Shipping Guide: Everything to Know About Freight, Trucking, and Shipping
Freight Fundamentals & SCAC Codes—Simplified.
Shipping Basics
What is Freight Shipping?
Freight shipping is the transportation of goods, commodities, and cargo in bulk by land, sea, or air. It includes small parcels to full truckloads, depending on the needs of the shipper. Freight can be domestic or international and is critical for supply chains and global commerce.
LTL vs FTL Shipping Explained
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) is used when the shipment does not require a full trailer. It shares space with other shipments, making it more cost-effective for small loads.
- FTL (Full Truckload) is used when a shipment occupies the entire trailer, offering faster transit times and minimal handling.
Trucking vs Other Modes
- Trucking is ideal for short to medium distances and offers flexibility in scheduling.
- Rail is cost-effective for long distances and large volumes.
- Air is fastest but most expensive.
- Ocean is best for international shipping of large quantities.
Common Shipping Terminology Glossary
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the shipping industry more effectively:
Types of Freight Services
LTL (Less-than-Truckload)
Best for small freight that doesn't require the use of an entire truck. Multiple shipments from different customers share the same truck space, making it cost-effective for smaller loads.
FTL (Full Truckload)
Ideal for large shipments that fill a whole truck or require dedicated space. Offers faster transit times, reduced handling, and lower risk of damage compared to LTL shipping.
Intermodal & Multimodal
Combines multiple transportation methods (e.g., rail + truck) for efficiency. Intermodal uses standardized containers that can be transferred between modes without handling the freight itself, while multimodal uses different equipment for each leg of the journey.
Expedited & Same-Day Shipping
Fast shipping options for urgent deliveries. These premium services prioritize your shipment and use dedicated vehicles and routes to ensure the fastest possible delivery times.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Shipping
Used for perishable goods requiring temperature control. Specialized equipment maintains specific temperature ranges to preserve the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Hazmat and Oversized Load Shipping
Specialized services for hazardous materials or unusually large shipments. These require special permits, equipment, and trained personnel to ensure safe and compliant transportation.
Shipping Guide: Everything to Know About Freight, Trucking, and Shipping
Freight Fundamentals & SCAC Codes—Simplified.
Shipping Basics
What is Freight Shipping?
Freight shipping is the transportation of goods, commodities, and cargo in bulk by land, sea, or air. It includes small parcels to full truckloads, depending on the needs of the shipper. Freight can be domestic or international and is critical for supply chains and global commerce.
LTL vs FTL Shipping Explained
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) is used when the shipment does not require a full trailer. It shares space with other shipments, making it more cost-effective for small loads.
- FTL (Full Truckload) is used when a shipment occupies the entire trailer, offering faster transit times and minimal handling.
Trucking vs Other Modes
- Trucking is ideal for short to medium distances and offers flexibility in scheduling.
- Rail is cost-effective for long distances and large volumes.
- Air is fastest but most expensive.
- Ocean is best for international shipping of large quantities.
Common Shipping Terminology Glossary
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the shipping industry more effectively:
Types of Freight Services
LTL (Less-than-Truckload)
Best for small freight that doesn't require the use of an entire truck. Multiple shipments from different customers share the same truck space, making it cost-effective for smaller loads.
FTL (Full Truckload)
Ideal for large shipments that fill a whole truck or require dedicated space. Offers faster transit times, reduced handling, and lower risk of damage compared to LTL shipping.
Intermodal & Multimodal
Combines multiple transportation methods (e.g., rail + truck) for efficiency. Intermodal uses standardized containers that can be transferred between modes without handling the freight itself, while multimodal uses different equipment for each leg of the journey.
Expedited & Same-Day Shipping
Fast shipping options for urgent deliveries. These premium services prioritize your shipment and use dedicated vehicles and routes to ensure the fastest possible delivery times.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Shipping
Used for perishable goods requiring temperature control. Specialized equipment maintains specific temperature ranges to preserve the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Hazmat and Oversized Load Shipping
Specialized services for hazardous materials or unusually large shipments. These require special permits, equipment, and trained personnel to ensure safe and compliant transportation.
SCAC Code Search
Find Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) used to identify freight carriers in shipping and logistics
Search Results
About SCAC Codes
Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) are 2-4 letter codes used to identify freight carriers in transportation management systems, computer systems, and Bills of Lading.
• Codes ending with "U" typically identify container carriers
• Codes ending with "X" identify privately owned rail cars
• Codes ending with "Z" identify chassis used in intermodal transport
These codes were developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association in the 1960s to facilitate automation of data in the transport industry. They are now used by EDIFACT of the United Nations and by Customs Border Patrol (CBP) for electronic clearance of documents.
SCAC Code Search
Find Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) used to identify freight carriers in shipping and logistics
Search Results
About SCAC Codes
Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) are 2-4 letter codes used to identify freight carriers in transportation management systems, computer systems, and Bills of Lading.
• Codes ending with "U" typically identify container carriers
• Codes ending with "X" identify privately owned rail cars
• Codes ending with "Z" identify chassis used in intermodal transport
These codes were developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association in the 1960s to facilitate automation of data in the transport industry. They are now used by EDIFACT of the United Nations and by Customs Border Patrol (CBP) for electronic clearance of documents.