How to Determine the Best Freight Options for Your Products

Choosing a freight carrier is not one-size-fits-all. Every company and the products that they stock are completely different, so shouldn't freight requirements reflect that?

At Freight People, we recognise the importance of working with clients to determine the best freight options for their unique needs. Pairing companies with the appropriate freight carriers for them is a bit like matchmaking. It can sometimes feel like grasping at straws, but once sparks fly, it can become a partnership that lasts for life.

So we’ve compiled a few tips to make it easier for companies to determine the best freight options for them. No matter what sort of products you are looking to ship and where they are meant to end up, there is sure to be a suitable option for you. But first, you must ask yourself the right questions.

One thing to consider when choosing a freight carrier is the bulk of your shipment. Some freight carriers prefer lengthy, oversized freight while others like small, easily stackable items (like palletised goods). Some provide discounts for larger hauls, some don’t. The size and shape of your cargo is crucial in determining which carrier will best meet your needs. Typically, freight is categorised as either FTL (Full Truckload), LTL (Less than Truckload) or PT (Partial Truckload). It pays to know which you need and which company is best for this requirement before you get started.

The type of freight you are shipping is also very important. Are your products affected by temperature? Are they difficult to transport? Do they have any legal regulations in place when crossing borders? Are the goods fragile or durable? These conditions will affect how much the job costs and who is equipped to handle it.

Other aspects of your shipping order, like how quickly or how often you need your goods delivered, will influence which freight carrier is right for your company. The places you are delivering from and to play a significant role as well. This does not only refer to interstate differences but also the type of venue you are exporting out of. Is it a warehouse? Does it have a shipping dock? Do you need liftgates? Certain carriers are prepared to handle all loading concerns themselves while some require that you provide the necessary tools or charge extra for the effort.

There is simply no element of the cargo shipment process that is not evaluated when picking a company to partner with.

Luckily, Freight People have extensive experience in understanding which freight carrier to use for each circumstance. Our knowledgeable brokers can help you avoid confusion and advise you of the best carrier for your situation, whether you are looking for a one-off job or a long-term deal. As long as you have freight that needs transporting, we’ll make sure your most precious cargo is put in good hands.

For an in-depth understanding of the best freight carrier for your company, first review the specifics of your shipment, then contact Freight People for a full consultation!