Freight Shipping Guide for Beginners

Freight shipping involves shipping goods in large quantities. Freight transportation may be done via different means, including road, rail, water, and air. eCommerce businesses leverage freight shipping to transport their goods from one place to another. It serves as the backbone for these modern-day businesses. As an eCommerce seller, you must learn all about freight shipment, including its methods, benefits, charges, and more. 

We drafted this freight shipping guide for beginners to answer all your related queries. Read on to learn all about it. 

What Exactly is Freight?

In simple terms, freight carriers refers to goods bundled together and transported in bulk. Huge parcels that are much heavier compared to the regular shipments form a part of freight shipment. In certain cases, a single item may require freight shipment because of its excessively heavy weight.

What You Should Know About Freight Shipping?

If you require moving large quantities of products to different domestic and international locations then you should learn about the different methods of freight shipping. Full truckload, partial truckload, and less than truckload are among its different methods.

The handling requirement and cost involved vary depending on the method you choose. It is also important to learn what counts as a freight shipment, the factors determining its cost, and key considerations while choosing a shipment company. We have covered all these points at length in the later sections.

What Counts as a Freight Shipment?

If a shipment weighs over 150 pounds and exceeds 30 inches in length, width, or height, it qualifies as freight. You can load these shipments onto a truck using pallets, which are easy to handle with a forklift or dock. A standard truck can transport a maximum of 26 pallets.The pallets used for this purpose are mostly 48 inches wide, 40 inches long, and 80 inches high. 

Freight can also be floor-loaded. In such a case, unloading is done by hand and involves greater effort.

Freight in 2025: Trends and Insights

It has been observed that since 2022, ocean freight rates have been falling. Some routes have witnessed an 80% dip in their prices since April 2022. We can attribute this shift to a drop in freight volumes caused by reduced consumer spending due to inflation. Moreover, the ongoing feud between Ukraine and Russia has led to an increase in oil and gas prices and added to freight challenges.

The Key Benefits of Using Freight Shipping

While the ongoing trends pose certain challenges when it comes to freight shipping, it certainly has its set of benefits. Here is a look at the same:

• Economical

Freight shipping is comparatively more economical than shipping goods in smaller quantities. Companies shipping large quantities of goods can reduce their per-unit shipping cost substantially by choosing freight.

• Multiple Shipping Options

There are different modes of transportation to choose from including ships, fights, trains and trucks. You can choose between these considering factors such as cost, speed and destination.

• Efficient Handling

Special equipment are used to load and unload heavy items and carry them safely. You can be sure that your oversized or heavy goods will be shipped securely via freight.

• Better Restocking

As freight enables transporting bulk products, you can restock your inventory in a better way. You do not require reordering small quantities repeatedly to keep your inventory levels maintained. This way, you are better equipped to meet demand surges.

Estimating Freight Shipping Costs and Getting Quotes

Different shipping companies offer services at different prices. It is important to calculate freight rates before finalising the deal to manage your finances efficiently. You can get an accurate quote from your shortlisted companies by providing them with the details shared below:

• Mode of shipment (road, rail, air or water)
• Package dimensions (length, height and width)
• Shipment weight
• Number of containers
• Type of package (pallets, crates or boxes)
• Address of origin
• Destination address
• Shipment value

Do not forget to share your company’s name and contact details in addition to the date when the cargo is to be shipped.

Top 5 Methods for Freight Shipping

Here are 5 different freight shipping methods to choose from:

1. Full Truckload (FTL)

As the term suggests, you get a full container to transport your goods under this method. It enables you to transport 24 to 26 pallets at a time via road or rail.

2. Less than Truckload (LTL)

Most sellers use this method of freight shipping as it enables them to transport smaller quantities of goods in a cost-effective manner. It can be used if you require shipping 1-6 pallets. Multiple shipments from different businesses are combined in one truck in this method. It allows these businesses to share the transportation cost.

3. Partial truckload (PTL)

A partial truckload can be used to transport 6 to 12 pallets. In this method also multiple shipments from different businesses are loaded together and shipped securely to their destination.

