Shipping large items can be a daunting task, but freight carriers have the equipment and experience necessary to handle them. In this article, we'll help you define oversized and freight shipments, and provide you with a resource for calculating estimated shipping costs. Packages that weigh more than 150 pounds, measure more than 108 inches, or have a combined circumference and length of more than 165 inches are considered large cargo items. These packages cannot be shipped through the usual shipping channels and must be transported as cargo.
Different carriers will have different dimensions and weight limits for oversized and cargo shipments. Consolidated freight companies, such as TSI, specialize in transporting large packages and will have an integrated network of transportation partners with experience in moving large or difficult to ship loads. For packages over 70 pounds or non-urgent deliveries, consolidated transportation is one of the most cost-effective shipping methods. Boxes that exceed the weight and size limits for large packages can be shipped with under-truckload (LTL) shipping services, meaning your package will share space on the truck with other items heading in the same direction. Full-load shipping is also the ideal cargo designation for shipments that require refrigeration, temperature control, flat platforms, or other special housing for oversized or oversized loads.
Partial shipping with part load is an intermediate long-distance partial load option for shipping large items, from 6 to 18 pallets, within the range of 8,000 to 27,000 pounds. When you ship large boxes and products, the cost of return shipping alone can reduce your margins. Freight shipping is ideal for packages with dimensions greater than 30 cm long x 30 cm wide x 30 cm high or packages that weigh more than 150 pounds. Freight shipments can help you avoid most of these big costs, and you don't always pay much more compared to shipping a regular package. Understanding accessories and their importance in the shipping process before filling out a freight quote will help you avoid an unexpected adjustment in billing once the shipment is delivered and completed. Large packages are subject to a minimum billable weight of 90 pounds, unless shipped by UPS Ground with a package with freight rates. In both cases, the cost of shipping will be determined by the size and weight of each oversized package you need to send.
Consider shipping with a full load if your cargo is urgent or if you need all the space in the truck due to its size and weight. If you're shipping something larger than this, you'll need to set a specific rate with USPS, and some USPS retailers may not be able to help you ship a box of that size. A lot will depend on where and from where you're shipping and the number of items you're shipping. Freight forwarding companies specialize in transporting heavy items, and your cargo won't be subject to a maximum weight limit or oversized package charges.
