THE FREIGHT SHIPPING PROCESS

There are many different ways and reasons to shipCoca-Cola from the United States into Mexico and
freight. Many businesses need hauling companies toCanada only requires one hauling
transport their products across the country, or evencompany—however, they need to be prepared
internationally. Even individuals moving from theirwith passports, and be familiar with the customs laws
homes need trucks to ship their personal belongings.of those countries.
The more informed you are about the shippingDifferent Types
process, the more likely it is that you make the best,There are three very common types of truckload
most cost-efficient choice for your shipping needs.freight. The type we are all the most familiar with is
International Shippingbox trucks. These can hold all different types of
International shipping is obviously the most complexfreight for companies as varying as groceries to
form of freight shipping, especially for heavy haulmattresses to frozen yogurt—they can be dry
freight that cannot be airlifted, and require a freightgoods to refrigerated or frozen goods. Another
or cargo ship. For instance, getting cars shipped fromcommon type of truck is the flatbed. These trucks
Europe to the United States first requires haulingare used for oversized items such as trees,
companies in Europe to get from the manufacturerarchitectural components, and trailer-homes. The third
to the port. Then an International Freight Forwardermost common type seen on the highways is the
is required to handle all customs paperwork, and musttanker truck. Tanker trucks carry chemicals, water
be informed of the countries' import and export laws.treatments, gasoline, and even milk. The one thing
Once the cars are hauled overseas by a cargo shipthat is easier about shipping overseas is that almost
and dock in the States, another truckload freighteverything can be shipped on a cargo boat—over
company must be used to transport the cars toland, you need to be a little more specific!
various car dealers across the US.Choosing Hauling Companies
Over Land ShippingChoosing hauling companies can be a hassle. When
Shipping items over land is quite a bit easier thanlooking, make sure you look for companies that meet
shipping items overseas, simply because there areyour specific needs, and have plenty of experience
less people involved—and the fact that they mostwith the type of freight shipping you require. Also, if
likely will speak the same language also helps! Moreyou look for a company that offers contracts out to
often than not, it will only require one shippingmany different types of truck shipping companies,
company, which cuts down on costs and on time.you will be able to get a more competitive rate,
One complication you might run into is when yourbecause they will be competing for your business.
freight has to cross borderlines. For instance, shipping