Beginner’s Guide: How to Ship a Package by Freight Safely and Efficiently

No matter if you are an owner-operator or an individual sending goods across state lines or overseas understanding how to ship a package classed as freight is key for getting a package to its destination smoothly, cost-effectively, and securely. Freight shipping can appear complicated at first, but with the proper procedure, it can be simple and easy.

This guide to freight shipping will cover all the basics of sending freight, including everything from packaging and documentation to carrier selection and common mistakes to make sure you avoid.

1. Understand What Freight Shipping Is

Freight shipping is the movement of freight, consisting mostly of commodities, through land, sea, or air. This freight shipping would not include a basic parcel or the mail service, (eg Australia Post) as these shipments are generally larger, heavier or have a business aspect to them. Freight is usually divided into categories based on size or facility, ie:

• Less Than Truckload (LTL) - you share the truck with other deliveries
• Full Truckload (FTL) - you take the whole truck
• Air Freight - Light cargo with a time restriction
• Sea Freight - Heavy, slow-moving shipments across international waters

An understanding of these options helps you identify the most suitable means of shipping based on size, time, or costing associated with your shipment.

2. Choose the Right Freight Provider

Your shipment's success relies heavily on the freight company you select. Look for a provider that:

--Provides tracking and insurance
--Has experience with your commodity
--Provides clear pricing
--Provides domestic and international services if needed.

Get quotes from a couple of companies, and compare the price but also their services, delivery speeds, and customer reviews.

3. Properly Package Your Freight

When learning how to package and ship a package by freight, packaging will be one of the more critical areas to get right. Unlike regular postal shipping services, freight packages are often moved by forklift, stacked in trailers or containers, or transported long distances.
Packaging Tips:

The recommended packaging is to use heavy-duty, double-walled boxes or crates.

If your shipment can be palletized, please do this. It not only makes handling much easier, but it also reduces damage and issues with the freight carrier.

Use strapping and shrink wrap to secure your products to the pallet.

Fragile items should be cushioned with foam, bubble wrap or void fill.

Provide written shipment instructions on every shipment, using labels like This Side Up or Fragile."

Good packaging practices will help minimize the risk of damage, loss and delayed delivery.

4. Prepare the Necessary Paperwork

There are a few necessary documents in freight shipping, especially for international shipments. These documents include:

Bill of Lading (BOL): A contract between you and the carrier, confirming what is being shipped and where.

Commercial Invoice: Necessary for customs clearance for overseas shipments.

Packing List: Lists the items in the shipment.
Customs Declaration (for international freight): Confirms your products meet the requirements of the destination country.

Check with your freight provider if they provide paperwork assistance, they typically do, and this ensures accuracy and compliance with the required regulations.

5. Label Everything Clearly

Every item or pallet in your shipment will need to include:

Sender and recipient addresses

Contact information
Tracking or reference number
Special handling instructions (if applicable)

By labelling shipments properly, you can avoid misdelivery and ensure your freight reaches the appropriate location.

6. Insure Your Shipment

Shipping freight comes with greater risk than normal mail, simply because of the amount of handling and distance the package travels. Even with care and attention to packing, accidents can happen. You should consider freight insurance to cover any potential damage, loss or delay that may occur in transit—especially if you are shipping valuable or fragile goods.
Freight insurance usually protects against events such as:
Accidental damage that might occur when loading or unloading
Natural disasters (for example, floods, storms, fires)
Theft or hijacking of the cargo while in-transit
Misplaced cargo or loss during hand-off between transfer points
Delivery delays for perishables or urgent loads

Depending on the policy type and insurer, you may be able to get coverage on an all-risk or named-perils basis, as well as different levels of cost and insurance. You should make sure to declare the full value of your shipment and be clear on what is and is not covered—some policies will not cover packaging defects or lack of documentation.

Ultimately, freight insurance is a low cost that can help you avert a large unexpected loss—providing you peace of mind and confidence in the freight process.

7. Know the Costs and Avoid Hidden Fees

Freight pricing depends on the following factors:

Weight and size
Destination (domestic or international)
Freight class (size and density, handling)
Mode of transport (air, sea, road)
Reach out for a comprehensive quote and be sure to ask about additional fees, such as fuel surcharges, remote delivery, or handling. Knowing upfront can prevent hidden fees later when the freight qualifies for other charges.

8. Track Your Shipment

Reliable freight carriers include real-time tracking capabilities as part of their services. So once your shipment is in transit, you can follow its journey virtually using the tracking number. This will keep you informed and provide peace of mind to you and your team, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive shipments.
If you’re operating a business, then providing tracking updates to your customer as well also builds trust and transparency!

9. Coordinate Delivery and Unloading

Some freight services may not involve unloading, depending on the service type. Ensure you, or the recipient, are well-equipped or staffed — especially with larger deliveries.

Discuss with the carrier whether you need:

• A forklift or tailgate delivery
• Someone to sign for the delivery
• The receiver has access for larger trucks
• Good planning allows for a successful delivery.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to ship a package by freight is a beneficial practice for any business or individual needing to transport goods safely and efficiently. By selecting the appropriate carrier, packaging securely, preparing for paperwork, and knowing the logistics involved, you will have the best chance to avoid delays, cut costs, and have a successful delivery.

Whether you are sending one pallet within Australia, or shipping abroad internationally, knowing these freight fundamentals will put you on the right track. With demand for reliable, trusted delivery solutions continuing to rise, knowing how to ship by freight gives you the freedom of managing your logistics at a higher level—no matter where your items are going.