When businesses or individuals need to move goods, the terms "freight" and "shipping" often come up interchangeably. But they’re not the same. The difference between freight and shipping lies in volume, cost, handling, and the methods of transportation. Choosing the right option—whether full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), or parcel shipping—can impact your supply chain efficiency and costs.
In this article, we’ll break down what freight and shipping truly mean, compare their key differences, and help you decide which is best for your logistics needs.
What is Freight?
Freight refers to the transportation of bulk goods over long distances, typically using trucks, trains, ships, or air freight services. Freight shipments are usually large, exceeding 150 lbs, and can be categorized into:
- Less-than-truckload (LTL): Used for smaller freight shipments that do not fill an entire truck. Multiple shipments from different shippers share space in the same truck.
- Full truckload (FTL): When a business has enough goods to fill an entire truck, it can ship them in one go, reducing handling and transit time.
- Air freight: Ideal for urgent and high-value goods requiring rapid delivery across long distances.
Freight packing and shipping require careful handling, as large or heavy goods often need pallets, crates, or containers for protection.
What Does Shipping Include?
Shipping refers to the process of transporting goods from one location to another, regardless of size. While it includes freight, shipping is a broader term that covers parcel delivery, standard courier services, and freight logistics. Shipping typically involves:
- Parcel shipping: Small packages weighing less than 150 lbs, delivered through services like FedEx, UPS, or Canada Post.
- Freight shipping: Bulk shipments moved via truck, air, sea, or rail.
- Standard shipping: Used for eCommerce and retail deliveries, including last-mile delivery services.
Key Differences Between Freight and Shipping
Here’s a quick comparison of freight vs. shipping:
| Aspect | Freight | Shipping |
| Volume and Size | Large, bulk shipments (150 lbs and above) | Small packages or parcels (under 150 lbs) |
| Transportation Modes | Truck (FTL/LTL), air freight, ocean freight, rail | Standard courier, postal services, freight forwarding |
| Handling and Care | Requires specialized freight packing and shipping | Less complex handling, often pre-packaged |
| Delivery Speed | Varies based on mode (air freight is fastest) | Typically faster for small parcels |
| Cost | Generally higher, depends on weight and distance | Lower for small shipments |
| Use Case | Business bulk transport, supply chain logistics | eCommerce, consumer shipping |
Freight vs. Shipping: Pros and Cons
Freight – Pros:
- Cost-effective for large shipments
- Suitable for bulk supply chain logistics
- Flexible options (LTL, FTL, air, rail)
Freight – Cons:
- Longer transit times (except air freight)
- More complex freight logistics and documentation
- Requires specialized packing
Shipping – Pros:
- Faster for smaller parcels
- Easier to manage and track
- Less expensive for individual shipments
Shipping – Cons:
- Higher costs for large shipments
- Limited weight and size capacity
- Not ideal for business supply chain needs
Conclusion
Choosing between freight and shipping depends on the size, urgency, and cost considerations of your shipment. Freight delivery is best for bulk orders, while standard shipping is ideal for smaller packages. If you frequently transport goods, working with a shipping agent or freight forwarder can help streamline logistics and optimize costs.
At eShipper, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions, from freight shipping to parcel delivery, ensuring your business gets the best transportation options for your needs. Contact us today to streamline your logistics with expert freight forwarding and parcel shipping solutions!
FAQs
A shipment refers to goods being transported, regardless of the mode, while cargo typically refers to large shipments transported by air, sea, or rail.
Cargo is a type of freight that specifically refers to goods transported by air or sea, whereas freight includes all bulk transportation methods, including trucking and rail.
Freight charges are for large, bulk shipments and vary based on volume, weight, and distance. Shipping charges apply to parcel delivery and are generally lower than freight costs.
Need help choosing the best shipping services for your business? Contact eShipper today to streamline your logistics with expert freight forwarding and parcel shipping solutions!
