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How to Ship Freight Safely

Companies of all sizes make regular use of freight shipping. It is the cheapest, most convenient, and efficient way to transport goods anywhere across the globe. Freight service providers negotiate competitive prices. Then, they arrange shipment with air, road, sea, and rail transporters. 

If your cargo is securely packaged and appropriately labeled, it should arrive safely at its destination on the arranged date. 

What Is Freight Shipping? 

Freight refers to any goods transported by truck, ship, train, or plane. Freight shipping is the process of moving goods overland, through the air, or across the water. If freight moves by more than one form of transport, then it is called intermodal transport. 

Most cargo will move at least part of the journey by road either as a full truckload or less than truckload LTL. 

An LTL is used for freight that is larger than a parcel, but which doesn’t fill a truck. An LTL is typically used for shipments of between 150 and 15,000 pounds. 

How Does Freight Shipping Work? 

Though you can use freight shipping for the transport of almost any bulk items, it differs from parcel shipping. Parcel shipping is ideal for small, light items that are typically moved by common carriers. 

Since freight service providers don’t own the means of transport, they find reliable carriers to move the goods. They negotiate competitive shipping rates and then manage the transport of goods from departure to delivery, ensuring safe, on-time delivery. 

Freight service providers can save you time and money because they have connections and contracts across the supply chain.   

Many small eCommerce businesses transport their cargo to fulfillment centers to take care of warehousing and order fulfillment. This means that the business owner leaves the processing and delivery of orders to third-party service providers.

6 Steps for How to Ship Freight

There are six simple steps to shipping freight. Carefully complete each step to ensure that your cargo reaches its destination intact and on time. 

Step 1: Prepare Your Package

The quality of your packaging is key to the safe transportation and delivery of your goods. Ensure that all goods are tightly packaged. Loose items will move around so they are more likely to incur transport damage. Place your goods on a pallet so that they are easy to move and have a solid base. 

Make sure to use the correct National Motor Freight Classification Number (NMFC number) or you could run into problems. The NMFC number classifies how the freight carrier must process your cargo. It also determines the price so you must have the number when you schedule a shipment.

Step 2: Create a Shipping Label

Once your cargo leaves your premises, the shipping label speaks for you. It should contain all the information that the service providers need. These include point of origin, point of destination, weight, and the dimensions and name of the carrier. 

This information must match exactly the information contained on the Bill of Lading. Failure to include necessary information on the shipping label could lead to delays in transit or, worse still, loss of the cargo. 

Step 3: Label Every Piece of Your Shipment

Every parcel in your freight consignment must contain the name and address of the recipient and the shipper. This is the only way that you can ensure that every piece of your shipment arrives safely at its destination. 

All labels must be clear and all must contain all the information detailed above. It is worth putting in a little extra effort when it comes to labeling. Place labels on all visible surfaces, ensuring that they are always clear and noticeable.

Step 4: Complete the Bill of Lading 

The Bill of Lading is an important document. It is the contract that transfers the ownership of the goods. It should contain all the information about the shipment. This includes what is being shipped, the parties to the agreement, and the origin and destination of the cargo. The bill of lading is your proof of delivery.

Step 5: Schedule a Freight Pick Up

Once you’ve packed your cargo, label the boxes appropriately. Complete the bill of lading that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods, and call the freight forwarder to schedule a pickup.

Step 6: Track Your Shipment

Track your shipment every step of the way. All you need is the tracking number and an internet connection. Tracking your cargo ensures that you can take action if your cargo encounters delays. 

Freight Shipping: The Sensible Way to Move Your Cargo

Leave the shipping of your heavy cargo to the experts. Freight service providers have the expertise and the contacts to manage your cargo to destinations across the world. All you have to do is make sure that your cargo is securely packaged and labeled, then schedule the pickup and track the progress of your cargo. It couldn’t be simpler.

From start to finish, attention to detail is critical in the safety of your loads. With 60 years of experience, Roehl is one of the safest and most successful trucking companies in North America. From new drivers who need a CDL to experienced drivers, Roehl has a job for you– apply today!

FAQ

What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship Freight?

 Weight and distance determine the cost of shipping. The cheapest way to transport heavy cargo is to use consolidated freight.

Does USPS Do Freight Shipping?

The USPS specializes in parcel shipments which is why they set dimensional and weight limits. The weight limit of any parcel is 70 pounds. Parcels also may not measure more than 130 inches in combined length and girth.

 Is Freight the Same as Shipping?

Both shipping and freight refer to the transport of goods by land, sea, or air. Freight indicates the movement of heavy cargo while shipping can refer to both heavy and light cargo.

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