How Much Does it Cost to Ship Freight?
The cost to ship freight is dependent on many aspects. While deciding which freight company to use for transportation, you should review and compare pricing each company offers. The following are the main factors that determine shipping freight costs:
- Dimensions
- Mode of transportation
- Density
- Weight
- Stowability
- Liability
- Freight class
- Packaging
- Facility type at shipment’s origin and destination
- Time sensitivity
For a closer look at what it costs to ship freight, visit our cost to ship freight page. You’ll find freight shipments completed through the uShip marketplace and get a better idea of how we work.
How to Prepare Freight for Shipment
Before your carrier arrives, you'll need to prepare your freight for shipment. Depending on the type of goods you are transporting, your freight will either be palletized or non-palletized. Loose items not needing to be secured to a pallet is considered non-palletized freight. Multi-piece items that need to remain together and are secured on a pallet is a palletized freight. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when preparing freight:
1. Select an appropriately sized pallet, large enough that the shipment pieces will not overhang.
- Choose sturdy pallets with closely spaced deck boards and zero broken pieces.
- Use pallets with four-way entry points to improve handling and reduce damage from forklifts.
2. For stackable items and boxes, stack the cartons on the pallets.
- Make sure newer cartons are used and that each item can withstand stacking.
- Avoid interlocking, pyramiding, and rotating layer patterns when stacking.
- Do not extend cartons beyond the pallet edge.
- Use proper dunnage between the carton to avoid excess space between cartons.
- Use load protectors to evenly distribute weight.
3. For non-palletized freight, shipment should be in shipping containers, crates, or corrugated boxes when possible.
- Use strong containers capable of supporting large weights and double box when needed.
- Protect from bending by reinforcing edges.
- Ensure internal items are protected by using appropriate cushioning material.
- Seal seams and closures using reinforced tape.
4. Create labels with complete address information, including phone numbers and postal codes, and attach to each piece.
5. Secure freight to pallet by using straps or banding and then use stretch wrapping to keep all the pieces together.
6. Ensure each side of every pallet has complete address information as well, including numbers and postal codes of the shipper and consignee.
Remember, make sure to follow your freight carrier's instructions and guidelines very carefully in order to protect your shipment from damage and avoid surcharges.
For more on crate shipping, see our guide about crating and shipping freight
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