Need to move some bulk cargo? Here are 4 factors that affect bulk shipping rates in the USA.
1. Freight class
Do you know the exact value of your shipment? How vulnerable are your items? What are their handling and loadability characteristics? Valuable and fragile products have higher freight rates when it comes to freight class.
Bulk shipping entails loading, storing, and unloading. Therefore, the risks are higher when you have commodities that are highly valuable or susceptible to damages. In such cases, your products will automatically fall under the higher freight classification.
2. Distance moved
How distance moved affects bulk shipping rates can be a confusing subject. For starters, rates will not automatically increase for every mile traveled. Instead, shipping companies use complicated formulas that account for destinations, groups pr origin, and shipment type.
Sometimes, the rates for each mile will reduce with distance depending on terminal and line-haul costs for the chosen transportation mode. In other instances, the rates for each mile will increase with the length moved. It is not an exact science, but distance moved will affect your bulk shipping rates in one way or the other.
3. Size and mass
The measurements and weight of your cargo are the two critical factors that will influence the bulk shipment rate. When shipping your products, it is a requirement to provide accurate dimensions and mass. Note that a designated National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) number will represent each item.
Naturally, enormous and heavy goods will have a higher freight rate. Shipowners usually have a standard dollar charge for every cargo ton. However, the cost might be slightly lower for less than container shipments. Always factor in the size and weight when considering overseas bulk shipping.
4. Gross or dimensional weight
It is an industry-standard formula that determines shipping costs by considering the shipment’s density. Usually, the bulk shipping rates will come down to gross or dimensional weight. However, note that shipowners will go with the greatest between the two when calculating transportation fees.
For instance, what happens when your item weighs less but occupies a lot of space? You get charged using dimensional weight rather than gross weight. Doing this ensures shipowners can get maximum earning from each bulk shipment they deliver.
Let us help you with your bulk shipping
Do you need professional help on your next bulk shipment? At ShipNorthAmerica, our network includes several member companies that provide a broad range of services in specialized freight movement. Ensure you visit our blog for more updates, news, and articles in the transportation industry.
Feel free to contact us today for more information.