Understanding Freight Shipping
Hello, everyone!
As we delve into the world of freight shipping, especially working with a myriad of freight shipment quotes for customers, it's important to understand the dynamics at play. Many assume that ordering less expensive items, such as empty hydro trays, will result in lower shipping costs. However, these trays occupy the same space on a pallet or box, often leading to identical or higher freight costs than anticipated.
How Freight Pricing Works
Freight shipment pricing differs significantly from standard box shipment pricing. It's dependent on the density of the product being shipped. Contrary to lighter items, heavier and denser products, like tulip bulbs, can have a comparatively lower cost per pound when shipped by freight.
Dense vs. Lightweight: High-density items (e.g., tulip bulbs) have lower freight costs per pound.
Lightweight, Bulky Items: Freight for lightweight items that occupy significant space can be unexpectedly costly.
Calculating Freight Classes
Determining your product’s freight class can help anticipate shipping costs. For example, a crate of tulip bulbs typically weighs between 35 and 43 pounds, with an average around 38 pounds. By using a freight class calculator, you can assess which class your product falls into. You must also take into consideration the width, length, and height of your shipment - including the pallet itself (5” tall). And the weight of the pallet (about 40lbs).
For tulip bulbs, the freight class is generally 70. If a palette includes both bulbs and empty crates, the class—and consequently, the cost—will increase substantially.
Saving on Shipping Costs
To help alleviate some of these costs, there are several strategies we employ:
Combining Shipments: Utilizing a specially designed liner allows us to pack bulbs inside hydro trays. This transition from two boxes to one can save space.
Consider Crate Needs: If you rely on bulb crates for storage or growing, merging contents could mean sacrificing these crates, which we discuss with clients beforehand.
Packaging Adjustments: By taping 2+ boxes together, we marginally increase postage.
Leveraging Carrier Contracts
Our experience with large-scale freight shipments has enabled us to secure contracts with carriers that offer rates unmatched by standard online searches. Through these partnerships, customers receive competitive shipping costs.
Pallet Optimization: For larger orders, consider ordering tulip bulbs in multiples of five crates. This strategy maximizes pallet space.
Shipping Challenges & Solutions
Shipping logistics present unique challenges, from remote locations to unserviceable areas by certain carriers. To ensure comprehensive service delivery:
We maintain multiple contracts, ensuring we can reach customers nationwide, including those in remote areas.
Creative problem-solving enables us to find solutions for customers situated in places like Alaska.
While freight shipping may resemble a complex puzzle, these challenges provide opportunities for innovative solutions that benefit our customers. I hope these insights assist you in navigating the shipping process more effectively.
Take care and let me know if you have any questions.
-Linda