Freight is a form of shipping that caters to transporting commercial material both domestically and internationally. Choosing the best shipping option based on your cargo is important to ensure affordability, safety, and on-time delivery. Therefore, before you pick a service, it is best to understand what the market has to offer. To help you, here are nine types of shipping options in the country.
- Less than truckload (LTL)
LTL freight is cost-effective for low-volume cargo transport that is not delivered immediately. The cargo is transported with other LTL shipments, which keeps costs in check. But you’re sacrificing time because the shipment travels to multiple distribution hubs before making it to its destination.
- Full truckload (FTL)
FTL freight is for large, bulky, and unpacked cargo. The option is preferred for the transportation of refrigerated, hazardous, temperature-controlled, and overweight cargo. FTL freight is delivered directly to the destination, making it faster than LTL freight.
- Partial truckload
Partial truckload freight is generally used to transport medium-sized cargo measured by volume. It can transport cargo that requires refrigeration, climate control, flatbeds, or special handling.
- Air freight
Air freight can move cargo from one destination to another at express speeds. Freight services via air help to carry cargo that is small in size yet heavier.
- Intermodal rail freight
Intermodal rail freight is a combination of trucks and trains used universally to transport construction materials in bulk. The absence of toll fees makes rail transport a cost-effective solution, and the low fuel consumption makes it environment friendly. Once the train covers the long distance, the trucks take care of the last few miles.
- Expedited freight
When compared to LTL and FTL freight, expedited freight service moves faster and takes less time. While there isn’t a fixed delivery date, one can predict the shipment’s location between one to five days after it is picked from the point of origin.
- Air ride truckload (full and partial)
This service is ideal for shipments that can be easily damaged during transit. The truck is equipped with air-ride suspension, which absorbs a chunk of the bumps to keep the container’s contents safe. The service costs more than LTL or FTL freight because of the special handling it provides.
- Blanket wrap/moving van
Sometimes cargos come in abstract shapes, such as chairs, tables, or cabinets, which makes loading it in a box, pallet, or crate difficult. Alternatively, one can opt for blanket wrap shipping or a moving van service. It costs more considering the planning required to move the cargo.
- International ocean freight shipping
This freight shipping method is suitable if you need to send cargo to another country. Overseas shipping comes in two types – full container loads (FCL) and less than containers (LCL). The service is cost-effective but takes about two to five weeks to reach its destination, especially when shipping to the East Coast.
You can choose from any of these services based on your requirement and the type of cargo. But certain companies offer only specific types of freight shipping services. To make things easier, here are three companies that can cater to your shipping needs. Bear in mind that if you pick from these companies below or another company of your choice, the freight quotes will differ based on the cargo.
- AAA Cooper Transportation®
The company offers LTL, FTL, dedicated contract carriage, brokerage, fleet maintenance, and international services. It directly operates facilities in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest, also provides coverage in Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
- Averitt Express
The company was incorporated in 1969. After more than fifty years in the freight business, Averitt Express is among the country’s leading freight transportation and supply chain management providers.
- Central Freight Lines Inc.
The freight company offers services across all fifty states. It is also one of the top players in the LTL and FTL freight business. Central Freight Lines Inc. offers competitive and affordable pricing if you’re looking to save a few bucks.
