The freight shipping service that involves the freight being shipped for supply chains, the mode of shipping that is used to transport freight, and the ultimate cost, the shipping freight rates, is fluid and a well-organized service that drives the economic engine in the world.
Types of Freight
Freight is the combination of goods and products that are loaded up and boxed, crated, or placed in containers and then transported from one point on the globe to another. There are several different ways these goods are transported, and each has its benefits as well as a few drawbacks. Like in any service, different types of freight carried in different types of modes will be done at a range of costs depending on expenses common to that particular mode.
In the United States, it was not until the industrial revolution began that the country saw a change from shipping goods using carts and wagons to extensive use of other modes. Steamboats on the rivers of the U.S., and canals constructed for the movement of goods were supplanted by ocean going vessels, railroads, and planes.
The Difference Between Freight and Parcel
A parcel is a smaller part of a unit of freight that is delivered by common carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Freight is the combination of the parcels that are grouped and placed on pallets, or in large containers for shipment and secured for longer trips and distant locations. Most container shipping involves transporting goods overseas or across the country. However, in instances where large amounts of goods are transported, they are sometimes loaded into crates or placed on pallets to make moving a large number of smaller units more cost effective.
How to Define Freight
Goods move across the country and around the world in two primary categories: A Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than a Truckload (LTL).
When using LTL shipping method, the company can combine their goods with another company and share the costs of shipping. Shipping freight rates are usually determined by the full load cost, and using only half of a container or truck trailer will not save much money on costs.
Companies that use a Full Truckload will be an exclusive shipper and can usually save time and money because they have secured quicker access to the shipping mode.
Freight Modes
There are only four main modes of shipping that are used in the U.S. and the world. A mode of shipping refers to how a container or parcel is transported. The modes can differ in the amount or quantity of goods that can be transported or the speed at which the goods can be carried.
Air travel and air cargo is probably the fastest mode where goods can move from one place to another. However, air fuel and the capacity on an airplane will limit the amount of cargo, and the fuel and airplane maintenance can also be costly.
Railroad use is reliable, and probably the cheapest form of shipping. However, proximity to a railroad line and transferring goods can lead to delays or unexpected storage issues.
International ocean freight travel is always an excellent way to transport large containers and a large number of goods. This method also is costly, and the time factor is a consideration.
Usually, road travel is used at the beginning of the journey for any amount of goods, and the end when the cargo arrives and is broken into smaller parcels to be delivered. However, the concepts of Full Load and Less than Full Load cannot be more critical when it comes to overall shipping expenses and the bottom line of profit.
Usually, road travel is used at the beginning of the journey for any amount of goods, and the end when the cargo arrives and is broken into smaller parcels to be delivered. However, the concepts of Full Load and Less than Full Load cannot be more critical when it comes to overall shipping expenses and the bottom line of profit.
Contact Us
Ocean freight forwarding services can be straightforward if you choose the right shipping agency. Asiana USA, a premier logistics and freight forwarding company and its team of experts can assist you or your business at all stages of shipping. Contact Asiana USA at 855-500-1808 or email us at info@asianausa.com.
