An in-depth guide to freight shipping’s most frequently asked questions

Booking loads and moving freight can be a complex process, but getting answers shouldn’t be. Whether you’re new to freight shipping or managing hundreds of loads a month, having a clear understanding of available options, industry terminology, and transportation fundamentals can demystify the process and make things easier.

We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about shipping to help you make smart and informed business decisions.

There are several freight shipping options, and the ideal solution depends on the size of the shipment, speed, budget, and the distance freight will travel. The three most common are:

• Full truckload: Full truckload, also called FTL, uses an entire trailer for one shipment and can be more cost-effective than booking multiple smaller shipments. It is ideal for large loads that fill the whole trailer or when faster transit times, minimal handling, and greater control are priorities.
• Less than truckload: Less-than-truckload, or LTL, combines smaller loads—typically those between 100 and 10,000 pounds—from multiple shippers into one trailer. Each shipment uses a portion of the truck’s space, and shippers only pay for the space they use, optimizing costs.
• Intermodal shipping: Intermodal combines multiple modes of transport, such as truck and rail, to move freight using a single container. Learn more about intermodal below.

Intermodal transportation moves cargo in shipping containers or trailers using a combination of trucks and rail or ships. Trucks typically handle the short moves, called drayage, while rail handles the longer portion of the journey. According to the Intermodal Association of North America, there are more than 102 million drayage moves and 18 million loads moved by rail annually.

Intermodal can be a cost-effective and efficient choice for moving freight, especially over long distances. It also reduces handling and freight damage because cargo is loaded into a container or trailer once and isn’t unloaded and reloaded as it moves through the supply chain.

Drop-and-hook freight refers to the process of dropping off a loaded trailer by unhooking it and then connecting, or hooking, to a preloaded trailer that is ready to go. Drop-and-hook loads save time because drivers don’t have to wait for equipment to be loaded and unloaded. It keeps equipment moving, which can reduce detention costs and maximize equipment and driver utilization.

There are various methods for moving freight, and it is essential to understand the differences between the different equipment types.

• Dry van trailers: Dry vans are enclosed trailers used for most freight in the U.S. They don’t move on their own and must be pulled by a truck. While there are various sizes, 53-foot is the most common size used for over-the-road freight.
• Box trucks: Box trucks are a single vehicle with an enclosed area for freight and a cab for the driver. They come in a variety of sizes but are smaller than a dry van trailer, making them more versatile for some routes. They are used in a wide variety of freight transportation applications, including local deliveries in congested areas.
• Intermodal containers: Intermodal containers are similar to dry vans, but they don’t have wheels and must be attached to a chassis, loaded onto a railcar, or stacked on a ship to be moved. Domestic containers are typically 53-foot, the same size as standard highway trailers.

Freight brokers connect shippers with reliable carriers, negotiate rates, and coordinate pickups and deliveries. With more than 95% of U.S. carriers operating ten or fewer trucks, brokers enable shippers to access critical capacity through a single point of contact. Brokers also manage documentation and often provide tracking, optimize routes, and troubleshoot disruptions if they occur.

The three main types of brokers are traditional, digital, and hybrid. The best option can depend on the volume and frequency of shipments, the value of goods, origins, destinations, and other factors.

Each link in the supply chain is important, and the three primary stages are the first, middle, and last mile.

• First mile: The first mile marks freight’s initial movement from its origin, such as the manufacturer or supplier, to a warehouse or distribution center. The focus in the first mile is on packing, documentation, and timeliness.
• Middle mile: The middle mile typically makes up a load’s longest movement. It picks up where the first mile leaves off and is often what people think of when they discuss long-haul trucking or rail movements. Strategic planning, coordination, and execution are crucial in the middle mile, with a primary focus on speed, efficiency, and cost.
• Last mile: The last mile, or final mile, marks the stage when goods are sorted at a fulfillment center and then delivered to the end customer. Last-mile deliveries may be to someone’s front door or a loading dock at a big-box retailer. Any delay in the last mile can significantly impact customer satisfaction, so accuracy, seamless freight movement, and on-time deliveries are top priorities.

Reducing freight costs can improve your margins, and strategies to control freight costs include:

• Consolidating shipments: Combining multiple LTL shipments into a single truckload not only cut costs but also saves time and reduces the risk of damage.
• Packing smart: Well-packaged loads can reduce the risk of damage, streamline pickups, and ensure smooth deliveries.
• Maximizing trailer space: Taking up every inch available increases trailer utilization and can reduce the number of trips needed to move the same amount of freight.
• Negotiating rates: Fostering relationships, expanding your pickup windows, optimizing routes, and tracking freight cycles can help shippers get the best rates.
• Turning to technology: Transportation management systems, tracking tools, and artificial intelligence can optimize freight movements and improve efficiency.
• Planning ahead: Proactively forecasting transportation needs and booking capacity can help you avoid rush shipments and surcharges.

When selecting a freight services provider, look for reliability, transparent pricing, available and well-maintained equipment, and a strong network. You want to work with a provider that has a proven track record of excellent customer service, industry experience, and the resources to scale with your business as your freight needs increase.

If you want to see how Amazon Freight can meet your shipping needs, create an account to start quoting loads instantly.