Freight transport is responsible for a substantial part of worldwide commerce. All told, the United States spent $21 billion on freight shipping in 2019 among all freight transportation types. Over a million carriers across the country are currently working to ship goods to and from various markets, all of them contributing a significant amount to the local and overseas economies. Freight shipping remains the backbone of American and global commerce.
HOW FREIGHT AFFECTS YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE
But what does it mean to ship via freight? More specifically, what does freight transport mean to you? Freight cargo impacts our lives daily. Many of the items you purchase wouldn’t get to you without a freight forwarder. Cars, boats, heavy equipment, and general freight all enter the United States after being shipped from their countries of origin. American companies use the same services to ship their goods all over the world. Armed services members and private citizens use freight transportation types to move household goods and personally owned vehicles when their job assignments take them abroad.
It helps to understand the behind-the-scenes logistics of moving goods and property across oceans and borders. We’re here to help.
WHAT FREIGHT SHIPPING IS
Freight transport is the act of transporting cargo. Whatever the freight transportation types used—land, sea, air, or a combination—merchants around the world contract with brokers and carriers to have their products shipped to customers. As the global marketplace becomes bigger and more connected, the volume of freight being sent out is steadily increasing. It is predicted that the number of goods carried by trucks will grow between 2 and 3 percent each year through 2022. This means new markets are opening up to manufacturers and new opportunities are being created for logistics firms.
ESSENTIAL TERMS TO KNOW
A riverside container port facility stores shipping containers
Understanding freight transport is easier if you know the terms and shorthand used in the industry. This can help you identify the service being provided and the manner in which your property is being transported. Since different freight transportation types have different cost impacts, it can also help you understand the difference in prices to move goods. Here are a few of the most common abbreviations used in shipping:
- LTL — The term refers to less-than-truckload shipments. These make up the largest segment of the market because most shipments are not large enough to fill an entire trailer. Often the most expensive transport per piece, it can still be more economical for smaller freight shipping needs.
- PTL — A partial truckload shipment is larger, but still not enough to fill an entire trailer. These loads typically fill between 6-12 pallets.
- FTL — This refers to a full truckload, which means the container is filled with goods from a single manufacturer. These containers may be hauled by truck or train. Typically priced by the full container, this allows for sure pricing that can be more cost-efficient for larger freight loads.
- 3PL — This abbreviation stands for third-party logistics, which includes independent carriers and brokers that arrange for the transportation of goods, products, and parts between points. Prices can vary based on the services provided.
DIFFERENT FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION TYPES
Before choosing the perfect freight transportation company, you’ll want to become familiar with the different freight transportation types available. The different terms above covered some of the transportation types like less-than-truckload and full truckload, but there is also intermodal, air, ocean and expedited freight.
Less-Than-Truckload
The most popular freight transportation type is the less-than-truckload because it offers a cost-effective solution for businesses that don’t have large shipments. This type of freight is also called “partial truckload” because the shipments are combined with other companies that have similar routes and schedules.
This means you don’t have to fill an entire truck yourself in order to use the shipping container. Instead, your products will be shipped with other businesses’ products so you can have more control over your available inventory.
Full Truckload
This freight transportation type is best used for businesses that have large shipments. When you use full truckload shipping, you will be renting an entire truck to ship your products. This is the fastest and most reliable way to transport large shipments.
If you are moving large items, like statues or machinery, the full truckload prices are more cost-effective than some of the other options.
Intermodal Freight
The intermodal shipping method uses two or more modes of transportation to ship large products. This freight transportation type is very cost-effective and an environmentally friendly way to ship large amounts of product over long distances. Some other benefits of the intermodal option is that it’s very reliable and you can cut down on fuel costs.
Air Freight
When you need to get your products delivered quickly, air freight is the best option. This type of freight transportation is very expensive but it’s also the fastest way to ship your products. If you have a product that needs to be delivered in a timely manner, like food or medical supplies, then air freight is the best option for you.
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight works similarly to truck freight in that you can opt for a partial or full load. This makes shipping convenient and easy to plan for your business.
This is a great option for businesses that are shipping internationally because it’s very cost-effective. If there are no pressing deadlines for your product to be delivered, then ocean freight is a great option for you.
Expedited Freight
There are instances when you need to get a shipment to a client immediately and don’t have time to wait for slow shipping options. This is where expedited freight comes in.
Expedited freight is the fastest way to get your products delivered, but it’s also the most expensive shipping method. If you have time-sensitive goods, then this type of freight transportation is the best option for you.
CHOOSING A FREIGHT TRANSPORT COMPANY
Finding the best 3PL freight shipping and freight forwarding company for your needs improves the chances of the overall success of your business, and your supply chain depends on it. Due to the robust strength of the ecommerce industry, there’s an expectation for responsive communication and fast shipping. It’s crucial that you work with a shipping company that’s able to meet your deadlines and protect your items while offering a range of freight transportation types to support your logistics goals.
With over 30 years of experience behind us, Trans Global Auto Logistics is a leader in the freight transport industry. Our skilled experts work with you every step of the way to figure out what you need to come up with a transport plan that suits you. Get in touch with us today to discuss your shipments, deadlines, and destinations.
WE HAVE THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR FREIGHT SHIPPING NEEDS
Whether you’re experienced in freight shipping or looking to begin your very first freight transport project for yourself or your business, we’re here to help. Our expert team at Trans Global Auto Logistics is here to provide freight transport via land, sea, air, or a combination of these methods, no matter the cargo type or its final destination. Request a free quote today, and get started with a team you can trust.
If you need to get your cargo from point A to point B as quickly as possible, our air transport freight shipping may be the solution for you. Air transport is our quickest method to get your goods to ports across Europe, U.A.E, parts of Africa, and additional locations. This method of transport can get your cargo overseas in just hours as opposed to longer timelines, to help relieve any deadline-related stress.
Trans Global Auto Logistics is a recognized leader in worldwide shipping, including land and sea transport for cargo of all sizes. For shorter distances such as inter-state transport projects, we offer inland towing. Though not as fast as air transport, our container shipping solution utilizes sea freight connections for affordable and efficient service. No matter which method you choose, our seamless and stress-free freight transport processes are here to exceed your expectations.
Rest assured that our experienced team stores, packs, documents, and transports your cargo efficiently and securely, always. Additional services including insurance and tracking and tracing are available. Call in today and speak to a representative, we’ll get your freight shipping undertaking planned and underway in no time.