4. Intermodal

It makes use of two or more modes of transportation, including rail and truck or rail, truck and ship. Multiple modes are used to match the shipping requirements of different goods.

5. Expedited

It is used to transport urgent shipments. It often involves using trucks and flights to deliver your shipments timely and securely. This is the most expensive method of all.

Selecting a Freight Shipping Company: Key Considerations

Here are some of the key factors to consider while choosing a freight shipping company:

1. Expertise

One of the first things to consider is the company’s expertise in the field and its ability to handle shipments. To get an idea about the same, check its customer reviews and testimonials.

2. Shipment Methods

As shared above, different shipping methods, including full-truck load, expedited, and partial truckload fulfill the varying needs of businesses. Before finalising the deal, you must learn whether the method you require to ship your goods is available or not. 

3. Cost

It is important to learn about the freight shipping charges of your shortlisted companies by getting detailed quotes from them. It is suggested to ask them about any additional charges or hidden fees.

4. Network

A company that has a wider network covering various domestic and international destinations is a better choice. 

5. Tools and Technology

A company that uses advanced tools and technology is equipped to offer better services. It facilitates real-time tracking of shipments, thereby enabling you to take quick action in case the need arises. It also ensures enhanced customer satisfaction.

6. Customer Support

It is important to assess the customer service support being offered. This is necessary to ensure your concerns are being addressed timely and efficiently.

Essential Steps to Prepare a Freight Shipment

Here are the necessary steps involved in preparing freight:

1. Choose the Right Pallet Size

Start by selecting the right pallet size based on the dimensions and weight of your shipment. You must use sturdy pallets that can be easily stacked and are able to keep your goods safe during transit. A pallet made of good-quality wood or plastic is an ideal choice.

2. Non-Palletised Shipments

If your shipments do not require pallets, then make sure they are packed and clubbed together properly. Heavy-duty boxes or sturdy containers can be used in such cases. Crates can also be used depending on the type of goods to be shipped. If you are reusing containers to pack your goods, remember to remove the old labels.

3. Label Properly

Label the packages properly by mentioning the necessary shipping information, including the delivery address, contact details and essential instructions. It should also have a packing list and bill of landing. You may add barcodes or QR codes to the package.

4. Follow the Given Instructions

The instructions provided by your freight carrier must be followed diligently while preparing the shipment. It is important to comply with them to ensure smooth shipment.

The Role of Freight Shipment in eCommerce Order Fulfillment

Freight logistics plays a significant role in eCommerce order fulfillment. It ensures that the products reach customers in a timely and efficient manner. It enables businesses to transport large quantities of goods together and reduce their shipping cost. As a seller, you may choose between LTL, FTL and PTL depending on your specific requirements.

Reputed freight shipment providers allow you to track your shipments so that you have better control over their movement. Many of them also provide insurance coverage as an additional security measure. It would not be wrong to say that effective freight shipment is necessary for the smooth functioning of eCommerce businesses.

Shiprocket Cargo: Supporting eCommerce Businesses in Freight Management

Shiprocket Cargo is an apt choice for eCommerce businesses seeking efficient freight management services. It offers comprehensive logistics solutions to help businesses manage their bulk shipments efficiently and ensure timely deliveries. It offers different shipping options to enable you to choose the most suitable one for your business.

It facilities advanced tracking to help you monitor your shipments in real time. So you can provide accurate information about their whereabouts to your customers. It offers reliable support to help your business grow. The best part is that its top-notch services are available at an affordable price.

Conclusion

Businesses, especially those dealing in the shipment of bulk goods, must understand the key aspects of freight. It offers several benefits, including the ability to transport oversized or heavy items cost-effectively. Different methods shared above can be used for freight transportation. Each method helps meet specific business needs. While one may be an appropriate choice for urgent deliveries, the other may be suitable for those looking for affordable shipping. By understanding the benefits of freight shipment and its various types and choosing a suitable freight carrier, you can improve your logistics operations and boost customer satisfaction.