The best way to ship heavy items

The best way to ship your heavy items is through consolidated freight. This way, you can access a more customizable service from the shipping company.

How to package heavy items for shipping

Boxes can be stapled or stitched together to ensure the package does not break during transportation and that items are as safe as possible. Also, you can use things such as x-pads, air pillows, or foam to ensure the safety of your items.

When should I use pallets to transport my items?

The best time to use pallets when transporting your heavy items is when they weigh between 125lbs-150lbs.

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Cheapest Shipping for Heavy Items: Save Money Here!

Published by Joe Webster.

What's in this article?

Cheapest Shipping for Heavy Items: Save Money Here!

As you may know, shipping large and heavy items can become very costly.

Other than that, it can also become a very confusing task to organize as there may be many competitors who all claim to offer the cheapest shipping for heavy items.

This article will discover how you can ship heavy items, including the most affordable ways. In addition, you will know the different options you can choose from.

The Cost of Shipping Heavy Items?

Transporting heavy items is not an easy task, which is why it costs so much more to do so. Furthermore, there is no fixed cut-off for a 'heavy' item.

Each company will have its definition of what they consider heavy and its costs. That is why it is so important to shop around when looking for the right company to help you transport your heavy items.

What Influences the Cost of Shipping Heavy Items?

Weight and Dimensions

First of all, there are a few things that you need to consider when looking for the cheapest shipping for heavy items.

First, you need to calculate the amount of money you will be spending by weighing your heavy item, as well as calculating the dimensions of the item. These two factors will determine how much you will need to spend. Once these two aspects are covered, you will have more of an idea of how much the process may cost.

Calculator

The second step would be to use a pricing calculator from different companies you are researching. Again, it would be wise to do so with a few other companies to ensure you get the most for your money.

Consolidating Freight

Shipping heavy items can be done by shipping companies cost-effectively by being shipped through consolidating freight.

Consolidating freight shippers specialize in hauling oversized and heavy items. There is no limit to an item's weight as 'too heavy.' The only thing that companies will plan for is when items exceed 125lbs, and special equipment is required.

As mentioned above, each shipping company will have its limit on how heavy an item needs to be to classify as 'heavy.' Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you know each company's regulations regarding this.

Examples of Heavy Items to Ship

Gym equipment
Auto parts
Golf clubs
Heavy furniture
Industrial equipment

This list is not a comprehensive one, however.

The Shipping Process

As you may expect, there are many different aspects to consider when needing to ship heavy items. All of these processes must come together to ensure the smooth running of the shipment. Examples of these procedures include weighing and cost estimate procedures, packaging, the actual removal of the items from the warehouse, and the transportation of the items to the customer's destination.

Get the Cheapest Shipping for Heavy Items Quote in Advance

Getting the cheapest shipping for heavy items quoted in advance is the best way to go about it because you can plan your shipment. Once you have used a shipping cost calculator, you will know how much money you need to budget.

With these calculators, you can compare transit times and different shipping companies. You can then decide which company to choose that best fits your budget and company.

Things to Consider

Due to this process being complex, there are various things to consider, as mentioned above.

Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight refers to an awkwardly shaped item that is not necessarily heavy. The price for the shipment will be calculated by how much the object takes up volumetric space.

The general rule of thumb is that you will need to pay for whichever is more extensive between the item's weight or the dimensional space it takes up. So a tip for this part of the process is to pack your items smartly so you use less area.

How Fragile is Your Item?

The best thing to do if you need to transport a fragile item is to ensure that the shipping company you are using can transport this item without compromising it. Also, be aware that you may need extra surcharges to ensure your item is delivered safely.

Destination

Besides the weight and dimensions of the item, shipping companies will consider the package's destination. So, the goal your package needs to end up with will significantly influence how much you will need to pay. The further your package travels, the more expensive the rate will be.

Shipping Company

Each shipping company will have its rates and regulations regarding shipping heavy items. Thus, as mentioned above, you will need to find a shipping company that is suitable for your company.

Shipping Speed

Speed is another factor determining how much money you may need to spend on transportation. For example, if you want your item to reach its destination reasonably quickly, you must plan for a bigger budget.

Restrictions

Before choosing a shipping company, ensure that you are familiar with its restrictions regarding shipping heavy items. Each company will have its policies regarding this.

Extra Costs Involved in Shipping Heavy Items

White Glove Shipments

Extra costs will be involved in white glove shipments, as the shipping company will provide additional services, such as unpackaging or setting up these items. Items included in white glove shipments would be expensive furniture, artwork, or other items. Due to the nature of the items, cranes are not used to life them up, and because these items usually weigh over 300lbs, they will require extra labor.

Use of Liftgate

Also, extra costs will be involved when using a liftgate for heavy items weighing more than 150lbs.

Delivering Items to Residence

Another factor determining whether you need to pay extra for a shipment is whether or not the company would need to deliver these items to a specific address. For example, most commercial loading facilities have a loading dock.

When you need to get a quote for the cheapest shipping for heavy items, include any extra services you may need. Adding additional services will ensure you receive the most accurate quote for your shipment.

So, What is the Cheapest Shipping for Heavy Items?

Now that you have more of an idea of the different factors that influence shipping costs, we can go through some of the cheapest shipping for heavy items by certain companies.

A few companies offer cheap solutions for transporting heavy items, such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS. Still, their options depend primarily on the type of package you want to send. Also, you should avoid sending packets urgently if you want to go the cheap route.

How to Prepare When Shipping Heavy Items

Accurate Measurements

By giving the company you have chosen to use the correct dimensions and measurements of your heavy item, you will ensure to receive an accurate quote for your shipment.

Proper Packaging

Furthermore, be sure to package your heavy items properly to prevent them from becoming damaged on the journey. Your items will be subject to knocks and bumps, and the last thing you want is for your items to be delivered broke.

Tracking

Being able to track your items will alleviate any anxiety you may have as you will be able to follow the route of the journey. You could also give your clients access to the tracking of the item.

Shipping Insurance

Ensuring that your heavy items are insured is a wise thing to do, considering the journey that it will go on. If your item breaks during transportation for any reason, then the insurance will facilitate a replacement.

Thus, as you can tell, there is much to consider when searching for the cheapest shipping for heavy items. It involves researching more than one company, the journey's speed, the trip's destination, etc. A1 Auto Transport is one such company that can offer you the cheapest shipping for heavy items. Contact us for more information.