Freight Transportation & Shipping Services

Freight transportation refers to the commercial movement of large, heavy, or bulk goods—typically exceeding standard parcel carrier limits—via truck, air, rail, or sea. It encompasses modes like LTL (less-than-truckload), FTL (full truckload), air cargo, and sea containers. Unlike standard parcel shipping, freight is used for palletized inventory, industrial equipment, oversized items, and high-volume commercial shipments.

The four primary freight types are: (1) Ground freight, including LTL and FTL trucking for domestic land-based shipments; (2) Air freight, for expedited domestic and international cargo; (3) Ocean freight, via FCL or LCL sea containers for international bulk shipments; and (4) Rail freight, for large-volume domestic cargo over long distances. ShipMate+ provides access to ground, air, and ocean freight options through 40+ carrier partners.

A common example is a Vista-area business shipping a pallet of manufactured goods to a retail distributor in Texas via LTL trucking—where the pallet shares trailer space with other shippers' cargo to reduce cost. Other examples include shipping trade show displays by air cargo, relocating office equipment via FTL, or importing product inventory from overseas suppliers via sea container.

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping is used when your cargo doesn't fill an entire trailer—you pay only for the space your freight occupies, sharing the truck with other shippers. FTL (Full Truckload) dedicates an entire truck to your shipment, offering faster transit, reduced handling, and better security for large or sensitive cargo. ShipMate+ helps you determine the most cost-effective mode for your shipment size.

Freight shipments typically need to be palletized, properly crated, or packaged to withstand the rigors of commercial transit. Items should be securely strapped or shrink-wrapped on pallets, with accurate weight and dimensions documented. ShipMate+ can advise on commercial packaging standards, provide palletizing guidance, and help prepare all required shipping documentation—including bills of lading and customs forms for international freight.

Yes. ShipMate+ offers comprehensive international freight solutions including air cargo and sea container shipping to over 200 countries. Services include full customs documentation (Commercial Invoices, Electronic Export Information), import/export compliance guidance, and multi-carrier rate comparison across global carriers. This is especially valuable for businesses engaged in cross-border trade, B2B exports, or international e-commerce fulfillment.

ShipMate+ provides access to over 40 freight, LTL, air cargo, and sea container carriers. For parcel and express freight, we are authorized shippers for FedEx, UPS, and USPS. For larger freight needs, our specialists compare rates and service levels across multiple regional and national LTL carriers, air cargo providers, and ocean freight forwarders to secure the most competitive and reliable option for your shipment.

Transit times vary by shipping mode and destination. Domestic LTL ground freight typically takes 2–7 business days depending on distance. Expedited freight and air cargo can deliver within 1–3 business days for urgent shipments. International air freight averages 3–7 business days, while sea container shipping can range from 2–6 weeks. ShipMate+ helps you choose the right balance of speed and cost for your business requirements.