What is Freight Shipping? A Friendly Guide for Small Business Owners

When you are starting a new business, it comes with a million questions. One of the big ones you’ll eventually face is: What is freight shipping? 

If you’re just mailing out a few packages here and there, you’re probably fine with regular parcel services.  

But as soon as your orders get bigger or heavier, you’ll run into shipping options that sound more complicated than they actually are.  

And, there are a lot more benefits that come with freight shipping, such as, 

1. Cost-effective for bulk orders 

2. Can easily accommodate large and heavy items  

3. Helps you improve your inventory management 

4. And most importantly, it can help you enhance security 

Now, you know why it is necessary to opt for a freight service for your small business. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step by step to help you make the right decision for your small business.  

What is Freight Shipping?

I have a simple answer for you! Freight shipping is a way to move large or heavy items. Mostly, businesses use this shipping process for items that are too big for regular delivery services like UPS or FedEx. 

So, you won’t have to ship one box at a time. You can send pallets or crates that can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Now, another question that might come to your mind is, “Why should I care?” 

Well, let’s say your business has started to grow. In that case, shipping one item at a time might seem a little inconvenient to you. It is not even cost-effective either. 

In that case, freight shipping can rescue you! It can help to move bigger loads in one go. In return, you can save money and headaches. 

How Does Freight Shipping Work for Small Businesses?

Let’s take a look at the way freight shipping works.  

1. You Pack It Up Right

Unlike small parcels, freight isn’t just tossed in a box. Your goods get stacked on wooden pallets, shrink-wrapped, or packed in sturdy crates so they survive the ride. 

2. Pick a Freight Option

You’ll choose the type of freight shipping that makes sense—like sharing a truck with other businesses (LTL) or booking a whole truck for yourself (FTL). 

3. Carrier Picks It Up

Once you pick a freight option, the shipping company will show up! They will load your stuff and further get it moving.  

4. On the Road (or in the Air or at Sea)

The shipment can be done by truck, plane, train, or ship. So, you just have to pick the right one based on shipping needs.  

5. It Arrives

Your freight gets delivered either to your warehouse or retail shop. It can also be sent directly to your customer. 

What is Freight Delivery vs. Regular Delivery?

You might be wondering: “Okay, but what is freight delivery and how’s it different from the normal deliveries I get at home?” 

Here’s the difference: 

1. Regular delivery is what happens when you order a phone case online and it shows up in your mailbox. 

2. Freight delivery is when you’re shipping pallets of phone cases (hundreds at a time) to a store. 

3. Freight delivery involves trucks, forklifts, and sometimes big warehouses. It’s made for businesses, not just individuals. 

What Types of Freight Shipping Can I Choose From?

When you first look into freight, you’ll notice there are different “flavors.” Here’s the menu: 

As a small business, you’ll probably start with LTL. It’s cost-effective and beginner-friendly. 

How Much Does Freight Shipping Cost?

This is usually the first thing business owners want to know (and for good reason). The truth is, freight shipping costs depend on a mix of factors: 

1. Weight and size of your shipment 

2. Distance (local vs. cross-country vs. international) 

3. Type of freight (LTL, FTL, air, sea) 

4. Speed (standard vs. expedited) 

Here’s a pro tip: if you can, combine smaller shipments into one big freight order. That way, you save on multiple small-package costs. Some small businesses even negotiate better rates once they start shipping regularly. 

What Mistakes Should New Business Owners Avoid in Freight Shipping?

Since this is a guide, let’s talk about the “don’ts” so you don’t learn the hard way: 

1. Skimping on packaging: A few rolls of tape won’t protect a pallet of fragile goods. Invest in proper packing. 

2. Forgetting about extra fees: Charges for liftgate service, residential delivery, or oversized items can sneak up on you. 

3. Not comparing carriers: Prices and service vary a lot; don’t just grab the first quote. 

4. Skipping insurance: Damage does happen, and insurance saves you from major losses. 

5. Not tracking shipments: Your customers will ask for updates, and you’ll want them too. 

Do I Really Need Freight Shipping as a Small Business?

Suppose you’re still shipping a handful of small boxes, probably not yet. But once you’re moving bigger quantities or bulkier products, freight becomes a lifesaver. 

Here’s why: 

• Firstly, it’s cheaper than mailing dozens of individual boxes. 

• Secondly, it’s faster for larger orders. 

• Lastly, it’s easier! You won’t be lugging heavy packages to the post office anymore. 

Getting familiar with what is freight shipping now means you’ll be ready when your business hits that growth spurt. And trust me, it’s better to learn ahead of time than scramble later. 

Wrapping It Up!

So, here’s a quick recap! What is freight shipping? It is all about a system that your business can use to move large as well as heavy items in an efficient way.  

You just need to have the patience to understand two things:  

1. How does freight shipping work 

2. What makes freight delivery different from regular delivery

Read More:

• B2B SME Freight Forwarding: 8 Key Benefits
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• Freight Forwarding 101: Navigating The Basics Of Cargo Transportation