As you might know, there are some similarities between freight and shipping. But at the same time, some differences make these two processes important in their own disciplines and domains.

Both these procedures are used to take massive amounts of products from one place to another. There are several terms that distinguish freight from shipping. Besides terms, each of these methods comes with distinctive features in the form of advantages and disadvantages. Keeping that in mind, it becomes essential to understand these methods and then decide which is the best one for our use.

In order to give a clear picture of shipping and freight, we have discussed them separately in length. That way, once you have read this blog, it will become easier to say which method works for you and which doesn’t.

Freight – What it is? 

Freight is normally termed “cargo” which includes land freight, sea, or air freight. Goods in freight or cargo are taken from point A (usually long distances) to point B in bulk. At times, when the goods are too much to be carried, ships are used. This way, long distances are covered at reasonable rates. However, one thing that you must keep in mind is the fact that goods are taken in packed containers; those are loaded on the ship, and from there the goods are taken to the destination. Freight is mostly and usually for commercial use.

Freight is not just for sea or air. Land freight is one of the biggest methods of transportation. It is however further categorized. For example, all those means of transportation which help goods to move from origin to destination come under land freight.

What are some of the best ways to use land freight? Well, it includes the following types;

• Train or railway
• Trucks and lorries
• Containers on trucks

Further Categorization of Freight 

Freight is mainly classified into two types. The first one is “air freight” and the second one is “freight shipment”. Interestingly, shipments are further narrowed down into several categories.

3 Things of Categorization 

The categorization relies upon three things. What are they? Well, it is about the size (height, width, and in short complete dimensions) of the products. The second is based on the transit time. And last but not least is focused on the items that are supposed to be transported. It includes parcels, household products or goods, express, and freight shipment.

Shipping – What it is? 

Shipping is another method of transporting goods with the help of land, air, or sea. It too is done in bulk but takes a smaller portion of products from one place to another. Most shipping method is used by small or mid-sized businesses. This is also used by private individuals. However, when it comes to cost, it is determined after checking several factors. Those factors include the transportation method, size of shipping products, weight as well as the delivery date of the products.

At the same time, it is by far the most convenient option for transporting smaller quantities of products or goods. We can say that because of the obvious fact – delivery becomes speedy as in products are transported way faster than any other option. Also, you will not be in need of hiring or opting for warehousing facilities if the quantity, as well as the delivery time, is way lesser than expected.

The Difference Between Freight And Shipping

Now that we’ve looked at the definitions of freight and shipping, and checked some advantages of freight, let’s compare and contrast the two. It will help you in understanding both methods differently.

Difference #1: Size of Freight and Shipping 

The most significant difference between freight and shipping is size. Freight is used to transport large shipments, while shipping is used for smaller items. If you’re looking to transport something large, freight is your best option. If you need to send something small, shipping is your best bet.

Difference #2: Equipment in Freight and Shipping 

Another difference between freight and shipping is the equipment used. Freight companies use large trucks and trailers to transport shipments, while shipping companies use smaller vans and cars. Freight companies also have access to cranes and other heavy-duty equipment, which is necessary for loading and unloading large shipments.

Difference #3: Destinations and Use of Shipping and Freight

Destinations served is another difference between freight and shipping. Freight companies typically ship to large businesses and warehouses located in remote areas. Shipping companies, on the other hand, typically ship to homes and small businesses located in urban areas.

Difference #4: Speed of Both Methods; Shipping and Freight 

There is also a significant speed in the working of freight and shipping. Freight companies typically offer slower shipping times than shipping companies. This is because freight companies have to transport shipments over long distances. Shipping companies, on the other hand, can typically deliver items faster because they only have to ship items over shorter distances.

Difference #5: Cost Efficiency of Shipping and Freight 

Last but not least, the cost is yet another difference between freight and shipping. Freight is typically more expensive than shipping because it requires special equipment and takes longer to deliver items. Shipping is typically less expensive than freight because it doesn’t require special equipment and can be delivered faster.

The Similarities Between Freight and Shipping

As we know the basics of freight and shipping. It is time to know similarities because freight and shipping have some similarities. Well, yes, there are a few things that are common in freight and shipping. So, let’s check them out!

Below are a few key similarities between freight and shipping. We have mentioned the most obvious or common ones though.

Similarity #1: Goods Transport of Freight and Shipping

Both freight and shipping are used to transport goods. This is the most obvious similarity between the two terms.

Similarity #2: Safe Delivery of Freight and Shipping Methods 

Whether you’re using freight or shipping, you can rest assured that your shipment will arrive safely. This is because both methods use experienced professionals and high-quality equipment to transport shipments.

Similarity #3: Reliable Service in Shipping and Freight

When you use freight or shipping, you can expect a reliable service. This is because both methods are used by reputable companies that have a lot of experience in transporting shipments.

As you can see, there are many differences between freight and shipping. The most significant difference is size, followed by equipment, destinations, speed, and cost. Although there are some similarities between the two, such as goods transport and safe delivery, they are still two very different methods of transportation.

Freight and Shipping – Cost Comparison

Before ending this article, let’s quickly compare the cost of freight and shipping. As we mentioned earlier, freight is typically more expensive than shipping because it requires special equipment and takes longer to deliver items. Shipping is typically less expensive than freight because it doesn’t require special equipment and can be delivered faster.

Now that you know the key differences between freight and shipping, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a reputable shipping or freight company for more information.

Which One Should I Choose?

Even after going through the key differences between freight and shipping, you may still be wondering which one is right for you. The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking to transport a large shipment, freight is your best option. If you need to transport a small shipment, shipping is your best bet. And if you’re looking for fast and reliable service, shipping is the way to go. No matter which method you choose, you can rest assured that your shipment will arrive safely and on time.