Freight transportation – Types and best companies
One of the most tedious things to do when moving to a different city or country is getting your stuff moved. It is essential to find a good shipping service that ensures secure transportation with minimal cost. These days, there are different freight shipping services based on your needs. These vary in prices, packaging styles, and additional services. Here we look at how freight services are classified and the best freight companies in the country.
Types of freight shipping services
The different freight services available are classified based on a few factors, such as those listed below:
- Based on the quantity
Depending on the goods’ size and volume, freight services are classified into three types: less than truckload (LTL), partial truckload, and full truckload (FTL). LTL is more cost-effective, but your stuff can take longer to be delivered since it is clubbed with other packages going to different places. On the other hand, partial truckload and FTL are more expensive since they take up a lot of space. However, they will be shipped straight to the destination without pit stops. - Mode of transportation
Based on the transportation mode, freight shipping services are classified as air freight, intermodal rail freight, and international ocean freight shipping, depending on whether the shipment is going by air, rail, ocean, or a combination of these. - Speed of transportation
Depending on how much you are willing to pay and how urgently you need your shipment to reach its destination, you can either opt for regular or expedited freight shipping. - Type of packaging
If you are transporting fragile or irregularly shaped items, you can opt for blanket wrap shipping to keep these goods protected. You can also go for air-ride suspension if you are transporting valuable and delicate items.
Top freight transport companies
Here is a list of the country’s top freight shipping services. They offer good quality and secure transportation service for any occasion:
- XPO Logistics
This company offers global forwarding and managed transport services and is highly recommended among other freight companies. They offer truckload and less-than-truckload transport, along with forwarding, intermodal, and last-mile freight services. If you are facing a time crunch, you can opt for expedited shipping as well. - UPS Supply Chain Solutions
UPS Supply Chain Solutions is another famous company that offers moving, shipping, and storage facilities. Their transportation options include air, ocean, rail, road, and intermodal routes selected based on the type of cargo to be shipped. This company is highly recommended if you have some goods to be put in storage or are shipping items to customers or trade shows. - Shoreline Express, Inc.
Based in Strongsville, OH, Shoreline Express provides you door-to-door shipping, temperature-controlled transportation, express shipping as warehousing, and freight forwarding. - DHL’s Supply Chain Solutions division
DHL is one of the most popular couriers and shipping services in the country. Their Supply Chain Solutions division also offers FTL and LTL freight services with domestic and international transportation. - TMF Logistics
TMF Logistics is a freight forwarding company based in West Wareham, MA. They offer several shipping and warehousing services across the country that are affordable and well managed. Besides, they also offer express shipping services for urgent deliveries. - J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt is one of the most sought-after companies in the cargo shipping business. They offer various transportation options based on your budget and the kind of goods that are being shipped. They also allow you to track your shipment through a dedicated mobile app.
Remember that the transportation cost charged by these companies may vary depending on the weight of the cargo, mode of transport, and the packaging you choose.
