Have you ever wondered what a freight carrier is? A freight carrier is a company or organization that provides transportation services for the shipment of goods and materials.
Several types of freight carriers are available, each with their benefits and drawbacks. This blog post will explore the various types of freight carriers to help you decide which one best suits your shipping needs.
What is a freight carrier?
A freight carrier is a third-party logistics (3PL) company responsible for the transportation of goods. Freight carriers, also known as carriers or shippers, can move freight domestically or internationally by land, sea, or air. They use common carriers, freight brokers, or freight transport fleets to move freight from point A to point B.
Common carriers are a type of freight carrier that provides transportation services to the public. Examples of common carriers include:
- Airlines
- Trucking companies
- Railroads
- And shipping lines
On the other hand, freight brokers facilitate the movement of goods between carriers and shippers and are not directly involved in transporting goods. They act as intermediaries, finding the best shipping rates for shippers and helping coordinate between different modes of transportation.
Freight carriers have a vital role in the global economy, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to move freight from one place to another. With the use of air freight, for example, companies can quickly ship goods over long distances. No matter what type of freight carrier you choose, they all provide essential services that make it possible to move goods around the world.
Local
Regarding freight carriers, local freight carriers provide the most localized shipping service. These are the types of companies that primarily move freight within the same city or nearby areas.
They specialize in shorter-distance transportation of goods and offer various services, such as door-to-door pick-up and delivery, warehousing, and storage, 3PL companies, party logistics, and more.
Local freight carriers also have access to international freight carriers and can move freight across borders. However, their primary focus is on the local market, allowing them to provide quicker turnaround times and more cost-effective solutions for those transporting their goods locally.
Local freight carriers are an excellent option if you’re looking to move your goods quickly and affordably within a limited geographic area. They are also great for businesses needing a third-party logistics (3PL) provider or using a freight broker for their transportation needs.
Additionally, local freight carriers are often preferred by carriers and shippers who are familiar with the region’s roads and infrastructure, as well as those who require faster delivery times than can be provided by air freight or other long-distance modes of freight transport.
Regional
Regional freight carriers are an excellent option for businesses that need to move freight on a smaller scale. They typically provide transportation of goods to customers in a specific geographic area, although they can often expand their services to include international freight. Regional carriers specialize in transporting goods by truck, rail, or air, depending on the needs of their customers. They are also known as 3PL (third-party logistics) companies, freight brokers, or common carriers.
These carriers tend to be smaller and more flexible than national freight companies, allowing them to move freight quickly and respond to customer requests. They also typically have lower costs than larger freight companies, making them an attractive option for businesses operating on a smaller budget. However, customers should evaluate regional carriers thoroughly before selecting one to transport their goods, as not all regional carriers are equal in terms of quality and reliability.
National
Regarding national freight, it is typically handled by third-party logistics companies (3PLs) with experience in international freight and long-distance travel. These freight companies can move freight from one country to another and provide full-service solutions to help you transport goods.
Common carriers are a type of freight transport used for national shipments. Large companies specialize in freight transport between different states and regions. They can move freight across the country quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
Freight brokers are a critical component of the national freight industry. Freight brokers work with carriers and shippers to create an efficient system for moving cargo across the country. They can negotiate rates, provide service options, and ensure that the shipment is delivered on time.
Air freight is another type of national freight option. Air freight requires unique aircraft to move freight quickly and securely from one location to another. It is often used for small items that need to be moved quickly and securely from one place to another.
How to choose your freight carrier?
When it comes to moving freight, you want to be sure that your items are safe and arrive safely. Finding a suitable freight carrier is essential to ensure this. There are various freight carriers available, so it is important to understand what services each offers to choose the one that best suits your needs.
The first type of freight carrier is a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Company. These companies provide international freight services, including:
- Air
- Ground
- And sea transportation
They can also offer warehousing services and a wide range of customized logistics solutions.
Another type of freight carrier is a common carrier. Common carriers typically provide a wide range of freight transport services, from local and regional deliveries to long-distance deliveries across states or countries. They usually have a network of carriers and shippers and can provide more efficient services than 3PL companies.
Finally, there are also freight carriers that specialize in air freight services. These carriers use airplanes as their primary form of transportation, making them ideal for expedited shipping when the timing is critical.