Updated 12/26/2023
The market today offers numerous transportation options to shippers of all scales. However, if you are a newcomer to the industry, you may find shipping prices confusing, especially when shipping large items across the country. Still, many reliable and affordable shipping platforms can handle your delivery and help you find the cheapest shipping options for large items, all according to your transportation needs.
What are the cheapest shipping options for large items?
Ultimately, there are suitable options to make freight shipping simple and cost-effective, even when shipping large items across the country. Online shipping platforms like GoShip offer active self-service and access to less than truckload (LTL) shipping options for large items. The benefit of LTL shipping is that you only pay for the truck space you use. Additionally, we provide real-time shipment tracking and simple online freight rate comparison.
What shipment is considered large?
If your shipment is heavier than 70 lbs, finding the cheapest shipping options for large items may be challenging. If you want to ship large items cross country, like home appliances, machinery, or a large volume of goods, likely, your shipment won’t fit into standard parcel shipping.
There are two main categories of shipments: parcel and freight. Large items are classified as freight since they cannot be shipped as standard packages through the mail. Are there any size limits that distinguish these two categories? Notably, the dimensional weight of your cargo defines the transportation mode you are most likely to use. For most parcel shipping services, if your shipment weighs more than 150 lbs, exceeds 108 inches in length, and 165 inches in girth, it’s probably considered a freight shipment.
While some parcel services do freight shipping, the price is often higher than specialized freight carriers would charge. So, if your shipment classifies as freight, parcel shipping services won’t represent the cheapest shipping options for large items.
How to ship large items across the country?
There are many different transportation modes available for moving freight. Depending on the shipment’s volume and size, you can move it through two main shipping modes: full truckload (FTL) or less than truckload (LTL). Full truckload shipping mode is a good choice for suppliers focused on meeting the delivery deadlines and maintaining the maximum safety of the shipped units.
When you think about cost-effective ways for shipping large items across the country, you should start by analyzing your budget. Many want to find a simple shipping solution that doesn’t require addressing freight brokers or excessive planning activities. Numerous online shipping platforms that offer less than truckload (LTL) shipping can make the process easier for you.
LTL suggests your items are large yet don’t require a full trailer. This shipping mode lets you save money by sharing trailer space with other shippers and getting your shipment delivered safely and on time. It allows you to share shipping costs with other shippers whose freight is combined with yours in one truckload.
Self-service shipping options can significantly reduce the time spent on transit schedules. With platforms like GoShip, you can arrange everything online, get an LTL quote, and track your shipment 24/7.
How to organize large package shipping?
If you want to prevent the shipment of your large items from possible disruptions, it is crucial to follow a few core principles of a successful supply chain.
Collect accurate information
Ensure you’ve measured your freight correctly, as this information hugely impacts shipping costs. Weight, dimensions, addresses, freight class, additional shipment descriptions, and required services – all these data will affect the ultimate transportation prices. It’s crucial to provide accurate information to avoid shipping disruptions and unwanted fees.
Choose a convenient shipping service
Online shipping services will considerably simplify the entire process for you. A good shipping company should have a vast network of carriers, provide shipping rates, and assist you in arranging the shipment. You can enter all the information and get an instant LTL freight quote if you already know the details of your shipment’s dates and locations.
Go ahead and ship!
Once you’ve chosen a shipping partner, please provide them with all the necessary information stated above. If there are any questions or concerns, contact the company directly to manage all the details. Arrange pickup and delivery time, and you’re good to go!
How much does shipping large items across the country cost?
The final cost of shipping options for large items depends on many factors, like dimensions, weight, destination, transit times, type of carrier, etc. To fully understand how much shipping large items costs, consider the main factors that impact them.
- Density. Dense shipments are cheaper to transport. The thicker your load is, the less it is prone to damage during transit, and the safer it looks for the carrier.
- Weight is a significant contributor to your shipping cost. The most important thing here is to provide accurate information to prevent additional charges.
- Shipment dimensions are essential since it determines the space your load will take up in the trailer. Also, carriers and shipping services will pay attention to the stackability and shape of the box – the easier it is to stack, the lower the price is.
- Freight class is a particular classification developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to ease cargo shipping pricing. Each freight class has a specific code that applies to a particular type of freight.
- Destination. Mileage plays a role in determining the final shipping price. The longer the route, the more you will pay for sending a package.
- Seasonality. Specific periods during a year can affect the prices for shipping oversized items. For example, moving significant parts during the peak season will increase your expenses. Also, it is wise to pay attention to the weather conditions.
Use GoShip to Get the Best Shipping Options for Large Items
GoShip can help you find the best and cheapest shipping options for large items. On our platform, you enter the shipment information and instantly compare full truckload and LTL quotes from different carriers. Once you choose a suitable option, you’re just one step away from shipping your large items cross countr
The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Large Items: Finding the Cheapest and Best Options
Shipping large items can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to logistics. Whether you’re moving across the country or sending a bulky product, it’s important to understand how to do it easily and affordably. This guide shows you the best ways to ship big items safely, using reliable services.
Affordable Ways to Ship Big Items
You don’t have to overspend to move heavy or large items. Shipping platforms like GoShip and GoShip’s LTL Freight Shipping offer quick comparisons of less than truckload (LTL) rates. LTL is a smart option when your item doesn’t fill a whole truck, letting you save by sharing space with others.
What Qualifies as a Large Shipment?
If your item weighs more than 70 lbs or is longer than 108 inches, it’s probably too big for regular parcel shipping. Things like furniture or industrial machines are considered freight. Carriers like UPS may charge extra fees for anything over 150 lbs or needing special handling.
Need help understanding freight vs. parcel shipping? Read this comparison guide.
Best Practices for Cross-Country Delivery
Choose a shipping mode that fits your needs—full truckload (FTL) for larger shipments or LTL for smaller ones. GoShip lets you get quotes, book shipments, and track deliveries online. Truckload shipping is great for big shipments with strict delivery windows.
GoShip also offers courier services to make big box delivery simple. If you’re sending other types of freight, learn about shipping food or vehicles.
Steps to Organize Big Shipments
Get Accurate Measurements: Use this guide to measure your freight properly. Weight and size affect your price and service options.
Choose the Right Service: Look for a platform with a wide carrier network. Some also offer express delivery and help with paperwork.
Schedule and Confirm: Once booked, track your shipment online. Real-time updates help you stay informed.
Need tips on packing? Read our large package shipping guide.
What Affects the Price of Shipping Large Items?
Density: Denser items cost less to ship. Learn more about how density affects LTL.
Dimensions: Bigger items take more space.
Weight: More weight means higher costs. Accurate info avoids surprise fees.
Freight Class: Each item falls into a class. Check out the NMFTA and our freight class guide.
Distance: Longer trips cost more. International routes add customs fees.
Seasonality: Peak shipping times raise prices. Learn how to prepare for peak season.
Avoid extra costs by reading our tips on how to avoid additional shipping charges.
Avoid Shipping Scams
Scams happen. Don’t get tricked. Read our post on five moving scams to watch for.
Why Choose GoShip?
GoShip makes shipping large items easy. We offer low rates, a wide carrier network, and tools for tracking your deliveries. Whether you’re a business or shipping something personal, we’ve got you covered.
Start shipping smarter with GoShip today!