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When moving products from one place to another, one of the most common questions businesses and individuals often ask is: Should I use standard shipping or freight shipping? Although both options serve the same purpose, which is delivering goods, their processes, types of items, and costs are very different.
The challenge many people experience is that they don’t know when to use these options. For example, using standard shipping to send an oversized item can be very expensive because it needs special handling and packaging. Understanding the differences between these two shipping methods will help you choose the best option for your needs.
What Is Standard Shipping?
Standard shipping is a regular shipping process that uses a slower and longer delivery process. It is one of the most popular ways many people use when they want to send or receive packages. If you’ve ever ordered clothes, books, or even a small household item online, it often comes through standard shipping.
Standard shipping focuses mostly on delivering packages that are very light or usually under 150 pounds. During the process, each box is packed, labeled, scanned, and tracked as it moves from the seller to your doorstep.
Standard shipping can be used for the following;
- Products that do not need special care
- Deliveries that are not urgent
- Every day, online or e-commerce orders
- Lightweight and small packages
- Local and regional deliveries
- Affordable shipping option
What Is Freight Shipping?
Freight shipping is the physical process of shipping designed to move larger shipments from one place to another. It plays an important role in shipping goods across countries by using ships, flight, trains, and trucks, or their combination. For example, companies based in China with distributors in the United States used freight shipping to send their products.
There are several types of freight shipping to fit different needs, and they include the following:
- Less-than-truckload: It is a type of truck shipping where goods from different businesses or companies share a space on a truck. It is a cost-effective solution for shipping loads that do not need an entire truck.
- Full truckload: It is a type of truck freight shipping where an entire truck is used to ship the same goods. It is used for shipping large freight or when you want faster, more direct delivery.
- Air freight shipping: It is a type of freight shipping where goods are transported by airplane. It is known as the fastest way when shipping long distances (domestically and internationally). Air freight is ideal for businesses or individuals who need their products to arrive quickly and reliably.
- Rail freight shipping: It is a type of freight shipping where goods are transported by land through a train (within the same country or continent). Rail freight is used transporting products or materials in large quantity across state lines.
- Sea freight shipping: It is a type of freight shipping where goods are transported across the oceans in large quantities. Sea fright shipping is one of the most affordable shipping methods across different countries or continents.
The Difference Between Standard Shipping and Freight Shipping
Let's break down the key differences between shipping and freight in supply logistics:
Volume and Size
When you want to ship loads that are in large quantity from different countries and states, freight shipping makes the process easier and faster. Standard shipping, on the other hand, is designed for smaller parcels and everyday packages that are under 150 pounds.
Transportation Modes
Freight shipping can be used for different types of shipping depending on its size, weight, and destination (truck, cargo planes, cargo ships, and trains). Standard shipping is used for courier services, postal delivery, or parcel carriers. They are the best shipping method for small packages and e-commerce delivery.
Handling and Care
Shipping with freight requires special packaging (pallets, crates, or custom packaging) to protect the shipment. Standard shipping, on the other hand, does not need such handling.
Delivery Speed
The time it takes for freight shipping to reach its destination depends on the type used. Air freight is the fastest, and sea freight takes more time if it's coming from another country or continent. Standard shipping is very fast, especially across state lines or within the same state.
Cost
Freight shipping is very costly because it is used for shipping large loads, making it a better option for businesses moving large quantities of goods. Standard shipping is more affordable and convenient for everyday shipments, especially for individual consumers or small e-commerce orders.
How Do You Decide Between the Two?
Heare are what to consider if you want to know the best option for your shipment.
Size & Weight
The first thing to consider is the weight of your shipment. If what you want to ship is not up to 150 lbs and can fit inside a regular box or smaller packages, then standard shipping is the right option. But if you are shipping larger products, freight shipping is the best.
Shipping Quantity
Standard shipping can be used if your shipment is just one or two packages. Sending bulky products, on the other hand, requires freight shipping for more efficiency.
Product Fragility
Are you shipping products that are fragile or delicate and need to be handled with care? If the answer is "Yes," then freight shipping is a safer alternative. Standard shipping works best for everyday items that don’t require extra protection.
Cost of Shipping
When shipping a small, lightweight package, standard shipping is advisable as it is cheaper. Freight shipping is a must when you want to move large or heavy shipments.
In Conclusion
Understanding the differences and similarities between freight and shipping allows you to see that these logistics options are designed to cater to the needs of every business. It also provides opportunities for optimizing your supply chain, which improves efficiency as your business scales.
Are you looking for a reliable partner to ship your products? Unify Logistic Solutions is a company that provides carriers for companies that want to move loads from one place to another. We are experts when it comes to standard and freight shipping processes.
From small businesses to medium and large-sized businesses that require reliable shipping services. Our freight logistics solutions serve clients across the United States and Canada with expertise and consistency.