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UPS Supply Chain Solutions^®

Freight Shipping Guide

airplane flying over ocean freight container at a dock

Freight shipping can be complex. Whether you're a shipping novice or need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the important steps of shipping freight and answer your most asked questions.

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What is Freight Shipping?

Here’s the simplest freight definition: freight shipping—or freight transportation—is the process of moving goods, commodities and cargo in bulk from one point to another, almost anywhere in the world. Freight shipping options include air, ocean, ground and rail shipping, or intermodal, which is a combination of these modes.

This Guide Contains:

What is freight shipping?

How do I select the right mode?

How does freight travel?

What is a freight forwarder?

How do I ship freight?

What factors impact shipping rates?

What freight documentation do I need?

What is customs clearance?

Should I insure my freight?

Freight vs. Shipping Small Package

What’s the difference between packages and freight? The simple difference is weight. If your shipment is 150 pounds or less, it’s considered small package. If your shipment is larger than 150 pounds, and up to 15,000 pounds, it’s considered freight. If you’re still not sure, consider this: if you just have a few parcels, traditional small-package transportation is probably just fine. But, if you have a large shipment with a large quantity of goods, we recommend freight transportation.

Freight shipping is ideal for a vast array of goods, and there's really no limit to what can be shipped via freight.

How Do I Select the Right Mode of Transportation?

With so many types of freight shipping, how do you know which is best for your situation? And, how fast is freight shipping? While there are other important considerations, which we’ll discuss shortly, your primary decision-drivers are usually urgency and cost.

If your top concern is, “How fast can I move freight,” air freight is likely the best place to begin. Air freight is the fastest option, but also the most expensive. For example, we can help get your shipment on a Next Flight Out with delivery from ‘as soon as possible’ to three days later.

If your top concern is, “How much does it cost to move freight,” ocean freight is likely your best option. While it’s the slowest option, ocean freight is also the most budget-friendly option, an important considerations when you’re trying to conserve cost.

What Are the Other Key Considerations When Shipping Freight?

Shipment Type

The size, weight and nature of your goods may also impact the choice of shipping mode. Heavy or oversized goods are likely best suited for ocean freight when travelling internationally, and road or rail freight when being transported domestically. Temperature-controlled items, such as pharmaceuticals and medical products, and perishable items, like wine, meats or fresh fruits likely require special packaging and handling and are probably best moved by air freight shipments.

Carrier Reliability

Price shopping is important but choosing the cheapest carrier may not be the most prudent choice in the long run. Always research the reliability of your carrier(s) before making a decision. Supply chains can be disrupted by port congestions and closures, labor shortages, containers and space shortages and capacity issues. Make sure your ocean freight carrier has access to the equipment and space to keep the booking promises they make. And always choose reliable air carriers who will be able to load your shipment on a booked flight, not a series of partial shipments.

Safety

Ensuring the integrity and safety of your goods is important. Know your goods—and your customer’s expectations—and choose accordingly. Goods traveling via ocean or rail transport are more prone to damage or loss. Air and land transport is safest for shipping fragile or perishable goods. As mentioned above, always be aware of the reliability record of your chosen carrier.

Choosing the right mode of transportation can reduce logistics costs, mitigate delays, improve customer experience and generally optimize your supply chain.

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Have questions about freight shipping? We’ll get you to the right people with answers.

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How Does Freight Travel?

Freight travels by air, ocean, ground, rail or a combination of multiple modes.


Mode	Air Freight	Ocean Freight	Ground Freight	Rail Freight	Multimodal
Definition	Generally, one of fastest and most expensive types of freight transportation. Air freight is typically used for time-sensitive goods that are high-value and lightweight. (Can be cost prohibitive for low-value, commodity products or goods that are bulky or heavy.)	Ocean freight is transported by ship, in large containers. It is the slowest, but most affordable freight option. In addition to traditional ocean passage, water carriage also includes inland and inter-coastal waterways, such as rivers, canals and lakes.	Also known as truck, highway or road transportation, ground freight is a less expensive transportation option to ship large, non-time-sensitive cargo by truck. Delivery can take 3–10 days, depending on pickup and delivery locations.	The process of moving cargo by utilizing trains and railroads. This is ideal for raw materials or moving ocean containers across long distances.	Combining more than one mode of transportation to provide a unique solution that can be cheaper than air freight, but faster than ocean freight.
Advantages	Shorter transit times Better freight condition on arrival Greater inventory control Increased security	Less expensive mode Tremendous cargo capacity Accommodates almost any weight or volume configuration	Good value; faster than rail, cheaper than air Flexible and accessible Adaptable for goods requiring special conditions (Ex. temperature control)	Good for large shipments traveling long distances across land Ideal for bulk commodities in car-load quantities Can be less expensive than ground or air for distances more than 600 miles	Cheaper than air transportation Faster than ocean transportation
Types	Consolidated Commercial Charter	FCL- Full Container Load LCL- Less than container load	FTL Shipping – Full Truckload LTL Shipping - Less than truckload	N/A	Surface intermodal Express intermodal Ocean intermodal

