SMALL PARCEL VS. FREIGHT SHIPPING: The pros and cons

• Oct 14- 2021
• Freight Companies

With so much demand for new shipping options, cargo companies now offer innovative solutions. As a result, today’s freight trucking company can accommodate almost any need.

In particular, the best freight shipping companies provide services for small parcels as well as partial and full-truck loads. To determine the type of service you need, consider the pros and cons of each.

Making Important Comparisons

One important note – rather than use one company for small parcels and another for cargo, it makes more sense to look at freight shipping companies that provide both services. That way, you can establish a business relationship with just one source.

Choosing a Carrier for a Small Parcel

As you know, there’s a host of couriers that provide this type of service. The problem is they can’t always get a small parcel delivered on the same day. So, if that’s important to you, then look at alternative options.

A few of the biggest drawbacks of using a freight shipping company to deliver a small parcel include delays, missing packages, or damaged goods. On the other hand, respected local, national, and international freight shipping companies offer excellent insurance benefits. Moreover, they have systems that allow the customer to track their parcel in real-time.

Small Skid Service

MGA International Logistics offers a small skid service at reduced cost that guarantees delivery of your goods on time. For a skid to qualify for this service it must meet certain criteria which include:

• 500lbs or less
• Dimensions that measure no more than 48” x 48” x 48”

Freight Shipping – The Good and Bad

As for freight shipping, this includes anything that’s beyond the perimeters of a small parcel. For this, you have two options – LTL (less than load) and FTL (full truckload).

LTL – For this, freight shipping companies use trucks that usually measure 53 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall. Although the exact numbers vary, LTL typically accommodates loads between 151 and 15,000 pounds.

FTL – This is an excellent option for any cargo that weighs more than 15,000 pounds. Especially when needing odd-shaped or bulky items shipped, this is the better choice.

Overall, using freight trucking companies for LTL and FTL is ideal for larger loads. Also, local, national, and international shipping companies make fewer stops. That reduces the risk of any damage or loss. The only possible drawback is that compared to parcel shipping, freight loads cost more, which you would expect.

Full Services

Reach out to one of our knowledgeable MGA International Logistics team members for any questions you may have regarding our full portfolio of services, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote.