If you're running a business, there's a good chance you've used freight shipping to get products or materials to and from suppliers. Freight companies transport all sorts of things for businesses –– from raw materials and components to entire finished products.
But what do these companies actually transport? Here's a look at some of the most common items freight carriers move for businesses.
Raw Materials
If your business uses raw materials –– whether it's lumber for a construction company or steel for a manufacturing operation –– freight companies can transport them for you. These raw materials are often heavy or bulky, making them difficult to move without the help of a freight carrier.
A licensed freight company can also transport hazardous raw materials like chemicals and oil, provided they have the proper paperwork and safety protocols in place.
For example, a good freight company will have a comprehensive hazmat shipping plan that outlines how these dangerous materials will be safely transported. In the case of harmful chemicals, they will use special containers and take other precautions like labeling and placarding the shipment to protect both their employees and the environment.
Food and Beverage Products
Food and beverage companies often use freight shipping to move their products long distances. For example, a winery in California may use freight shipping to send wine to distributors in New York. Or a bakery in Texas may ship bread and pastries to stores in Colorado.
When freight companies transport food and beverage products, they must take special care to ensure the items are properly refrigerated or frozen. They will also use temperature-controlled trucks and containers to protect the products from spoilage.
Note that freight companies can only transport food and beverage products if they have the proper licensing from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to transport these types of items. This license allows freight companies to transport food products that are subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Why Freight Companies Are Important for Business
Freight shipping is a vital part of many businesses, and without it, most businesses would find it difficult to operate. In fact, handling shipments in-house can be expensive and time consuming, so outsourcing to a freight company is often the best solution.
Not only will they take care of all the logistics for you, but they can also provide valuable insights into how to improve your shipping operations. Reach out to a freight company for more information.
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