What Is Freight in Regards to Shipping?

Dive into the world of freight shipping, learning about its significance in the ecommerce industry and how it impacts premium, modern brands.

Jim Sharkey
October 3, 2023
Inside a fulfillment center

In the bustling realm of ecommerce, where the transportation of goods is essential, understanding freight shipping is important.

Whether you're a budding startup carving your niche or an established brand aiming for operational perfection, you’ve likely heard the term “freight.” What does it entail in the shipping process, and how does it sculpt the logistics landscape?

With hands-on experience from Amazon to now Mochila Fulfillment, I've seen the transformative power of freight and its impact on shippers.

What Is Freight?

Freight refers to the large-scale movement of all types of goods, whether by air freight, ocean freight, or rail freight. But there's more than one definition of freight. For instance, while parcel shipping might remind you of FedEx delivering boxes to your doorstep, freight shipments, often conveyed via pallets in massive shipping containers, are in a different league — too bulky or weighty for traditional carriers.

The influence of freight in shaping the shipping process is undeniable.

What Are the Different Types of Freight Shipping?

It's essential to understand the various types of freight shipping. Here's a closer look:

  • LTL (Less Than Truckload): LTL is ideal for businesses with shipments larger than a parcel but that don't require an entire truck. It's a cost-effective way to ship, as you only pay for the space you use. During my time with a modern apparel brand at Mochila, we frequently leveraged LTL freight to optimize shipping, especially when orders were inconsistent in size.

  • Partial Truckload: This type of shipping is partway between LTL and FTL, defined as six to 12 pallets in a warehouse or container.

  • FTL (Full Truckload): As the name suggests, FTL is for shipments that occupy an entire truck. It’s usually faster than LTL since it's a direct shipment without multiple stops.

  • Intermodal Freight: This combines two or more modes of transportation, such as truck and rail. It’s environmentally friendly and often saves costs, especially for long-distance shipments.

  • Expedited Freight: For brands that require swift shipping, expedited freight is the go-to. It ensures faster delivery but at a premium price.

Each type has its benefits and challenges, and understanding which to use can significantly influence a brand's shipping efficiency and customer satisfaction.

How Does Freight Affect Premium Brands?

From the storytelling forged to the meticulous packaging, shippers and brands alike understand the vitality of the supply chain. Yet, amid this spectrum of factors, freight shipping often emerges as a game-changer. Freight isn't merely about moving products — it symbolizes a brand's unwavering commitment to brilliance.

Visualize the moment a customer unboxes a coveted luxury product, only to discover it's been mishandled or postponed due to mishaps in freight transportation. Regardless of how trivial, such glitches can severely dent a brand's reputation. Comparatively, when freight shipments reach their final destination seamlessly and on time, it amplifies the brand's aura of supremacy and exclusivity.

The impeccable synchronicity between trucking companies, freight forwarders, and air freight providers is crucial to final delivery.

Mochila knows the ins and outs of freight services. We leverage our deep insights from working with elite brands. We understand everything from shipping costs to the tariffs associated with ocean freight and rail freight. We believe that the pinnacle of luxury branding transcends beyond what meets the eye — it's equally about the perfection that operates in the backdrop.

How Do Freight and Warehousing Compare?

In the intricate world of luxury branding, the subtle details often carry the greatest significance. The relationship between freight and warehousing defines a brand's operational prowess and image in the market. With its air of sophistication, warehousing acts as the sanctuary where prized products await their journey to consumers. 

Similarly, freight delivery is a reliable shipping option, ensuring these treasures are delivered promptly and in pristine condition. My time working at Amazon taught me the immense value of real-time inventory systems. These systems create a symphony, striking the right chord between warehousing artistry and the timely beat of freight.

Finances also play a role — expansive warehousing can be tempting, but there is a balance between storing inventory and ensuring their consistent and efficient journey to the marketplace. This equilibrium is a testament to a brand's financial strategy and perceived image.

Furthermore, the locale of warehousing is not merely a consideration of capacity but of strategic placement. Elite brands recognize the immense advantage of situating their warehouses close to essential freight routes, leading to streamlined shipping and cost-effectiveness.

How To Optimize Your Shipping With Freight

Ensuring cost efficiency doesn't mean cutting corners — it's all about optimizing your shipping process. Here are some of our tips:

Choosing the Right Mode

As discussed, LTL, FTL, intermodal, and expedited have different cost implications — take time to consider which option will suit your needs best. Regularly analyzing shipping patterns can help yield insights into potential savings.

Negotiate Rates

Especially for premium brands with sizable shipments, there's always room to negotiate a freight quote. Building long-term relationships with freight carriers, as we have at Mochila, can lead to preferential rates and terms.

Invest in Technology

Modern tech solutions offer dynamic routing, real-time tracking, and other tools to optimize freight costs. At Amazon, technological investments in logistics have been pivotal in achieving scale while maintaining efficiency.

Regular Audits

An often-overlooked aspect, regular freight audits can highlight discrepancies, overcharges, or areas of inefficiency. In pursuing perfection for our premium brands at Mochila, audits have been instrumental in streamlining operations and cutting unnecessary costs.

What Is the Future of Freight?

The intricacies of freight undeniably influence brand perception, especially in today's competitive market. As premium brands continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of globalization, sustainability, and evolving customer expectations, mastering the art and science of freight becomes a logistic necessity and a brand imperative.

At Mochila, we've witnessed firsthand how meticulous freight management can become the foundation of a brand's success story. As brands grow, adapt, and reinvent themselves, freight remains the silent backbone, ensuring products and brand promises are delivered seamlessly.

Navigate Your Brand's Freight Journey With Mochila

Crafting a luxury brand image isn't merely about aesthetics. It’s intricately intertwined with the effectiveness of your freight decisions. If your brand seeks to epitomize excellence, let Mochila be the guiding compass in your freight journey. 

Experience the Mochila difference. Connect with our team of experts today and elevate your brand's fulfillment.

Sources: 

What Is E-Commerce? Definition, Types & Getting Started | Forbes Advisor 

Four Powerful Ways To Build Your Brand Reputation | Forbes 

Ocean Transportation Intermediaries | Federal Maritime Commission 

How can you make your brand more sustainable? | LinkedIn 

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