Freight Vs Shipping: What’s the Difference?

Freight and shipping are integral aspects to ensuring the success of logistics providers in the Philippines as they both related to the transport of goods. Despite their importance, the words themselves are often used interchangeably, and most people are unable to discern the differences. So in order to clear up any confusion, this article will answer the question: What are the differences between Freight and Shipping?

What is Freight?

Back in days before the automobile, freight was used to refer to anything being shipped by a freight train. But these days, freight is now a general term for the bulk transport of goods- regardless of whether it is through trucking services, sea freight, or air freight. What is important is that goods are able to get to store shelves, and to homes throughout the Philippines.

Other than the physical act of transporting goods, freight or cargo is also used as a term to refer to the goods themselves, and again, the terms are often used interchangeably as they relate to products being transported, however there are slight differences.

Freight products usually refer to either large goods, or goods that have to be transported in large quantities for commercial and/or industrial purposes, usually through a combination of air freight (which is faster and more efficient but more expensive) or sea freight (which is more cost effective but takes longer) and trucking services such as from a warehouse to a port or from a port to a retailer. In the Philippines, shippers can choose from a variety of trucking services to facilitate the smooth delivery of goods.

Cargo, on the other hand, refers to products shipped to individual consumers by small retailers and private citizens. Though they still require some measure of logistics solutions in order to ensure a smooth and timely delivery, it isn’t as strenuous as the bulk transport of freight.

 

What is Shipping?

 

Like freight, shipping has its origins in the method of transport used to get goods from point a to point b. For the longest time, to ship something quite literally meant to transport something aboard a ship.

These days, shipping is the term used to describe the process of organizing, managing, and delivering goods in a timely and secure manner. This is where freight forwarders come in. A freight forwarder is a company that specializes in organizing and managing freight shipments, such as air freight in the Philippines. They are experts in arranging the most efficient routes, and in ensuring that shipments arrive on time and in good

 

The Bottom Line

Freight and shipping are essential components of the global economy. Freight services are necessary for the physical transport of goods, while shipping services are necessary for the organization, management, and delivery of goods. By understanding the differences between freight and shipping, businesses can ensure clarity in communication, and that their goods arrive safely and on time.