Mode

Definition
Advantages
Types

What is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder is a company that specializes in helping shippers (often called consignees) arrange for the importing and exporting of their goods. The freight forwarder itself does not actually move your freight, but acts as an intermediary between you and the various transportation carriers you can utilize (i.e. air, ocean, road, rail and/or intermodal).

Freight forwarders have established relationships with carriers, enabling them to recommend the best balance of speed, cost and reliability when moving your goods. They also handle the considerable, and sometimes complex, logistics of transporting goods across borders. A good forwarder has extensive knowledge of Customs documentation requirements, country codes and regulations, transportation costs and international banking practices.

What are freight services they can provide:

Preparation of shipping and export documents
Booking cargo space
Negotiating freight charges
Storage and warehousing
Tracking transportation
Freight consolidation/deconsolidation
Assistance with cargo insurance

How Do I Know if I Need a Freight Forwarder?

The complex processes, paperwork and regulations required for international trade can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with them. This is where a freight forwarder can be an invaluable asset.

Regardless the size of your company, or the type of goods you ship, a good freight forwarder will be an end-to-end provider who leads your cargo from origin to destination. It’s their job to know the shipping companies, documentation procedures and customs laws of various countries.

Though a freight forwarder is not required for importing or exporting goods, they can be tremendously valuable to companies dealing in the international transportation of goods. They can be especially helpful if your in-house resources are not as informed on international shipping procedures.

Freight forwarders typically charge modest rates for their services, but also have access to shipping discounts. Bottom line: choosing the right freight forwarding provider can save you untold time, eliminate considerable headaches and provide a reliable transportation experience for you and your goods.

Looking for a Forwarder That Can Understand Your Unique Business?

UPS Supply Chain Solutions is one of the world’s largest providers of transportation, logistics and freight forwarding services. But that doesn’t mean we only keep company with companies our size. On the contrary, the vast majority of our customers are far from intergalactic enterprises. And each of them — regardless of size — can take advantage of our global expertise, brand stability and leading-edge compliance and technology capabilities. Whether by air, ocean, road or rail, we’ll get it there for you.

How Do I Ship Freight?

1. Choose a Transportation Mode

Decide which transportation mode is best for your timeline, budget and specific needs. You can get and compare air and ocean freight quotes using the UPS^® Forwarding Hub.

2. Fill Out the Forms

Freight can’t be picked up without proper documentation, so gather and fill out the necessary shipping documents. Learn more about shipping documents.

3. Pack Your Freight

Determine the best packing options and materials to secure and protect your shipment and mitigate damage. You can choose from a variety of packaging materials, such as paper, foam or bubble wrap padding, loose packing, edge boards, corrosion protection and shrink wrapping. If you’re shipment will be palletized, decide if you’ll use plastic or wooden pallets. Depending on the destination, determine if the wooden pallets need to be heat treated.

4. Schedule a Pickup

If you’re scheduling your own pick-up, it’s a good idea to book the pickup several days in advance of your needed pickup date. Determine if you or your recipient will require a liftgate, in the event either of you don’t have a loading dock. Contact the carrier’s local service center. If you’re using UPS, you can schedule your pickup through the UPS^® Forwarding Hub, where you’ll also receive your cost estimate and tracking number.

5. Your Shipment is Transported

If you have a tracking number, you can keep track of your shipment, or if available, be alerted at key milestones or if any exceptions occur. Your shipment is transported to the local service center. If it’s going by air, it’s taken to a local hub or directly to the airport. If it’s going by ocean, it’s transported to the nearest port and loaded on an ocean vessel.

