Freight shipping — anything too large or heavy for a parcel carrier — is priced and booked differently than a UPS or FedEx package. You'll need a pallet, an accurate weight and freight class, and either a full truckload or an LTL (less-than-truckload) quote depending on how much you're shipping.
Freight vs. Parcel: The First Thing to Understand
Parcel carriers price by weight and zone with a flat, published rate. Freight is priced by weight, dimensions, freight class, and the specific lane — meaning the same shipment can cost meaningfully different amounts depending on where it's picked up and dropped off, and how it's classified.
What You'll Need Before Requesting a Quote
Accurate weight and dimensions of the palletized shipment, the freight class (or a general description your broker can classify for you), the pickup and delivery ZIP codes, and whether either location has a loading dock or needs liftgate service.
LTL vs. Full Truckload: Which Do You Need?
If your shipment is a handful of pallets, not a full trailer, LTL lets you pay only for the space you use. If it fills most or all of a 53' trailer, full truckload is faster and simpler, without the multiple stops and handling an LTL shipment goes through.
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating weight or dimensions (leads to a reclassification bill after pickup), not confirming dock or liftgate access (can trigger an unexpected accessorial charge), and not asking about transit time upfront — freight transit times are typically longer, and less exact, than parcel delivery windows.
IZY Logistics is a licensed freight broker (MC #1615290) happy to walk through any charge or term on your invoice.
Get a Free Quote →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between freight and parcel shipping?
Parcel is priced by weight and zone at a flat published rate. Freight is priced by weight, dimensions, freight class, and lane — it's more variable, but often far cheaper per pound for larger shipments.
Do I need a loading dock to ship freight?
Not necessarily — liftgate service is available for locations without a dock, but it's usually an added accessorial charge, so it's worth confirming before booking.
How do I know if I need LTL or full truckload?
If your shipment is a few pallets, LTL is usually more cost-effective. If it fills most of a trailer, full truckload is typically faster and simpler.
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