Shipping large freight often feels confusing if it's your first time: too bulky for regular delivery, too fragile to delegate without thinking twice. From choosing the right shipping method to packing everything securely, there are many steps that decide whether your freight arrives safely or runs into problems along the way.
However, once you understand how it works, the whole process becomes less stressful. With the right preparation, shipping large freight can be surprisingly easier and predictable.
In this blog, Unify Logistics explains how to ensure your large freight shipping is safe and easier.
What To Consider When Shipping Large Freight
Know What You’re Shipping
The truth is that many companies do not always understand the nature of what they are shipping. They are not just called “big items”, because large freight comes in all shapes and conditions. For example, shipping a heavy metal machine is not the same as shipping a fragile piece of furniture.
Therefore, it is important to know your freight:
- size and weight
- Whether it’s fragile and needs special handling
- If it can be stacked
- If it requires equipment to load or unload
Knowing these details makes everything easier, ensures precision while saving you time, and freight damage.
Pick the Right Freight Shipping Method
There are different ways to ship freight, and the method you choose affects the cost, speed, and safety of your shipment. However, many people are not aware of these and sometimes pick the wrong ways.
Let's look at some of the most common shipping methods:
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
Ideal when your freight isn’t big enough to fill a whole truck. You share space with other shipments, which lowers the cost. However, it often increases the time it takes for freight to be delivered.
FTL (Full Truckload)
Great if you have a lot to ship or freight that needs extra protection. The truck is all yours, so the freight stays untouched from pickup to delivery.
Flatbed Shipping
Perfect for oversized items such as long metal beams, construction equipment, or anything that cannot be shipped using a standard trailer.
Air Freight
The fastest way to ship your freight is the most expensive. It is a great option if you want your freight delivered over a long distance within a short period of time, or if you have high-value shipments.
Rail or Ocean Freight
Slower but cost-effective options if you want to ship a very large or heavy freight over a long distance.
Use the Right Packaging
Packing large freight is not always about making it look fancy or aesthetically pleasing; it’s about protecting it from the bumps and shakes during the shipping process. Using the right packaging keeps the freight secured throughout the shipping process.
Use Strong Pallets or Crates
Pallets ensure the freight is safe and help carriers move it easily. Wooden crates, on the other hand, give fragile items the protection they need.
Secure Everything
Freight shifts around during the shipping process more than people think. So, it is important to have tools such as straps, plastic wrap, and padding to keep the freight from shifting or moving throughout the shipping process.
Label the Shipment Clearly
Labelling helps to distinguish between each cargo in the truck and its destination, especially when you are operating less than truckload. The labelling should include product name, delivery information, handling instructions, and other important details.
Add Internal Protection
Good packaging is one of the biggest elements of ensuring safe shipping. Fill every gap in your freight and wrap sensitive parts to ensure that nothing inside can move around.
Plan Ahead for Loading and Unloading
This is a step many people overlook because they think the carriers always have all the equipment they need. However, every location or carrier does not have a forklift or loading dock. So, if you need a truck with a liftgate or extra hands at pickup or delivery, inform your carrier ahead of time to avoid last-minute and unexpected charges.
Track Your Freight
Most carriers now offer 24/7 tracking to ensure their clients can know the location of their freight, especially when the shipping is long-distance or will make multiple stops. Weather, traffic, and road restrictions can slow things down, so tracking your shipment shows you what is going on at any moment.
Choose a Carrier You Trust
Carriers have different ways they handle large freight forwarding. Especially when it is a long distance. Therefore, look for companies that have experience with oversized or heavy items. A reliable carrier should offer the following:
- Clear communication
- Tracking
- Insurance options
- Fair pricing
- Help with loading and unloading if needed
In Conclusion
As businesses grow, it is increasingly important for them to excel in their shipping practices if they want to succeed and meet customers' demands. With many asking for better and reliable delivery services, companies must carefully refine their shipping process.
Unify Logistic Solution is the number one freight delivery service in the United States, with many years of experience. We simplify the logistics for every company we serve while ensuring on-time and safe delivery of your cargo. Contact us today, and our customer support will answer all your large freight forwarding questions!