6. Clearing Customs

When your shipment arrives at the destination air gateway or port, it is processed for Customs clearance, which can take up to three days. If the shipment clears Customs before 9 a.m. that day, it can be loaded onto a truck to be driven to its final delivery destination. Your shipment only has to clear customs in the country of its final destination.

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Our all-in-one customer portal lets you get and compare quotes, book, and track shipments all on one, easy-to-navigate platform.

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What Factors Impact Freight Shipping Rates?

When all things are equal, freight prices are determined by several factors:

Type of Cargo

The type of goods, weight and density all impact the freight shipping class, which impacts freight cost. So, what is freight classification? It is the standardized shipping industry pricing classification that establishes uniform parameters for commerce between multiple brokers, warehouses and carriers. Class is determined based upon a range of factors, including: ease of handling, value, weight, length, height, density and liability. Put simply, the bigger the cargo, the more room needed for transport. Regardless of transportation mode, the size of the goods—and the manpower needed to move it—will determine how much you pay.

Urgency

How quickly you need your goods to be delivered impacts both shipping mode and cost. With more advance planning and logistics flexibility, you can improve efficiency, optimize routes and modes and save you money. But, in the most urgent situations, you may need to turn to next-day or even same-day options.

Mode of Transportation

Generally, air freight shipping is going to be the most expensive shipping option, while ocean freight is going to be the least expensive shipping option. Also, look for unique intermodal freight shipping options that might be just right when air freight is too expensive and ocean freight is too slow.

Distance

Generally, the greater the distance between the original pick-up point and final destination, the higher the shipping cost. But additional factors like geographic location, complexity of pick-up/delivery and fluctuating fuel costs can also be factors. An experienced 3PL can help you develop supply chain strategies to help cut freight costs and maximize your transportation budget.

Unexpected Disruptions

Seasonality

Seasonal trends can have a significant impact on freight costs. With more demand comes higher cost. At times when transportation becomes a higher priority, rates increase. To avoid seasonal surprises and blowing your freight budget, it’s critical to have timely and accurate business forecasting.

What Freight Documentation Do I Need?

There are several key documents used in the international shipping process. They define the shipping transaction and provide information for Customs and regulatory compliance. You can fill these documents out in the UPS Forwarding Hub.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Establishes the terms of the contract between the shipper and the transportation company. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage and a receipt for goods.

House Air Waybill (HAWB) — A freight forwarder’s waybill that identifies a single shipment.
Master Air Waybill (MAWB) — An airline’s waybill that may be used for the consolidation of several house air waybills.

Commercial Invoice

Contains information about the commercial transaction between the shipper and consignee/receiver, typically with these characteristics:

Printed on company letterhead
Full details of shipper, consignee, intermediate consignee, etc.
Reference numbers (Invoice, Purchase Order, etc.)
Date
Description, quantity and value of goods
Original signature in blue ink
Used to determine duties and taxes
Used by exporter in processing original terms of sale or when quoting pricing

Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)

A letter from the shipper instructing the shipping company how the shipper wants the shipment handled, typically containing:

Detailed shipper and consignee identification
Air waybill or tracking number
Service requested
Key reference numbers
Payment terms
Commercial shipment value
Insurance coverage requested
Limited export power of attorney

Electronic Export Information (EEI)

Previously known as the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED), this filing is generally required by the US Census Bureau for US exports containing a single commodity with a value exceeding US$2,500. EEI is also required for shipments of items on the US Commerce Control List to military end use countries. EEI information is provided to the US Census Bureau and is used for export compliance and governmental reporting. It provides the following information:

Trade information
Commodity identification using the Schedule B number
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Signature of exporter or representative with power of attorney
Information about export licenses that might apply

Certificate of Origin*

Defines the origin of the goods being shipped. It is not required for all shipments, only those going to specific countries that require it for Customs clearance, or when it is specifically required in the terms of the transaction. It:

Attests to the origin of where the goods were manufactured
Requires full details of shipper, consignee, description, pieces, weight, markings and mode of transport
Is stamped by the Chamber of Commerce and signed by a notary public
May allow favorable duty rates

*Israel has its own Certificate of Origin

Hazardous Materials/ Dangerous Goods (HAZMAT)

Extra documentation is required for articles or substances that can pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment, and are shown on the list of dangerous goods in the Dangerous Goods Regulations. Shipment of dangerous goods by air is highly regulated. Specific processes and procedures must be followed for documentation, package marking and labeling, as well as shipment handling

What is Customs Clearance?

