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Freight Shipping & Heavy Cargo Transport
We also offer freight shipping for those who need something that doesn’t fall under our other shipping services. A-1 Auto Transport shipping provides more services and is not limited to vehicles or certain types of equipment - there are no size or weight restrictions.
Types of Logistics Transporters
- LTL—Less Than Truckload Carriers: The LTL Cargo class can provide warehousing and distribution services for your shipments and business. This freight service offers the advantage of hauling small quantities at a time since it will make multiple stops on the supply chain to the same destination.
- FTL - Full Truck Load Carriers: This type of freight class specializes in moving up to 53' semi-trailer loads or full truckloads (FTL) for one customer or business outfit. This Cargo service offers the advantage of moving larger quantities simultaneously but will only go to the destination once.
- TL - Trailer Load Carriers: These freight Moving companies specialize in shipping a single trailer load, either one or two containers. They offer the advantage of moving larger quantities at a time and will go to their destination more than once.
Choosing the Best Cargo Delivery Firms
The factors below will help you choose the best freight shipping companies for your needs:
- Vast Network Coverage—Before choosing, Ask which services they offer and how far they travel to pick up or deliver. Will it be in your domestic area? Also, ask the experts if there are any restrictions on the goods and destination (e.g., hazardous materials).
- Transit times - Ask how long the shipment requires to arrive at your location, and you determine which service is best to save time.
- Range of services—The best companies offer a range of services, such as open and enclosed carriers, time-definite schedules, and expedited deliveries on the supply chain.This allows them to adapt their future shipment plans to meet individual customer needs. Check if the heavy items can be transported domestically by sea, air, or land.
- Reliability and communication - You want to be able to communicate with the freight transfer companies throughout the process. What are their hours of operation? Do they have an emergency phone number you can call 24/7 if necessary?
Freight Dispatching Prices
The freight shipping cost depends on several factors, such as the distance your goods are traveling, the Hauling class you opt for, and how fast you need them.
Examples of Cargo Carrier Rates & Transit Time
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Transit Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas | $115 | 270 miles | 2-4 days |
| Chicago to Memphis | $255 | 530 miles | 2-4 days |
| Atlanta to Detroit | $270 | 725 miles | 3-5 days |
| Denver to San Diego | $300 | 1080 miles | 4-6 days |
| San Jose to Dallas | $595 | 1275 miles | 4-6 days |
| Phoenix to Seattle | $680 | 1425 miles | 4-6 days |
| Atlanta to Phoenix | $470 | 1845 miles | 5-7 days |
| Detroit to Las Vegas | $560 | 2015 miles | 6-8 days |
| Seattle to Memphis | $770 | 2285 miles | 6-8 days |
| Portland to Miami | $1210 | 3255 miles | 7-9 days |
- *Pricing and times to ship are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what you are shipping.
- *Rates are based on a shipment of 200 kg.
- *Call us for specific date and time-sensitive requests.
Here Are Some of the Many Items We Ship
- Mining supplies & equipment
- Construction Equipment
- Industrial Supplies
- Oversize loads & heavy haul
- Boilers
- Turbines
- Refrigerated
- Containerized cargo (intermodal)
- Less than a truckload (LTL)
- Full truckload
- General cargo hauling
- Distribution services
- Expedited shipping
- Warehousing & storage
If you have questions about packing and shipping anything not mentioned here, especially if you’ve had trouble finding a suitable option, please feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can help. Call us at 1-888-230-9116 to learn more about how we transport freight and get an instant price quote by using our online form.
Freight Conveyance Modes
Having the right equipment to ship freight is a key part of the transport process, and it goes double for Cargo companies and heavy-duty hauling. There are various freight class shipping options and equipment at your disposal, but some require special handling while others are easier to manage. The section below outlines the main Haul service types, key differences, and requirements to move freight.
Most Load shipments within the U.S. are delivered using some form of flatbed truck. The specific type of trailer used depends on the freight being hauled and the final destination. However, this covers the vast majority of shipments around the continental United States and within the borders of other countries.
While less common for private shippers or small businesses, some freight can and still is moved by rail. It is less common because most containers can be easily shipped by truck, which makes tracking trains for shipment redundant unless there is enough cargo to make it financially worthwhile for the party doing the shipping.
One of the advantages of intermodal transport is that the container can be easily moved from a train to a truck to a transfer ship. This makes intermodal shipping a good option for businesses requiring international shipments, provided there is enough room inside the container(s).
Air freight, while on the more expensive end of freight costs, is still an option, even with heavy Goods and large cargo. Typically, air Cargo is used when a shipment must get to an out-of-the-way or otherwise difficult location to get to that may not be as accessible by ship, train, or truck.
Preparing for Cargo Shipments
- First, choose how much space your shipment requires (a 20' or 40' container).
- Then, choose the type of vehicle you want to ship.
- Lastly, plan your pick-up and drop-off time for transportation.
How to Ship Freight Using Us
Are you looking for the best freight moving companies near you? Here is how to ship freight using A1 Auto Transport.
