The Right Shipping Option: Factors to consider when choosing

• Jul 7- 2022
• Freight Companies

There are many ways to transport your cargo. However, you need to consider several factors before settling on the ideal transport method. When planning a shipment, you must consider cargo weight, fragility, storage needs, freight trucking companies, and delivery timeframes.

Ironing out your cargo requirements allows you to choose the best method to transport your shipment.

Below are the four most common freight shipment processes and their benefits-

1. Full Truckload Shipping

 Full truckload (FTL) shipping refers to transporting freight that is large enough to require an entire semi-trailer. Cargo that uses FTL often weighs more than 15,000 pounds. There are instances when it is more economical to send a single full truckload than multiple shipments. When choosing this method, goods are less likely to incur damage.

Also, it’s important to work with freight shipping companies that have passed rigorous requirements for their safety features (including equipment), as well as having appropriate insurance. With FTL shipping, mileage is the standard method for calculating rates.

2. Less-Than-Truckload Shipping

 Shipping via less-than-truckload (LTL) may be the most cost-effective option. This is especially true if your cargo weighs more than 150 pounds but is less than required for a full truckload. A hub and spoke network organizes the distribution of LTL cargo, with regional hubs connecting smaller, more dispersed terminals.

When filling a trailer, it is common practice to combine the cargo of multiple shippers. The shipment goes to a central terminal, where it undergoes another round of sorting and consolidation before dispatch.

However, a process like this means delivery timeframes might be longer than those for FTL shipments.

3. Expedited Shipping

 The importance of secure and efficient shipping will only increase as the global economy – especially e-commerce – continues to grow. There are situations when buyers require the immediate delivery of products.

To solve this problem, you can turn to expedited shipping. Offered by many transport and logistics companies, expedited shipping aims to minimize waiting periods so that you can deliver products on time.

Expedited shipping will ensure your cargo gets to its destination as soon as possible. Although faster shipments can often be more costly, it is well worth it when time is of the essence.

4. Intermodal Transportation

 You can simplify the shipping process by using intermodal transportation. It integrates several means of transport like trains, trucks, and ships.

In intermodal transportation, a container typically transfers from a truck to a railcar and then returns to a truck. Long-distance shipments with flexible transfer times are ideal for intermodal shipping.

Get Your Shipping Service From a Trusted Source

 Whatever your preferred shipping method, it’s best to get your service from trusted freight trucking companies. MGA International Logistics is one of the leading transport and logistics companies in Canada. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to obtain a free, no-obligation quote.