When international shipments enter the importing country, they must be cleared by that country’s Customs authorities before they can be delivered to their final destination. Customs clearance is the act of moving goods through the Customs process.

In addition, every country imposes import duties and taxes on the goods that cross their borders. This helps to generate income, while also protecting their economy, their environment, and their citizens.

For those unaccustomed, this can seem like a complex, sometimes confusing, process. But managed properly, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what happens when a shipment arrives at Customs:

Customs officers examine the required paperwork

To avoid Customs holds or delays, it’s important that all necessary forms be accurate and complete, especially the shipping label and commercial invoice.

Import duties and taxes are assessed

Customs requests payment for applicable duties and taxes

If your shipment exceeds the tax threshold, the customs officer checks to see if duties and taxes have been paid. Additionally, certain restricted goods may incur fees regardless of their value. The shipper/consignee should determine in advance how these fees will be paid.

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) — This means import duties and taxes have already been paid. When choosing DDP, the price you paid for shipping covers any import fees, which is reflected on the attached shipping label. This is the best, most recommended way to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.
Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) — This means import duties and taxes are not included in the price of the shipping. In this instance, the customs officer forwards the shipment to an independent customs broker to collect the required fees. These fees can become more expensive, with additional variable charges for brokerage, storage and possibly late payment. In addition, the broker will contact the recipient to collect payment, which may be surprising or upsetting to customers.

Your shipment clears customs

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Should I Insure my Freight Shipment?

It’s important to understand the difference between carrier liability coverage and cargo insurance. Though they sound similar, there are significant differences between the two. Understanding the difference can help you reduce risk and lower shipping costs.

Simply put, the main differences define what’s covered/not covered and who’s considered at fault when something goes wrong.

Carrier Liability

Carrier Liability is generally included in the shipping quote from the carrier. Coverage may depend on what you’re shipping and the carrier’s rate for that type of goods, and is often much less than the real value of your cargo.

What’s covered/not covered? Carrier liability does not cover concealed damage, weather, acts of God or damage resulting from improper packaging or loading. Read the fine print on any carrier liability agreement.
Who’s at fault? With carrier liability, the shipper must prove that the damage or loss is the carrier’s fault and provide evidence of value and loss.

Cargo Insurance

Cargo Insurance is elective coverage (meaning you can purchase it or not) based on the actual value of your cargo. Generally, cargo insurance fees are in addition to the carrier’s liability. The advantage is that you have coverage for the total value of your goods.

What’s covered/not covered? Cargo Insurance covers just about any type of damage for almost any reason. Some types of cargo may not be covered, depending on the policy. Service guarantee failures may also not be covered. Again, understand the fine print on your policy.
Who’s at fault? With cargo insurance, you only have to prove that damage or loss occurred while the goods were in the carrier’s possession.

Hoping nothing bad happens to your cargo probably isn’t the best risk-mitigation strategy.

Unforeseen events can result in damage or loss to your cargo, events that can damage both your bottom line, your customer relationships and your company’s reputation. Talk to us about the best risk-mitigation strategies and Cargo Insurance Services for what and where you ship.

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Questions? We’ll connect you to people with answers. Tell us about you, and choose a topic to get started.

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Freight Shipping Guide

What is Freight Shipping?

This Guide Contains:

Freight vs. Shipping Small Package

How Do I Select the Right Mode of Transportation?

What Are the Other Key Considerations When Shipping Freight?

Ask a Freight Expert

How Does Freight Travel?

Mode

What is a Freight Forwarder?

How Do I Know if I Need a Freight Forwarder?

Looking for a Forwarder That Can Understand Your Unique Business?

How Do I Ship Freight?

1. Choose a Transportation Mode

2. Fill Out the Forms

3. Pack Your Freight

4. Schedule a Pickup

5. Your Shipment is Transported

6. Clearing Customs

Ready to Get Started?

What Factors Impact Freight Shipping Rates?

What Freight Documentation Do I Need?

What is Customs Clearance?

Supply Chain Insights Straight to Your Inbox

Should I Insure my Freight Shipment?

Hoping nothing bad happens to your cargo probably isn’t the best risk-mitigation strategy.

Ask a Freight Expert

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