{"id":8970,"date":"2025-02-18T07:46:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T15:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freightera.com\/blog\/?p=8970"},"modified":"2025-02-25T04:54:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T12:54:48","slug":"ground-freight-shipping-explained-in-5-easy-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freightera.com\/blog\/ground-freight-shipping-explained-in-5-easy-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Ground Freight Shipping Explained in 5 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking to Ship Ground Freight? Let\u2019s Do it Right!<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to transporting cargo, ground freight is one of the most common and cost effective available ways to do it. Whether you\u2019re shipping a single pallet or a full truckload, the process can seem complex at first, but in reality, a ground freight shipment is fairly easy to book if you break it down into clear steps like we do at Freightera and do it a few times.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we explore five key steps that will make your freight shipping experience easy. Just follow these steps, and you\u2019ll be a freight shipping and automation guru with the power of Freightera behind you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Determine Your Shipment Requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first step with ground freight is figuring out your exact needs. Do you need a full truckload (<\/span>FTL<\/span><\/a>) shipment or less than truckload (<\/span>LTL<\/span><\/a>) shipping? Is your shipment delicate? Does it require any <\/span>special handling<\/span><\/a>? Can both locations (<\/span>shipper<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>consignee<\/span><\/a>) handle it while it\u2019s there and load it on and off the truck? Here are some things to consider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shipment Size & Weight<\/b>: Measure and weigh your goods accurately, including the pallets. This will help you determine whether your most cost-effective option is LTL, FTL, or some form of specialized services.<\/span><\/p>\n

Origin & Destination<\/b>: Make sure you have the correct and precise locations of both the shipper and the consignee. If a location is difficult to find, you may want to include landmarks in the bill of lading (<\/span>BOL<\/span><\/a>) comments or add additional contact numbers in case the original can\u2019t be reached.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time Sensitivity<\/b>: How quickly do your goods need to make it to the destination? This is a major factor that affects carrier selection and cost. Rail shipping is usually the cheapest (and most eco-friendly) way to ship. But if you need something delivered urgently, it won\u2019t be your best option.<\/span><\/p>\n

Handling Requirements<\/b>: Is your <\/span>shipment oversized<\/span><\/a>? Will it require a specified truck or additional loading and unloading equipment? Anything from a remote location to using a <\/span>tailgate<\/span><\/a> to unload your shipment, to needing a <\/span>flatbed truck<\/span><\/a> falls under special handling and might need to be quoted and booked on a case-by-case basis. It\u2019s best to have all of this information ahead of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you understand and have all of this information available at the time of quoting your shipment, <\/span>you\u2019ll have a much easier time getting everything ready and quick!<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose the Right Ground Freight Mode<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once you know what and where you\u2019re shipping, you can pick the best shipping mode for your specific needs. The standard shipping options are:<\/span><\/p>\n