needs.
Three Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Freight Shipping
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.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific 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 shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
