Courier vs Freight Shipping

So you’re transporting goods and you’re not sure whether to use courier or freight shipping? Let’s break it down so you make the best choice for your transportation needs: 

Couriering and freighting are both useful services, and have their advantages and disadvantages depending on what you’re transporting. 

What’s the difference? 

Courier shipping is a door-to-door service; best suited for less urgent, small parcels, such as samples. 

Freight forwarders like McHugh & Eastwood liaise between you and the courier to ensure a smooth transportation of your goods; including tasks such as billing, customer clearance, documentation and international import-export legalities.

It’s best to avoid using courier services when shipping valuable or time-sensitive cargo, as a lot of traceability gets lost, and your freight forwarder cannot expedite the goods if there are issues. 

Freight shipping is tailored to the exact needs and demands of the cargo, best suited for large-quantity, urgent goods. 

As a general rule of thumb, if it’s a big shipment, freight is your best option: Freight forwarders use their industry expertise, as well as their network of transportation companies to control the transit, pricing, services and clearances of your goods. 

Freighting via sea or air

Determining which is better also depends on your transportation needs. Due to the current state of the global supply chain, the demand for air freighting has increased by 9%, as it’s a much faster form of transportation, and helps recover time lost in delayed production processes. 

Air freighting is more expensive than sea freighting, so it’s worthwhile to consider if the monetary cost outweighs the time constraints of your goods being transported. 

So, whether it’s courier or freight shipping you need, have peace of mind knowing your cargo is in the best hands possible with McHugh & Eastwood. 

Get in contact today!