The market today offers numerous transportation options to shippers. However, if you are a newcomer to the industry, you may find shipping prices confusing, especially when you need to ship large packages. GoShip is here to help you choose a suitable and cost-effective way to move your freight.
How do you ship a large package?
It is not a surprise if you find large-item shipping prices confusing. The thing is, if your goods exceed certain weight and size limits, they are considered freight. Regular parcel services will be the best option if your shipment weighs less than 70 lbs. But if your shipment is heavier than 70 lbs, it may be challenging to find the cheapest way to ship large packages.
Freight is a large shipment transported by various vehicle units: truck, rail, ship, or aircraft. Each transportation method’s cost of moving cargo depends on multiple factors, including transport specifics. Consequently, industry workers calculate freight shipping prices differently than parcel shipping rates.
Regular postal services like UPS, FedEx, and USPS are excellent for shipping small parcels, but they have a completely different approach to calculating cargo shipping rates. If you are moving freight, it is better to consider other transportation options. Before jumping straight to the shipping process, it is best to understand how freight rates are formed.
How much does it cost to ship large packages?
While parcel pricing is more generalized, freight shipping rates depend on the particular measures. To fully understand the basics of freight shipping pricing, let’s go over the main factors that impact it.
Density
It may seem unusual, but dense shipments are cheaper to send. The thicker your load is, the less it is prone to damage during transit, and the safer it looks for the carrier. Besides, dense packages take less space in the truck, allowing you to save costs effectively. Loose or fragile items can be way more expensive to move due to their sizable packaging and specific placement inside the transport unit.
Weight
Essentially, weight is a significant contributor to your shipping cost. Cargo weight influences the choice of a suitable transport unit and helps you identify a preferred shipping mode. The most important thing here is to provide accurate information and record it in your shipping paperwork. Data errors can result in reweighing your cargo and unwanted expenses.
Dimensions
Shipment dimensions are vital since they determine the space your load will take 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. Try to be maximum precise when measuring your freight. It will keep you away from additional charges and help you stick to your logistics budget.
Freight class
Freight class is a particular classification developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) to ease cargo shipping pricing. There are 18 classes, ranging from 50 to 500. Each has a specific code that applies to a particular type of freight. Defining the correct freight class for your shipment is essential to avoid logistics inconveniences and extra expenses.
Destination
Mileage plays a role in determining the final shipping price. The longer the route, the more you will pay. Additionally, there is such thing as limited access shipping, a location or area hard for the carrier to reach or unload. It often confuses shippers because a limited access location can be a residence or another place considered a standard location by the shipper. Besides, shipping freight to restricted locations can generate higher carrier prices.
What is the cheapest way to ship large packages?
Ultimately, there are suitable options to make freight shipping simple and cost-effective. Online shipping platforms like GoShip offer self-service, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. The benefit of LTL freight transportation is that you only pay for the truck space you use. If you don’t have to follow strict deadlines and your packages don’t require much space, LTL shipping is a perfect solution. The carrier will deliver packages in order, keeping an eye on their safety and condition at arrival.
In the case of shipping large items, it’s reasonable to consider full truckload (FTL) mode. You can use the entire truck space to locate your units, so all of them will be traveling safely. FTL shipping prices are typically higher than LTL. However, it is an excellent option for time-sensitive shipments as you won’t have to worry about delays.
Additionally, GoShip provides real-time shipment tracking and simple online freight rate comparison. You’ll always stay updated on their exact locations and the overall shipping flow by tracking your shipments. Besides, your customers can track the orders from any device and receive instant delivery notifications. All you need to do is enter the necessary information in our freight quote tool and see the prices! Get a free quote right now and start shipping simply and cost-effectively!