Freight shipping differs from traditional parcel delivery by transporting goods that are large, heavy, or being shipped in significant quantities. When you think of freight, your mind might turn to container loads of goods or a pallet containing one heavy or fragile item. However, freight doesn't always have to be unique or even that large. Ordinary shipments like computers, clothes or toys can also be sent as freight.  

Here are some examples of freight shipments for your reference:

• 100 desktop or laptop computers


• 200 pairs of shoes or other large volume of garments


• 50 espresso machines or a significant quantity of appliances 


• A single sofa or wardrobe 


• A single treadmill or other large piece of exercise equipment  

Whether shipping goods between e-commerce fulfillment centers or direct to the customer, managing freight shipments can be complicated and time-consuming.

Freight shipping challenges include:
 

• Reliability: Businesses need assurance that goods will reach their destination on time and in the same condition they were shipped in.  


• Complexity of scale: Those growing their business or shipping items to multiple fulfillment centers, need an easy way to manage and track their shipments in one place. 


• Lack of visibility: Without accurate, real-time visibility into shipments it can be difficult to manage inventory. It can also create unnecessary worry about whether shipments will arrive on time.  


• Packing and handling: Packing and handling freight requires its own equipment and careful planning.  For example, freight shipments are typically palletized to ensure handling efficiency and reduce package damage.

A seamless solution for freight requires a reliable logistics provider. In addition to ensuring on-time delivery, working with a trusted partner can reduce time spent worrying about potential shipping disruptions. Many leading logistics providers also offer near real-time shipment tracking which simplifies shipping by making it easier to manage delays and keep customers informed about delivery timelines. 

Efficient freight management becomes increasingly important as logistics grow more complex. A seamless solution should simplify coordination and tracking of shipments. Working with a single logistics provider helps by consolidating tracking and reporting. It can also save costs as some providers offer volume discounts.  

Digital tools for calculating rates, scheduling and tracking shipments, and managing billing and invoicing can further help to facilitate a seamless shipping experience. 

First, you will need to determine whether your shipment is classified as freight according to shipping services providers. Be aware that heavyweight or oversized shipments may require specialized freight services.  

Once you’ve determined your shipment classification, select the appropriate mode of transport—ocean, air, or land—based on your specific priorities. Ocean freight is ideal for large-volume shipments that are cost-sensitive and can accommodate longer transit times. Air freight is the go-to option for time-critical deliveries, offering speed but at a higher cost. Land freight, including trucking and rail, balances cost and speed for domestic or regional shipments. 

Additionally, businesses should consider priority, standard, or deferred freight services   based on their delivery timelines. Deferred freight shipping is a cost-effective choice for less urgent shipments, while priority options ensure faster delivery for time-sensitive goods.

Selecting the right freight management partner is an important step in simplifying your logistics and supporting the smooth operation of your e-commerce business. The right partner can help you maintain efficiency, meet customer expectations, and adapt to growth. 

Here are the key factors to consider:

FedEx can help you simplify e-commerce logistics by providing one-stop-shop solutions and services for all your shipping needs, whether you are sending a single cargo package or multiple pieces in pallets and containers. 

Our freight solutions include reliable, day-definite delivery and easy-to-use digital tools that facilitate a seamless, self-service shipping experience

You can also get in touch with our freight experts for support in choosing the service that fits your freight shipping needs.