Types of Freighting Services

Freight is considered to be a delivery type that is different to 'shipping'. The differentiating factor is weight and size. Specifically, while shipping usually refers to delivering smaller, lighter items by carriers like FedEx or UPS, freight generally refers to sending larger, heavier items. Below is a list of different types of Less Than Truckload (LTL) freighting services. 

LTL freight rates vary by item classification / 'class', weight, pick up and distance to the destination zip codes (aka the "lane" in the transportation industry) and additional services.

--

--

It is useful to consider freight delivery types during your niche selection of larger, heavier physical products for a drop shipping or other type of ecommerce store.

• Trucking

Trucking is generally performed by an LTL carrier

• Lift Gate Freight

A lift gate freight delivery is performed by an LTL carrier. The carrier's truck will place the customer's order on the ground using liftgate equipment, ie a shelf-looking platform that mechanically lowers freighted items to the ground. The receiver of the freighted item is responsible for transporting the item inside. In ecommerce, buyers need to select at least this freighting option at checkout if they do not have a forklift or loading dock, ie some kind of platform onto which the freighted item can be placed.

• Inside Delivery

An inside freight delivery is performed by an LTL carrier. The freighted item will be placed inside the property boundary and away from the curb as in the freight delivery types that are more basic. For instance, when delivering to a business, the carrier usually places the freighted items into the storefront. For a residential delivery, the carrier usually places the freighted item away from the curb, onto the property, usually as far as to the inside of a garage or driveway of the residence.


--

--
• White Glove Freight

Unlike freight delivery services that are slightly more basic, a special white glove carrier performs this type of delivery (and not an LTL carrier). White glove carriers White Glove freight deliveries require special attention (which LTL carriers do not offer). For instance, the shipment / freighted items are professionally packaged and secured to the truck to minimize damage. Upon arrival, the white glove carrier delivers the shipment into the specific location within the structure where the shipment needs to go. For instance, this may mean delivery into a particular room inside a residence (and not just inside the property boundary). In many cases, white Glove freight carriers even de-box and install the freighted items.