Freight-moving companies transport heavy goods and cargo from one state to another. Some long-distance freight shippers provide full-service options (loading, unloading), while others offer only transport (requiring you to handle all labor). Other shipping companies will provide a PODS-like service requiring you to do the labor and only handle the transport of goods and cargo.
What Is A Freight Mover?
Freight movers handle bulky or high-volume shipments—often 150 to 10,000+ pounds—ranging from palletized boxes and industrial equipment to household appliances. Unlike parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx), freight movers focus on heavier loads that demand more specialized handling or equipment (lift-gates, forklifts, etc.).
When Should You Hire A Freight Moving Company?
Hiring a freight transportation company is recommended for heavy shipments relocating long distances, i.e., out of state or across the country. However, if you don't have a lot of cargo, choosing a household goods long distance moving company may be a cheaper and convenient option.
Why Household-Goods Movers Can Be A Cheap Method Of Freight Transportation.
Some companies—like household goods (HHG) movers—also handle freight-sized loads, with a lower minimum cost to transport the cargo.
Here are the benefits of choosing a full-service mover over a freight carrier:
Full-Service Labor.
Full-service movers pack and load your items, saving you the hassle of heavy lifting or looking for labor help.
Shared Trailer at Lower Cost.
With HHG long distance movers, You only pay for the space your shipment occupies, even if it's smaller than an entire trailer. Regular freight carriers might require you to rent or pay for the entire trailer—even if half remains empty.
Household-Goods Experience.
HHG movers are used to carefully wrapping and handling fragile appliances, electronics, and furniture for damage-free transport. Many standard freight movers handle goods like pallets of uniform boxes, which don't always require special protection or delicate maneuvering.
One-Stop Solution.
Instead of booking a truck and hiring help for loading/unloading, HHG movers do it all. This is especially useful for older adults or businesses lacking on-site labor.
Cheaper Method.
Competitive rates on the actual trucking, with labor included, can sometimes beat out freight services that only handle transportation—but then expect you to manage all the manual work.
Other Cheap Ways To Move Freight.
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 to Know Before Choosing a Transportation Service
Not all freight movers provide the same level of service. Here's how they generally differ:
1. Transport-Only (Dock-to-Dock or Curbside)
How It Works: You handle all loading and unloading. The company's driver shows up with a truck or container and then drives it to the destination.
Pros: Potentially cheaper if you already have a crew or a loading dock.
Cons: Labor-intensive for you; no help with stairs, tight corners, or heavy lifting.
2. Partial/Shared-Load vs. Full Trailer
Shared-Load (LTL): You only pay for the trailer space you occupy. Great for smaller loads or multiple customers sharing one truck.
Full Trailer: Ideal if you have enough freight to fill a trailer—or prefer a direct, single shipment with no other cargo onboard.
3. POD-Like Services
How It Works: A container is dropped off for loading; you schedule pickup once ready.
Pros: Flexible; you can load at your own pace.
Cons: All physical labor (packing, lifting) typically falls on you unless you hire extra help.
Bottom Line
Freight movers are essential for shipping large or heavy loads across state lines. Some companies only provide transport, requiring DIY labor or hiring extra help. Others offer full-service packages, but you may pay for unused trailer space. Meanwhile, a household goods mover (authorized to haul freight) can often give you shared-load pricing with labor included, saving money and sparing you the physical strain. Before deciding on a freight service, check whether a household moving company with DOT authority handles your shipment cheaper and more conveniently.
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