The cheapest way to transport long distance freight is by combining loads via truck or rail, using a freight broker to find discounted rates, or opting for shared-load moving services. Shipping cargo by truck is often the most efficient and cost-effective choice, while rail shipping can be even cheaper per mile, though it can pose logistical challenges if direct rail access is unavailable.
What Are Cheaper Options to Move Freight?
Freight brokers, shared-load trucking companies, PODS, U-Pack, UPS, and American National Movers provide some of the cheapest methods for shipping long-distance freight. Each varies in cost and the level of service:
1. Freight Brokers:
How They Help: Freight brokers negotiate on your behalf with various carriers, often scoring bulk discounts an individual shipper might not get.
Benefit: You receive multiple quotes from different providers through one contact, saving you time and money.
2. Shared-Load Trucking:
Definition: Also known as Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) or partial truckload, where you pay only for the space you need while your freight shares trailer space with other goods.
Why It’s Cheaper: Carriers fill the entire trailer, so you only pay for your portion, reducing cost per cubic foot.
3. Rail Shipping:
When It’s Useful: Best for large or heavy shipments traveling significant distances and if your timeline is flexible.
Cost Advantage: Per-mile rates can be lower than trucking, but coordinating drop-off/pickup is trickier if you don’t have direct rail access.
4. Container Services (PODS, U-Pack):
Overview: A container is dropped off at your location; you load it, and they transport it.
Cost Comparison: Usually used for household goods, but can also be affordable for smaller commercial cargo—no truck driving is required, though you do the packing.
5. UPS:
Definition: A well-known carrier offering both parcel and freight services. You can ship heavier boxes or palletized items through UPS Ground Freight or UPS Freight.
When It’s Cheaper: If your shipment isn’t large enough to warrant a full truck or rail solution, UPS can be affordable for small-to-medium loads requiring door-to-door pickup and delivery.
Potential Drawback: Dedicated trucking or rail might still be more cost-effective for large freight or high-volume commercial loads.
6. Direct Carrier Services:
Definition: Working directly with a single freight carrier for an entire truck (FTL) or partial load.
Why We’re Different: At American National Movers, for instance, we optimize multi-customer routes, drastically lowering final costs—even for dedicated trucks.
Average Costs of 1,000 to $1,600 to ship boxes between states with American National Movers. Get An Affordable Freight Transportation Quote.
American National Movers is a long-distance moving and shipping specialist offering options to fit your needs and budget. Our average LTL service ranges from $2,800, while FTL can be around $4,500. Call us at (800) 245-7967, and our logistics team will help you plan and schedule the cheapest freight transport possible—without compromising service or reliability.
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