Date Published: 4 September 2020
Small Parcel Shipping vs Freight Shipping
Does it really matter whether or not you use the term "Parcel" or "Freight" when speaking with your carrier, or requesting office staff to get a quote for some "Freight". Well the answer is Yes. both have different meanings within the carrier industry.
Small "Parcel" shipping is used when companies are sending out one or more small box's labelled individually, they are looking for a service that is repeatable and easy to manage. Although some shippers may ship many "Parcels" at once, to different locations. They key being all are individually labelled to different receiver locations. A good example a parts store sending low weight items out to individual customers, where the item cannot be safely shipped in a satchel.
On the other hand "Freight" shipping typically refers to boxed packages or bulk shipping that require much more management, often complex, in the shipment process. There are many terms used within freight shipping, the key point is that the sizes and quantities are much larger. other characteristics include:
- Many boxes packed onto a pallet
- The weight of individual boxes require mechanical assistance to move or lift
- Freight can be packed into containers as full container (FCL) or part container load (LCL)
- Freight in most instances is destined to the one location.
Most carriers have size and weight restrictions to classify as small small parcels. Meeting these requirements often have price advantages over more bulkier shipments. As a shipper you should have a shipping plan in place to manage both Small Parcel and Freight Shipping. World Options can assist you with the technology once you have your plan in place. Further information can be found at: