General freight trucking is a common type of trucking job available, and is sometimes referred to as dry van trucking. It is the most straightforward type of trucking, making it an attractive option for beginners in the industry.
The general freight trucking industry provides services such as local pickup, local sorting, line-haul, destination sorting, and local delivery. This industry handles and transports a wide variety of goods, making it an essential part of the global supply chain.
General freight refers to the transportation of goods that are not considered household goods or office furniture. This type of freight can include a wide variety of items, such as supplies, equipment, and materials.
General freight is typically transported in container or van trailers, and can be moved domestically or internationally by land, air, or sea.
What is General Freight?
General freight refers to any goods or items that are transported by a carrier, such as a truck, train, or ship. This type of freight is not classified as hazardous or specialized, and it can include a wide range of products, from machinery and equipment to food and consumer goods.
General freight is typically transported in standard containers or pallets, and it is often shipped in large quantities. Freight forwarders and shipping companies are responsible for arranging the transportation of general freight, and they work with carriers to ensure that the goods are delivered safely and on time.
One of the key factors that determines the cost of general freight is its weight. Carriers charge by weight, and heavier items will generally cost more to transport than lighter ones. Also, the distance that the freight needs to be transported, as well as any special handling requirements, can also affect the cost.
General freight can be shipped domestically or internationally, and it is subject to customs clearance and duty fees when it crosses borders. Freight forwarders and shipping companies can help navigate these requirements and ensure that the necessary paperwork, such as invoices and bills of lading, are properly completed.
General freight is an important component of the logistics and transportation industry, and it plays a critical role in supporting both domestic and international trade.
Types of General Freight
General freight is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of cargo that does not fall into a specific category. It can include items such as clothes, agricultural products, electronics, furniture, and machinery.
Understanding the different types of general freight is important for anyone involved in the transportation and logistics industry.
General Cargo
General cargo is one of the most common types of general freight shipped worldwide. It can include a wide range of items, such as household goods, office supplies, and building materials. General cargo is typically transported in standard-sized shipping containers or on pallets.
Perishable Goods
Perishable goods are items that have a limited shelf life and can spoil or become unusable if not transported in the right conditions. This type of general freight includes food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals.
Perishable goods are typically transported in refrigerated containers or trucks to maintain their freshness and quality.
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are items that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during transportation. This type of general freight includes chemicals, batteries, and explosives.
Dangerous goods are subject to strict regulations and must be properly packaged, labeled, and transported in accordance with international standards.
Live Animals
Live animals are another type of general freight that require special handling and care during transportation. This can include livestock, pets, and exotic animals. Live animals must be transported in a safe and humane manner, with adequate food, water, and ventilation.
Understanding the different types of general freight is essential for anyone involved in the transportation and logistics industry.
Whether it’s general cargo, perishable goods, dangerous goods, or live animals, each type of general freight requires special handling and care to ensure its safe and timely delivery.
Modes of Transportation for General Freight
When it comes to transporting general freight, there are several modes of transportation to choose from, depending on the nature of the cargo, the distance to be covered, and the urgency of the shipment.
The three most common modes of transportation for general freight are air transport, shipping, and trucking.
Air Transport
Air transport is the fastest mode of transportation for general freight and is often used for time-sensitive shipments that need to be delivered quickly. Air transport is also the preferred mode of transportation for international trade due to its speed and efficiency.
Freight forwarders and shipping companies often use air transport to transport cargo by air.
Air transport is usually charged based on weight, and the cost of shipping by air can be higher than other modes of transportation. Special handling may also be required for certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials or perishable goods, which can add to the cost of air transport.
Shipping
Shipping is a popular mode of transportation for general freight, especially for shipments that need to be transported over long distances. Cargo ships are used to transport large quantities of goods, and shipping containers are used to protect the cargo from damage during transit.
Shipping companies and carriers are responsible for the safe transport of the cargo from the port of origin to the port of destination.
Shipping is usually charged based on the size and weight of the shipment, the distance to be covered, and the type of cargo being shipped. Customs clearance and duty may also be required for international shipments, which can add to the cost of shipping.
Trucking
Trucking is a common mode of transportation for general freight, especially for shipments that need to be transported over short distances or within a specific region. Freight trucks and vans are used to transport cargo from one location to another, and logistics companies and carriers are responsible for the safe transport of the cargo.
Trucking is usually charged based on the type of cargo being shipped, the distance to be covered, and the capacity of the truck.
LTL (less-than-truckload) and truckload shipments are the two most common types of trucking shipments. LTL shipments are for cargo that does not require a full truckload, while truckload shipments are for cargo that requires a full truckload.
The mode of transportation for general freight depends on several factors, such as the nature of the cargo, the distance to be covered, and the urgency of the shipment.
Air transport, shipping, and trucking are the three most common modes of transportation for general freight, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.