Request Our Goods Transit Quote.
Our auto company will provide our pricing structure based on weight or volume and shipping freight distance.
Prepare Your Goods
Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for a legal move (proof of ownership, registration, driver's license). Also, remove any personal belongings from your car before the shipment.
Book a Pick-up Time When You Ship Freight.
We will need specific instructions on where and when the Laod will be ready for pick-up.
Collection
The time between scheduling and arrival varies depending on where you are located concerning our terminal locations.
Do you need shipping services in the U.S. to be transported domestically or internationally? Call us today at 1-888-230-9116 to learn more about the process or to request a FREE, no-obligation cost estimate from the freight experts! With some basic information, you’ll have a price quote with the best rates in minutes!
What Our Customers Say About A-1 Auto Transport Cargo Services
I’m a small business owner and had never shipped anything over 50 pounds in my life, with this being my first shipment. I was out of my league when I came across A-1 Auto Transport, but their helpful website and free quote calculator made my shipment very easy and got me a great rate. Highly recommend them for freight shipping needs. - Dimitry L
Informative website, excellent customer service, and a great way to get the most competitive freight shipping rates anywhere you need it to go. I’m a seasoned vet regarding freight shipments, and A1AutoTransport.com is my go-to website for all my freight shipping needs. I’ve never been let down. - Andy D
Moving With Us
Our competitive edge, however, is that we provide a goods service specifically designed to meet your requirements. You can trust that your goods will be delivered quickly and affordably since we prioritize smart route planning and adaptability. We always use cutting-edge shipping and tracking technology, including real-time satellite monitoring. One of our top concerns is ensuring your goods' security and safe arrival.
Our Merchandise Haulage Services
In today's highly competitive economy, you need to be confident that you're hiring a shipping service that will be able to provide you with fast and effective freight transport. The company should provide the best cargo costs and freight services, NEVER be late, and ALWAYS coordinate logistically to your needs. Our extensive carrier relationships and dedicated customer service team will ensure that this happens.
We offer the following services:
LTL Freight Haulage (Less Than Truckload)
In the majority of cases, you will not need to fill up a whole truck with Load. If that's the case for you, our comprehensive LTL Freight Shipping services are the perfect solution. Whether it's for residential or commercial freight conveyance, we'll work with you to plan out how to ship your goods, no matter how small, in the most cost-effective yet efficient way possible. Our network of multiple carriers specializes in LTL freight carriage, so you can be assured that you'll be getting the best service for the best price possible.
TL Freight Shipping (Truckload)
Sometimes, you will need TL if you have an extremely large load. In other cases, you may be transporting an extremely delicate load that needs its own truck. Whatever the case may be, our TL Cargo services will only use the very best in truckload carriers to get you the best that's available on the marketplace.
Intermodal Logistics
This is the perfect option for those who need international moving. Your load will be moved through multiple transportation processes, where it will be securely handled and delivered. We also assist you with all of the duty and customs requirements associated with international conveyance, resulting in less stress, better access, minimal delays, guaranteed delivery, and even cost savings.
We also offer expedited freight services for LTL and TL freight shipping and Intermodal freight shipping!
Here are some of the services we offer our cargo dispatch clients:
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Long haul
- Small trucking
- Top trucking companies in your area now
- Air Cargo shipments
- Expedited freight shipping
- Ship Cargo to and from Canada
- Temperature-Controlled Freight Shipping
- LCL (Less than Container Load)
- FCL (Full Container Load)
- Intermodal Shipping Containers
- Import/export logistics delivery
- Ocean freight shipping
Why Choose Our Services When Shipping Consignment?
By choosing A-1 Auto Transport's Delivery services, you'll receive the following:
- Industry-leading experts from our customer service team
- Efficiency in shipments that results in major COST SAVINGS
- A simple and fast booking process in which you can ALWAYS speak to a customer service representative
- The very latest in freight shipping and transportation GPS tracking technology allows you to track and receive real-time updates on what you ship.
Contact us today to speak with a customer service representative to learn more about what we can offer for your shipping freight requirements. We will also provide you with a FREE QUOTE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between freight and cargo?
Cargo is transported goods by a freight company. Freight is the term used for the payment of goods, i.e., "freight bill." While there is a difference between the two, they are both used when referring to shipping goods.
What is freight forwarding? What is the difference between a shipper and a Cargo forwarder?
Freight forwarding is a third party that takes care of all the logistics and business involved in getting your package to its destination.
Shippers are persons (or freight shipping companies) who transport their personal goods. In contrast, a package forwarder is a third-party company, which can be your considered Haul option.
How do you determine my freight rates? Is it by size? Weight? Both? If you give me a quote, how long will it be good?
Cargo quote is an estimate given called a "dynamic spot quote." The more exact shipment details you provide, i.e., weight, height, origin, a destination address, etc., the more accurate an estimate is.
