Key Takeaways
- Freight shipping is required for items over 100 pounds or shipments needing pallets, crates, or special handling.
- Choosing between full truckload and LTL shipping depends on volume, timing, and cost priorities.
- Proper packaging, including crates and cushioning, reduces damage and protects large or fragile items.
- Comparing carrier quotes and building strong carrier relationships help control costs and improve reliability.
- Accurate documentation and early shipment planning prevent delays and unexpected logistics issues.
Freight can be complex for entrepreneurs and small business owners, especially those tackling it for the first time. However, the process is more straightforward once you understand how companies ship large items and determine costs. Being aware of these processes helps you navigate common challenges and grow your company. Here’s a guide to shipping sizable goods.
The Basics of Freight Shipping
If you’re shipping heavy and bulky items, it’s time to think beyond typical parcel shipping. If your shipment weighs 100 pounds or more, you are relying on a freight carrier. These packages may include furniture, machinery or appliances. In addition to weight requirements, shipments require special handling and documentation throughout their logistics journey.
Logistics companies ship large items daily, so they need the proper equipment to do their jobs. Shipping professionals use wood and plastic pallets to secure items and make them easier to move with forklifts. If your items are fragile or more valuable, you may need crates for extra security. Irregularly shaped shipments may require dry vans or flatbed trailers to satisfy your needs.
How Do Companies Ship Large Items?
Once business owners weigh their shipment, they determine whether they need freight shipping. Then, shipping professionals crate or palletize the items to protect them against damage during transport. Senders need to decide which service to use, taking into account the costs. Full truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) options are available depending on your shipping volume.
Companies choose a full truckload when shipping 10 or more pallets or large equipment. If you have time-sensitive freight, you may need this option to meet delivery requirements. Conversely, your pallets might only fill part of a truck. This calls for LTL freight because your items will share space with other shipments.
Tips for Small Business Owners Shipping Big Items
Navigating freight shipments can be overwhelming for people who own smaller companies or are aspiring entrepreneurs. Thoughtful strategies are necessary to optimize your bottom line and ensure customer satisfaction. Here are six tips for shipping large items.
1. Understand Your Freight Class
Full truckload and LTL are the first steps to shipping large items. If you’re using LTL, it’s essential to understand your freight class. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association classifies freight classes, which range from 50-500, based on four specific criteria, including:
- Density: This aspect measures the volume of the cargo relative to its surrounding space.
- Handling: Large, bulky cargo may need a higher shipping class due to complex handling.
- Stowability: Logistics professionals determine stowability based on how easily shipments can be loaded and stored in transport vehicles.
- Liability: Hazardous, corrosive or flammable materials increase liability.
2. Choose the Best Packaging
Companies ship large items with sturdy packaging to decrease the risk of damage. Small businesses need corrugated boxes, crates and custom packaging materials for their heavy loads. Large packages can be prone to breakage, so logistics professionals use foam inserts and bubble wrap to prevent damage. You also need heavy-duty packing tape for reinforcement.
3. Compare Carrier Quotes
Freight costs vary by carrier, so comparing quotes is essential for each shipment. Utilize digital marketplaces to identify the most suitable logistics partners for your organization. These online tools compare prices, offer reviews and elaborate on service levels. Small business owners benefit from increased transparency and cost-competitive bidding from the carriers.
4. Build Relationships With Carriers
Relationship building is how companies ship large items and increase consistency. Your rapport with carriers is essential, so prioritize clear communication with dedicated reps. Transparent practices include sharing shipping forecasts and communicating deadlines promptly. This proactive communication facilitates resource allocation and may lead to volume discounts.
5. Secure Shipments Early
Freight capacity and carrier availability fluctuate due to internal and external circumstances. Therefore, business owners should proactively secure their shipment plans to increase their options. Historical data and sales projections are crucial for accurate volume and timing estimates. You may need to reserve freight shipments well in advance of the pickup date, especially during peak shipping seasons.
6. Prepare Documents
Paperwork is integral when companies ship large items. You need a bill of lading, as it’s the contract between your business and the carrier. This document includes the item’s weight, the freight class and consignee information. International shipping may require a commercial invoice, which outlines the value and quantity of goods.
Factors Impacting Large Freight Costs
Large freight is typically more expensive because it requires more space and specialized handling. Here are five additional factors impacting your shipping costs:
- Insurance coverage: Insurance is essential, especially for hazardous or fragile items.
- Distance and route: Rural or remote destinations may increase rates due to limited access.
- Mode of transportation: Air freight is typically expensive due to its speed, whereas ground and ocean options are more economical.
- Fuel surcharges: Fuel prices can result in surcharges, particularly when using long-haul trucks.
- Accessorial services: You may incur extra costs for liftgate delivery or temperature control.
FAQs
What qualifies as freight shipping?
Freight shipping is used for heavy, bulky, or oversized items that typically exceed 100 pounds or require pallets, crates, or special handling. These shipments often involve forklifts, larger vehicles, and additional documentation.
What is the difference between full truckload and LTL shipping?
Full truckload shipments fill an entire truck, making them ideal for 10 or more pallets or urgent deliveries. Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping combines multiple shippers’ freight, lowering costs when sending smaller volumes.
How do I determine my freight class?
Freight class is based on density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability. These factors determine shipping rates for LTL freight and help carriers manage risk and space efficiently.
How can small businesses reduce freight shipping costs?
Businesses can compare carrier quotes, use digital freight marketplaces, optimize packaging, and build long-term relationships with carriers. Advanced planning can also secure better rates, especially during peak seasons.
What documents are required for freight shipping?
Most shipments require a bill of lading listing weight, freight class, and consignee details. International shipments may need a commercial invoice that outlines the value and quantity of goods being transported.
Mastering Freight Shipping
New and growing businesses must navigate the complexities of freight shipping. However, you can gain competitive advantages by educating yourself on freight classes and carrier selection. With the proper knowledge, you can streamline your shipping process and increase efficiency.
As a small business owner or entrepreneur, it’s essential to stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes that affect large shipments.