Types of Freight Shipping: Complete Guide to Shipping Methods
Not all freight is the same, and neither are the methods for shipping it. Here's your complete guide to freight shipping types and which one is right for your cargo.
Main Types of Freight Shipping
These are the most common freight shipping methods used across industries.
LTL shipping combines multiple shippers' freight into one trailer. Each shipper pays only for the space their cargo occupies, making it cost-effective for smaller shipments.
Best For:
- 1-6 pallets of freight
- Shipments under 10,000 lbs
- Non-urgent deliveries
- Standard-sized cargo
Key Features:
- Cost-effective for small loads
- Terminal-to-terminal service
- Multiple handling points
- Transit time: 2-7 days typically
FTL shipping means your freight is the only cargo on the trailer. The truck goes directly from pickup to delivery without stops, making it faster and reducing handling.
Best For:
- 10+ pallets of freight
- Shipments over 10,000 lbs
- Time-sensitive deliveries
- High-value or fragile cargo
Key Features:
- Faster transit times
- Direct point-to-point service
- Less handling = less damage risk
- More control over schedule
Flatbed trailers have no sides or roof, making them ideal for cargo that's too wide, tall, or oddly shaped for enclosed trailers. Freight is secured with chains and straps.
Best For:
- Construction equipment
- Building materials (lumber, steel)
- Machinery and vehicles
- Loads requiring top or side loading
Key Features:
- Easy loading from any angle
- Accommodates oversized freight
- Exposed to weather conditions
- Standard dimensions: 48-53 feet
Heavy haul shipping is for freight that exceeds standard legal limits for size or weight. It requires special permits, route planning, and often escort vehicles.
Best For:
- Loads over 80,000 lbs
- Width over 8.5 feet
- Height over 13.5 feet
- Large industrial equipment
Key Features:
- Requires special permits
- Detailed route planning
- May need pilot cars
- Higher costs due to complexity
Refrigerated trucks maintain specific temperatures throughout transit, protecting cargo from heat, cold, or temperature fluctuations.
Best For:
- Food and beverages
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals and cosmetics
- Electronics and artwork
Key Features:
- Precise temperature control
- Real-time temperature monitoring
- Protects product quality
- Higher costs than dry freight
Specialized Freight Shipping Services
These specialized services handle unique shipping requirements.
Two-level trailers with a lower deck that accommodates taller cargo while staying within height regulations.
Best for: Tall equipment, machinery over 8-10 feet high
Extra-low trailers (as low as 18-24 inches) designed for extremely tall or heavy equipment.
Best for: Construction equipment, industrial machinery, oversized vehicles
The front of the trailer detaches, allowing equipment to be driven or rolled on from the front.
Best for: Self-propelled equipment, very heavy loads
Trailers with retractable sides that provide weather protection while allowing side loading.
Best for: Loads needing side access but also weather protection
Smaller trucks that can deliver freight faster, often for urgent or time-sensitive shipments.
Best for: Emergency shipments, smaller loads, expedited delivery
Priority service with guaranteed delivery times, often using team drivers for non-stop transport.
Best for: Time-critical shipments, emergency situations
Shipping containers moved between ships, trains, and trucks using standardized containers.
Best for: Long-distance hauls, international shipping, port transfers
Specialized carriers for transporting cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
Best for: Auto dealers, auctions, relocations, classic cars
Standard enclosed trailers for general freight that needs protection from weather.
Best for: Boxed goods, palletized freight, non-refrigerated items
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Consider these factors when selecting a freight shipping type.
Smaller loads (under 10,000 lbs) typically use LTL. Larger loads need FTL. Oversized or overweight freight requires specialized heavy haul services with proper permits.
Standard-sized cargo fits in dry vans. Tall or wide freight needs flatbed or step deck. Extremely large items may require lowboy or RGN trailers.
Standard LTL is slower but economical. FTL is faster with direct routes. Expedited services guarantee delivery times for urgent shipments.
Temperature-sensitive cargo needs refrigerated transport. Fragile items benefit from FTL with less handling. Hazardous materials require specialized carriers with proper certifications.
LTL offers the lowest cost per shipment for smaller loads. FTL is more expensive but provides better value for larger shipments. Specialized services cost more due to equipment and expertise required.
Consider whether you need side loading (flatbed), top loading (open trailers), or rear loading (enclosed vans). Also factor in available equipment like forklifts or loading docks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Freight Shipping
Learn the step-by-step process of freight shipping from quote to delivery.
Understand pricing for different shipping methods and how to get the best rates.
Understand the difference between freight brokers and carriers and who to work with.
Not Sure Which Shipping Method You Need?
Let our freight experts analyze your shipment and recommend the most cost-effective solution.