Ever wondered what exactly falls under “general freight” when shipping goods or starting a logistics business? Whether you’re launching a new company or simply trying to make sense of delivery quotes, understanding general freight is crucial.
This knowledge helps you choose the right service, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your cargo travels safely. In this article, we’ll break down common examples of general freight, offer practical tips, and help you navigate your shipping options with confidence.
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What Is General Freight? (With Clear Examples)
General freight is a term you’ll often hear in the shipping and trucking world. But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, general freight refers to goods that are not classified as hazardous, oversized, perishable, or requiring special handling. Instead, these are everyday items that are safely shipped without any special requirements. Understanding what counts as general freight is key to making smart decisions about your shipping needs—whether you’re a business owner, a new shipper, or just curious about how goods travel from A to B.
Let’s break down general freight with real-world examples, explore its advantages and challenges, and share practical tips to help you navigate general freight shipping confidently.
What Counts as General Freight? Clear Explanation & Examples
General freight includes a wide variety of goods that can be easily loaded onto trucks, ships, or trains. These items are typically packaged, palletized, or boxed, making them safe and efficient for transport. What sets general freight apart is its simplicity—it doesn’t need temperature control, hazardous materials handling, or special permits.
Common Examples of General Freight
To illustrate general freight, here are several everyday examples:
- Packaged consumer goods (clothing, electronics, household items)
- Non-perishable food and beverages (canned goods, bottled water)
- Furniture and home decor
- Building materials (tiles, lumber, drywall)
- Office supplies and equipment
- Machinery parts and hardware in standard-sized containers
- Books, printed materials, and paper products
These items are usually shipped on pallets, in crates, or in cardboard boxes. They’re not particularly fragile or dangerous, making them ideal for regular freight trucks or containers.
General Freight Does NOT Include:
It’s important to know what doesn’t count as general freight. If an item needs special handling, temperature control, or presents safety risks, it doesn’t fit into this category. Here’s what falls outside general freight:
- Hazardous materials (chemicals, flammable liquids, explosives)
- Oversized or overweight loads (industrial machinery, wind turbine blades)
- Perishable goods (fresh produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals)
- Live animals
- High-value sensitive items (art, precious metals)
Key Aspects of General Freight in Shipping
General freight is popular because it’s straightforward. Let’s look at the main features that define this freight category.
1. Ease of Handling
General freight is optimized for swift, efficient handling. It is usually forklift-ready and can be quickly loaded and unloaded.
- Palletized goods increase loading efficiency.
- Standardized packaging reduces risk of damage.
2. Flexible Transportation Options
Because general freight doesn’t require special trucks or containers, you have more options for moving your goods, including:
- Full Truckload (FTL) for large shipments.
- Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) for smaller loads.
- Intermodal (using truck, rail, or ship).
3. Cost-Effective Shipping
General freight is typically less expensive to transport. The lack of special requirements means lower costs for equipment, permits, and handling.
- Standard vehicles can be used.
- No need for temperature-controlled or hazardous materials units.
4. Wide Market Reach
General freight forms the backbone of goods moved around the world. Most everyday products in stores were shipped as general freight at some stage.
5. Versatile Packaging
You can use different packaging methods that best protect your goods, such as:
- Cardboard boxes
- Shrink-wrapped pallets
- Wooden crates
The Shipping Process for General Freight: Step-by-Step
If you’re new to the logistics world, understanding the general freight process can make shipping smoother. Here’s how it typically works:
- Goods Are Packaged and Prepared
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Items are packed according to their size, weight, and fragility. Most are boxed or palletized.
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Choose the Shipping Method
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Decide between FTL, LTL, or intermodal depending on size and destination.
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Schedule Pickup and Delivery
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Arrange for a transportation company to collect and deliver your freight.
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Goods Are Loaded
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Forklifts or hand trucks load goods onto shipping vehicles.
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Transportation to Destination
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Goods are shipped via truck, ship, train, or a combination.
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Unloading and Receiving
- Goods are unloaded at the destination and checked for any damage or discrepancies.
Benefits of Shipping General Freight
There’s a reason general freight is the workhorse of the transport industry. Here are its main benefits:
- Economical: Minimal extra costs due to lack of special handling requirements.
- Fast Turnaround: Packaging and shipping are streamlined, speeding up delivery.
- Flexible: Multiple options for carriers, routes, and shipment sizes.
- Reliable: Well-established processes and standards mean fewer surprises.
- Scalable: Works just as well for single boxes as for full containers or trailers.
Challenges and Considerations When Shipping General Freight
While general freight is simple, there are still challenges to keep in mind:
- Risk of Misclassification: Accidentally including restricted or hazardous goods can cause legal or safety issues.
- Packaging Quality: Inadequate packaging increases the risk of damage, especially in LTL shipments where goods are moved multiple times.
- Compliance: Understanding weight limits, labeling, and proper documentation is important.
Practical Tips for Shipping General Freight
Shipping general freight doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how you can make it even easier and cost-effective:
1. Select the Right Packaging
- Use sturdy boxes or high-quality pallets.
- Secure items with shrink wrap or strapping to prevent movement.
2. Double-Check Documentation
- Provide accurate weights, dimensions, and descriptions on your shipping paperwork.
- Ensure all items are clearly labeled for efficient handling.
3. Work with Reliable Carriers
- Partnering with reputable shippers ensures your goods are handled properly and on schedule.
4. Optimize Load Planning
- Maximize the use of space to reduce shipping costs—you might be able to combine loads or select LTL options.
5. Track Your Shipments
- Many carriers offer advanced tracking, giving you real-time updates and peace of mind.
Cost-Saving Tips for General Freight Shipping
Whether you’re shipping from coast to coast or just across town, keeping shipping costs down is always a priority. Here are some strategies:
- Consolidate Shipments: If you have multiple small loads, combine them into one larger shipment to get bulk rates.
- Choose LTL for Small Loads: Less-Than-Truckload shipping is perfect if you’re not filling an entire trailer.
- Negotiate with Carriers: Build relationships to get better rates and priority service.
- Use Standard Size Pallets: Using standard packaging and pallet sizes often reduces handling fees.
- Plan Ahead: Last-minute shipments cost more. Book in advance when possible.
Key Takeaways
General freight is the backbone of day-to-day shipping, covering a diverse range of items that don’t need special licenses or equipment. From office supplies to building materials, most “everyday” products travel this way.
By understanding the basics—what counts as general freight, how the process works, and key best practices—you’ll be ready to navigate general freight shipping efficiently and cost-effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common examples of general freight?
Common examples include packaged goods, electronics, furniture, office supplies, building materials, and non-perishable food items. Anything that doesn’t require temperature control or special handling usually qualifies as general freight.
Is general freight the same as LTL shipping?
Not exactly. “General freight” describes the type of goods, while “LTL” stands for Less-Than-Truckload—a shipping method. Many LTL shipments are general freight, but not all general freight is shipped LTL.
Can hazardous materials be shipped as general freight?
No. Hazardous materials require special handling, documentation, and vehicles. They cannot be classified or shipped as general freight.
How can I reduce my general freight shipping costs?
You can lower costs by consolidating shipments, choosing the right shipping method (like LTL), negotiating rates with carriers, and ensuring efficient packaging to maximize load space.
Do I need special permits to ship general freight?
No special permits are needed for general freight, as long as you’re not moving oversized, hazardous, or restricted items. Standard shipping paperwork and accurate labeling are all you need.
By using these insights and tips, you’ll find that shipping general freight is straightforward, flexible, and reliable—making it a staple for businesses and shippers everywhere.