There are a few factors to include when calculating costs of shipping cargo:
- The dimensions of your cargo
- The weight of your cargo
- The destination of your cargo
- The value of your cargo
- The speed of delivery required
- Will there be any custom clearance required?
- Freight class opted for your shipment
*Shipping internationally is another factor
In the shipping industry, most quotes are only good for one day because of the dynamics. So, your best bet is to have all your exact shipment information ready when getting a quote and be prepared to ship at a lower price.
What kind of carrier transports my freight?
Intermodal carriers use standardized cargo units such as containers and semi-trailers that are moved easily across different modes of transportation (ships, trucks, air, or train).
Most shipping within the U.S. uses flatbed trucks, and the type of trailer used depends on the type of goods hauled.
The other types of transport methods, ship, and air are not as popular for private shippers because they are expensive. After all, most shipping freight in the U.S. can be handled by truck.
Depending on what you want to haul, we have vetted carriers that fit your needs best.
Will my Load be on a truck with other items? How do you guarantee safety with your freight service?
Depending on how much Cargo you have, your goods could be on a truck with other items. It can be a single shipment, but international shipments may require multiple carriers to save money and time.
When a truck travels with a partial truckload (PTL), partial truckload freight fills the gap between less than a truckload (LTL) and full truckload cargo.
If your shipment doesn't fill an entire trailer, it will be considered partial truckload freight (PTL) and put on a truck with other cargo.
To ensure that your items are safe during transit, they are packaged (plastic, bubble wrap, etc.) and maneuvered onto crates and pallets to handle your things safely.
Do I need to have insurance? Will my homeowner's insurance work or is there another way?
Some of our customers confuse freight and cargo insurance, so first to clear up the difference – freight insurance protects the freight forwarder or carrier. Cargo insurance protects the sender of the goods, you!
Cargo insurance is essential if you want coverage for the total value of the bulk goods in the event of loss or damage such as faulty loading/unloading, accidents, fire, theft, heavy weather, and other natural disasters.
Cargo insurance is usually up to you, the sender, of the shipment. However, some freight carriers will arrange cargo insurance, coordinate with the insurance provider, and get the insurance policy for you.
Homeowners insurance will not help you with freight shipments.
Am I responsible for packaging my freight? If not, how do Load companies package?
Some forwarders do offer packaging services. These services may be done in-house or outsourced to an external company using various materials such as packing peanuts, loose-fill packaging, bubble wrap, blankets, and plastic wrap.
If the forwarder doesn't offer these services, you, the shipper, must pack your freight at land locations. If you pack your cargo, it is your responsibility to provide access and prove that it was delivered to the carrier in good condition and packaged correctly before transporting. When this is complete, it becomes the carrier's burden to prove it wasn't negligent in case of damage.
Am I able to speak with someone while my Delivery is in transit? I'm not great with the computer, so will there be a human being I can talk to during freight shipments?
Yes, most freight brokers and carriers have operators standing by, ready to speak with you about your freight shipments before and during transport. Most also have online help if you're comfortable working with a computer to track your Cargo transportation.
Before a company picks up your Load, you'll have a phone number to call and an order or business quote # to give for reference. In addition, you will be given a Bill of Lading & Freight Bill with a contract # to refer to if you have any questions or concerns during transit.
How far in advance of my delivery required date should I make a transport reservation?
Making a reservation to ship cargo depends on your shipping load and how much of a truckload you're using. If your shipment is considered partial truckload freight (PTL), the shipping date is when the hauling company can place it on a truck.
There are generally no set dates or times for the transportation. Instead, what space is available on trucks when you need to ship and from where. While this may not be the most satisfying answer, it is the truth in freight shipping business.
Whether you're moving your household items across the country, an office load of equipment, or one item, it will be up to the trucking company or broker to help you determine what they can do.
To be prepared to make a shipping reservation at the best rates, be sure to have all the information available when you contact the company, including pickup location, destination, size, weight, and packaging needs.
Are delivery dates guaranteed for your cargo dispatch services? I have a deadline for delivery.
Many cargo carriage companies will guarantee delivery based on locations. What could keep delivery from being assured could include hazardous and oversized cargo and shipping cargo to remote areas.
Depending on your situation, delivery can be guaranteed, but be sure to discuss your details with the carrier to understand your needs and ship your cargo accordingly. Plan to get a pricing quote in advance so you don't end up paying more money to ship cargo at the last minute.
I live on a narrow road. What happens if your truck can't get to my house?
Residential pickup and delivery depend on the freight company you use.
Some cargo shipping companies will require that you have the cargo palletized on the street so the driver can quickly get the load on the truck, while other freight shippers will work with you to pick it up from your residence; it depends on the driver.
When finding out about residential pickup and delivery, ask whether you'll need a liftgate to help get the freight on or off the truck. Some freight shipping companies will charge liftgate fees, and some don't.
While this can't be a definitive answer, know that a load broker or carrier can address your unique situation for pickup and delivery. Although shipping load may require additional equipment or fees, pickup and delivery conditions can be addressed satisfactorily.
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