Navigating the Modes of Transportation: The 7 Ways to Ship Freight and When to Use Them

Shipping freight can be a complicated process. Not only do you need to figure out what you’re shipping and where it’s going, but you also need to determine the most efficient, affordable, and sustainable way to transport it.

There are several modes of transportation for freight shipping, and choosing the right one can save you time and money while ensuring that your products arrive at their destination intact. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the seven most common modes of transportation for freight shipping and when to use them.What is a mode of transportation?

A mode of transportation refers to the various methods used for transporting people or goods from one place to another. In logistics, it specifically refers to the different methods used to transport goods, such as through trucks, trains, planes, and ships.

Choosing the right mode of transportation is essential and depends on factors such as the cargo's size, weight, distance, speed, and cost. By understanding the different modes of transportation and their respective strengths and weaknesses, you can make informed decisions about how to transport goods efficiently, affordably, and safely.

7 Most Common Modes of Transportation in Logistics

• Full Truckload

• Standard LTL

• Volume LTL

• Shared Truckload

• Intermodal

• Box Trucks & Sprinter Vans

• Small Pack/Parcel

1. Full TruckloadFull truckload (FTL) shipping is ideal for businesses that need to ship large amounts of goods. FTL shipments typically fill an entire truck and are priced based on the distance and weight of the shipment. FTL shipping is faster and more efficient than other modes of transportation for large shipments that don't require frequent stops.

When to use FTL shipping:

• You require to ship very many pallets, which are over 12 at a single time.

• The products you would like to ship are delicate or fragile.

• The time needed for delivery of your products is very sensitive.

• When you require to cut down on shipping costs which are a large amount of freight, a full truckload is cost-effective when shipping goods in large quantities.

• You require special handling services for your cargo, for example, a flatbed or a refrigerated shipping container.

2. Standard LTLLess than truckload (LTL) shipping is used for smaller shipments that do not require an entire truck. LTL shipping is priced based on the weight and distance of the shipment. The shipment will be combined with other LTL shipments in a truck, which may result in multiple stops during the delivery.

When to use standard LTL shipping:

• When shipping smaller amounts of goods that do not require an entire truck

• When the shipment is not time-sensitive

• Best used when a shipment range between one and six pallets weight from 200 to 5000 pounds

3. Volume LTLVolume LTL is similar to standard LTL, but it is used for larger shipments that don't require an entire truck. Volume LTL shipments are priced based on the space they take up in the truck, rather than their weight. This makes it a cost-effective option for larger shipments that are not time-sensitive.

When to use volume LTL shipping:

• When shipping a larger amount of goods that don't require an entire truck

• When the shipment is not time-sensitive

• When the shipment is too bulky for standard LTL shipping

• Best used for larger LTL shipments between 6 and 12 pallets.

4. Shared TruckloadShared truckload (STL) shipping is a hybrid between FTL and LTL shipping. In this mode of transportation, your shipment shares space in a truck with other shipments. It uses full truckload carrier networks to combine multiple shippers’ freight on the same trailer. Shared truckload freight moves directly from its pickup location to its destination, without passing through hubs or terminals. This is a cost-effective option for businesses that need to ship large amounts of goods, but do not need an entire truck.

When to use shared truckload shipping:

• When shipping a large number of goods that don't require an entire truck

• When the shipment is not time-sensitive

• When the shipment is too heavy or bulky for standard LTL shipping

5. IntermodalIntermodal shipping is the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transportation, such as rail and truck. This mode of transportation is more sustainable and cost-effective than using only trucks for transportation.

When to use intermodal shipping:

• If you are moving truckload freight more than 600 miles, want to reduce your shipping rates, and reduce carbon emissions

• When the shipment is not time-sensitive

• When the shipment is heavy or bulky

6. Box Trucks & Sprinter VansBox trucks and Sprinter vans are best suited for businesses that need to transport smaller quantities of goods over short distances. This mode of transportation is often less expensive than traditional truckload shipping, but it can take longer for your goods to arrive.

When to use box trucks and sprinter vans:

• When making local or regional deliveries

• For direct, point-to-point delivery for your LTL freight, at rates that are much lower than a full truckload.

• For shorter distances, especially final-mile deliveries.

7. Small pack/parcelSmall-pack/parcel shipping is ideal for businesses that need to send lightweight packages to customers or suppliers. This mode of transportation is suitable when the cargo is relatively small and does not exceed the weight and size limits of the courier service. Small-pack/parcel shipping is also a good option for time-sensitive shipments that require quick delivery. However, it may not be cost-effective for larger or heavier cargo.

When to use Small pack/parcel:

• When the cargo is relatively small and does not exceed the weight and size limits of the courier service

• For time-sensitive shipments that require quick delivery

• Direct-to-customer sales, well-suited for deliveries to customers.

Other Logistics Modes of TransportationThe other logistics modes of transportation are:

• Air
  Used to move goods quickly and directly. Most common for international and intercontinental freight, and often used for lightweight, high-value items like electronics.

• Ocean
  Used to ship products or materials manufactured on one continent to another. Can ship everything from small plastic products to electronics, cars, steel beams, or heavy machinery.

• Railroad (bulk)
  Used to move freight cars of raw materials. These can range from gravel or coal to fuel or chemicals in tanker cars.

How Deftship Can Assist You

Now that we have discussed the modes of transportation in logistics and when to use them, businesses can make informed decisions when choosing the right mode of transportation. However, the logistics industry can still be challenging, which is where deftship comes in.

Deftship is a platform that can help businesses and customers simplify the process for their freight shipping needs. It is a cloud-based logistics solution designed to save customers time, effort, and money while building their businesses.

Deftship can help businesses choose the right mode of transportation by providing access to multiple carriers allowing them to compare prices and services to select the best option for their specific needs. Our platform provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to compare and select carriers based on factors such as cost, delivery time, and shipment volume.

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By using Deftship, businesses, and individuals can compare rates and delivery times across multiple carriers ensuring they choose the most efficient and cost-effective option. Additionally, Deftship has a feature that monitors your shipments, giving users peace of mind and allowing them to stay informed throughout the shipping process.

Overall, Deftship's platform can save businesses and individuals time and money while ensuring that their shipments arrive at their destination on time and intact.

For a comprehensive guide on how to use Deftship. Click here.

Are you looking for more tips on shipping and logistics? Contact us today to learn how we can help you streamline your operations and reduce costs.