When you are options for shipping container movers,you must consider many different things. One of the biggest decisions is the appropriate type of shipping service to use. There are four main types of shipping services: ground, air freight, ocean freight, and trucking. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss them below in detail to make an informed decision.
1. Ground Shipping
This mode of shipping is used for cargo that is not time-sensitive. This can mean a week or more of time in transit. It is important to keep in mind how long you have before your move needs to occur. It also depends on the kind of weather conditions during moving. You must consider the weather between the place of origin and the destination.
One advantage to ground shipping services is that they tend to be much cheaper than other types of shipping services. The cost tends to be lower because they use semi-trucks instead of planes or ships. Although trucks cannot travel as fast as planes, they are convenient for not time-sensitive cargo. Semi-trucks payloads tend to hold larger objects such as furniture; hence, they are appropriate for bulk goods.
Another benefit of using ground transport is that you can file an insurance claim if the shipment is damaged during transit. This would not be an option with air freighting, as it tends to cost more and has less flexible options than ground shipping services.
2. Air Freight
This type of service delivers within a week or two, with most shipments arriving in only three business days from origin to destination. Air freight’s biggest draw is that some items are allowed on planes even though they would otherwise need to go by ship or truck—for example, liquids like wine or fragile electronics.
One downside is that some objects cannot travel via plane because there isn’t enough room. Airfreight does not accommodate the transportation of bulky goods. These include big pieces of furniture, and large appliances, among others. Another negative aspect of using air transport over the other methods is that it can be more expensive.
Sometimes the cost of using freight can be too high and unaffordable. It is important to research and compare prices before settling for moving means.
3. Ocean Freight
This type of shipping service generally has the longest transit time. It often takes a few weeks or even a month. But, it also tends to be the cheapest option for large items like furniture. You can also ship a car across country this way.
Ocean freighting uses cargo ships that can hold an immense amount of weight. This makes it perfect for larger objects. Plus, since these vessels travel all over the world, there is less need to worry about your shipment arriving on time.
One drawback of ocean freighting is that damage done to shipments during transport is not always covered by insurance. It is of great importance to make sure you are aware of this before choosing this option.
4. Trucking
This shipping service is used for small, time-sensitive items that need a quick delivery. Unlike the other shipping services, trucking does not have a set transit time. It depends on the distances between the destination and the place of origin and how many stops the driver has to make. This can often be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your needs.
One advantage of trucking is that it tends to be much cheaper than air freighting or ocean freighting. It is the most appropriate moving method, especially for smaller objects that are time-sensitive. However, since trucks are limited in carrying capacity, this option might not work for larger items. Another setback is that trucking is not always available in certain parts of the world.
Make sure to check with your moving company if this service will be available to you.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve gone over the four main types of shipping services, it’s important to decide which one is right for you. You must consider how much time you have before your move.
Think of what kind of items you need to move and how much money you are willing to spend. Keep in mind that no one service is perfect for every situation. It might take a little bit of research on your part to find the best option for your needs.
