Many options exist, especially with vehicles, when different goods are transported. Freight shipping and auto shipping get compared frequently. Those happen to be two of the most common methods. They do serve different purposes and do offer varying benefits, involving different processes as both do involve transporting items.
Understanding the differences between freight shipping and auto shipping can help you make a more informed decision if you are looking to ship a car or a vehicle. This post will explore these two methods’ key differences, how each works, and why the correct option must be selected.
What is Freight Shipping?
Freight shipping involves transporting goods, commodities, or materials in bulk, typically by land, sea, or air. A wide variety of the products can involve freight such as raw materials, consumer goods, and industrial machinery. This term applies to all commercial goods transported using a truck, train, ship, or plane.
For freight shipping, larger cargo containers and multi-vehicle transport are often required, and they can involve transporting multiple items at once. The cost for freight shipping is typically based on the shipment’s weight, volume, and distance. Freight shipping can be useful regarding shipments of heavy materials. It also has uses for large moves of many cars.
Types of Freight Shipping
This is a cost-effective option for shipping smaller loads such as LTL (Less than Truckload). Your goods will be sharing space on that same truck with those other shipments for a reduction of the overall cost.
FTL (Full Truckload): This method offers exclusive truck use for direct delivery plus it is for larger shipments that fill a truck.
What is Auto Shipping?
Auto shipping refers specifically to the transport of vehicles that will include cars, trucks, SUVs, and also motorcycles, from one location to another one. Auto shippers function as a service within the broader logistics industry, with a focus on ensuring vehicles are transported safely, often over long distances.
General freight shipping is used with a wide variety of products, but auto shipping is different. Auto shipping focuses on how to transport vehicles safely because vehicles require specialized carriers along with proper securing and also careful handling.
Types of Auto Shipping
Open Transport constitutes the most cost-effective and common method for vehicle shipping. Your vehicle is loaded upon an open trailer, exposed to the elements. This trailer carries your vehicle, along with other vehicles too. While less protective, this choice is safer than enclosed transport.
Enclosed Transport: Vehicles that are luxury, classic, or high-value use enclosed transport most. Your car is shipped from inside of a fully enclosed trailer. This provides protection from theft and from debris and weather conditions.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal: Door-to-door shipping means that the vehicle is picked up directly. It is then delivered to the specified addresses. In terminal-to-terminal shipping, someone must drop the vehicle off and pick it up at the shipping terminals.
Key Differences Between Freight and Auto Shipping
Freight and auto shipping both involve the transport of goods. Yet, the key difference concerns the cargo that is moved and handling ways. Let us break down all of the key differences which are as follows:
- Purpose of the Transport
Freight Shipping: Large quantity transport often uses freight shipping which was designed to move every good type, from raw materials to consumer products. Heavy or bulky items such as machinery, construction equipment, and bulk materials can be included though it’s not tailored specifically to handle vehicles.
Auto Shipping: Designed specifically for the transport of vehicles is auto shipping, namely auto shipping. Auto transport companies use specialized equipment such as car carriers. This equipment is utilized for safely moving vehicles, whether the distances are short or long.
- Specialization
Freight Shipping: Freight companies handle many goods so they need various handling, packaging, and transportation methods. The vehicles that are used in freight shipping are often larger and are designed so they can carry items at once.
Auto Shipping: Vehicle transport is the specialty of auto shipping companies, ensuring proper handling as well as arrival in the same condition as pickup. These carriers have a specific design for vehicle transport that is safe. They have mechanisms such as with straps, with wheel chocks, and protective coverings.
- Cost Structure
Freight Shipping: Shipment pricing for freight is based upon both the distance as well as volume with weight. In order to ship, items that are larger or heavier will generally cost more. Shipping class impacts the price which might lack consistency. Size and also weight as well as goods characteristics factor into any freight class.
Auto Shipping: Auto shipping pricing is based on factors that include the type of vehicle that is being shipped as well as the distance, the shipping method (open vs. enclosed transport), and specific routes. Extra costs may apply for services such as if delivery is door-to-door or shipping is expedited.
- Protection During Transport
Freight Shipping: Safe transport is ensured, though specialized protection for the goods is not necessarily provided. Cargo may be exposed to external elements, in some cases, or weather, depending on transport.
Auto Shipping: Auto shipping places a strong emphasis because of how it protects your vehicle during the course of transport. Enclosed transport offers full protection against weather and debris. Open transport still includes careful securing of the vehicle on specialized carriers since the vehicle is secured carefully. A lot of auto shipping companies insure to protect against additional
- Handling and Equipment
For freight shipments, cranes or forklifts or other heavy equipment may be required. This necessity depends upon the size of the items being loaded and unloaded. Trucks, ships, or planes may be used by freight companies. However, typically, the equipment isn’t designed specifically for transport vehicles.
Firms that ship autos use equipment made for loading and securing vehicles. They use some car carriers and also flatbeds. Workers handle cars with much care as they load and then unload them quite safely. They use both hydraulic lifts and ramps along with straps for this handling.
When to Choose Freight Vs Auto Shipping
In choosing between freight and auto shipping, it depends on the items that you need to transport.
For transport involving large quantities of goods, industrial machinery, construction equipment, or bulk materials, freight shipping is the choice. For items needing no specialized handling, freight shipping is something better suited than vehicles are.
Auto Shipping is optimal for transporting a car, a truck, or even a motorcycle. Auto shipping is the ideal choice when ensuring that your vehicle is transported both safely and efficiently if you’re relocating, buying or perhaps selling a vehicle or moving for work.
Why Choose Automobile Shipping for Your Vehicle Transport?
At Automobile Shipping, we specialize in vehicle transport that remains both safe as well as secure. This is why we excel in the auto transport industry.
- Reliable Service: Whether shipping locally or across the country, we ensure your vehicle is transported in time and in outstanding condition.
- Open and Enclosed Transport Options: Choose the shipping method that best suits your vehicle’s needs because you can choose a cost-effective open transport or choose an enclosed transport for added protection.
- Experienced Team: Our experienced team equips specialized equipment as well as serves personalized service, safely handling your vehicle throughout the transport process.
- Transparent Pricing: We price competitively and clearly without hiding fees, so you know exactly for what you should expect when you book your shipment.
- Tracking: You can track your vehicle at real-time. Help: Our support staff stands ready to respond to questions that arise in the transport of cargo.
Final Thoughts on Freight Vs Auto Shipping
Freight and auto shipping are methods for transporting goods, and yet they are tailored for different shipment types. Freight shipping is specifically designed for bulk goods. Auto shipping exists for safely transporting vehicles instead of other options. Auto shipping is the best option for ensuring that your vehicle arrives in such outstanding condition when a car, truck, or motorcycle needs some moving.
If you are ready to ship your vehicle, reach Automobile Shipping so we can contact you. We will surely help you to navigate through the shipping process. For all of your vehicle transport needs, we can provide a reliable as well as cost-effective solution.
