Key takeaways: Everything you need to know about specialty freight

In this series, we’ve walked you through the multiple specialty shipping options TA Services provides and how we bring custom shipping solutions to business owners throughout North America. Navigating the vast world of specialty freight options can be a complex web since there are no “one size fits all” solutions in transportation management. From oversized freight and temperature-sensitive cargo to hazardous materials and high value loads, here’s a recap of the key takeaways from each specialty shipping method:

LTL and Partial LTL

• These shipments commonly weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds.
• LTL or partial LTL are often the right solution when your shipment is less than 12 pallets.
• LTL is a cost-effective solution for shipping smaller loads, but it does require a more flexible delivery window.

Extreme Length

• Freight will typically be considered ‘extreme length’ at 8-12 feet in length.
• Carriers can set their own length limits and overlength fees, so do your research ahead of time—or find a 3PL partner who can do that research for you.
• Freight that is both long and wide (i.e., more than 8.5 feet wide) will likely classify as heavy haul, which has its own set of regulations.

Temperature Controlled Freight

• These types of loads must maintain consistent temperatures as they are transported from one place to another.
• Every shipment has its own temperature requirements, so work with your carrier to set expectations and protocols for how your cargo is handled from the time it is picked up to the time it is unloaded.
• Demand changes for temperature-controlled shipping affects rates, so keep that in mind when planning your shipments and budget.

Heavy Haul

• Not your typical shipments – these types of freight transport are a big deal and typically come with a higher rate given the required specialty equipment needed.
• Don’t estimate dimensions. Knowing your shipment’s exact width, height, length, and weight is critical for planning permits and routes.
• Work with your carrier to prepare for any necessary equipment needed to load and unload your large freight.

Expedited Shipping

• For when you need to get your products delivered faster than the standard timeline.
• Truckload can be a fast and cost-effective solution for expedited shipping compared to air freight, but exact timelines can vary. Set expectations with your carrier early.
• Evaluate your priorities. If you’re on a strict timeline and delivery windows are critical, the additional costs associated with expedited shipping may be worthwhile.

High Value and Hazmat

• These shipments require added steps and precautions. Give yourself time to plan ahead.
• A 3PL provider should easily be able to support your most valuable commodities with additional insurance and risk protection.
• Make sure you and your carrier have all the necessary paperwork and permits.

If there is just one thing you take away from this series, remember the value of a trusted partner. The perfect 3PL provider should hold a deep understanding of specialty freight options and should be actively offering them to shippers in ways that best suit their needs. They should also boast a robust knowledge of shipping lanes and logistics strategy to leverage specialty freight in the most cost-effective manner for shippers.

Given the various limitations, regulations, and permits that come with specialty freight, finding the right 3PL partner with the expertise and resources to help you through the process and each step along the way should be a priority for all business owners.

TA Services is known for doing the difficult stuff best. For more than 35 years, we’ve helped shippers like you manage everything that goes into a strategic and efficient transportation program. We’re a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) company providing a wide range of shipping services to business owners throughout North America.

With service offerings covering multimodal freight brokerage, managed transportation, warehousing & fulfillment, and cross-border logistics, consider TA Services your one-stop-shop for shipping solutions of any kind. Count on us to service your needs from simple to complex, we handle it all. Get in touch for a quote on your next freight shipment.