October 9, 2012

Shipping Via Freight

Items packed onto 40x48 pallet to be shipped via freight.
 
 
Shrink wrapped and banded pallet - ready to ship!
 
 
Freight shipping is a great option if your item(s) weigh more than 150 lbs., which is too heavy for a parcel service to transport. You may need to ship one large, heavy item (a chest, a chair) or maybe you’re shipping many items that have a combined weight of more than 150 lbs. (boxes, small furniture). 

In both cases, the items should be packaged carefully and then shrink wrapped and banded onto a standard 40x48 pallet. This secures the items together to the base, which is then moved onto a truck by forklift or pallet jack. If your shipment contains many boxes, this is a great way to ship them all together in one snug group, rather than separately with a parcel service – there is less chance for damage or loss, and everything arrives at the same time.  

For small household moves, it may be less expensive to ship your items via freight than with a traditional household move (if you have less than a truckload (LTL)). Shipping costs are based on weight and dimensions, so after your items are banded to a pallet, it can be weighed and measured, and an accurate quote can be ascertained.

Freight shipments primarily deliver to the curb. Any extra services required at destination, such as indoor delivery, lift-gate service, or specific day/time delivery, will incur extra fees for each accessorial service. A failed delivery attempt will also cause an extra fee.

In order to register a freight shipment, there is specific information needed in order to ensure proper delivery: 

1.       shipper and recipient’s name, address, phone number, email address

2.       Does the recipient require lift-gate service or is there a dock at destination?

3.       Does the recipient require indoor delivery?

4.       Can the destination address safety receive a tractor-trailer delivery?

Insurance valuation is an important option to think about when shipping via freight. Generally, insurance valuation for regular household goods shipments is $.50 per $100, but you must check this with your freight carrier when scheduling.