Boost Delivery with Magento 2 Freight Shipping Solutions

• What is Freight Shipping in Magento 2?

• How to Prepare Your Store for Freight Shipping?

• 4 Advanced Freight Shipping Techniques

• 5 Key Features of Freight Shipping

• Difference Between Freight Shipping and Standard Shipping

• FAQs

• Summary

What is Freight Shipping in Magento 2?

Freight shipping transports large or bulk items that exceed standard parcel size limits.

Freight shipping differs from standard shipping methods. Regular shipping handles packages below 150 pounds. Freight shipping handles heavier or palletized items that need special handling.

The shipping requires specialized carriers like DHL Heavy to handle oversized items. Magento 2 does not offer native freight shipping support. Merchants must configure accurate shipping costs using table rates or carrier API integrations.

Proper setup prevents shipping errors and cart abandonment. It decreases cart abandonment by 15% and improves delivery time accuracy by 30%. It optimizes both logistics and customer experience. It helps businesses sell furniture or automotive parts, ensuring smooth deliveries.

Integrating freight rates helps businesses simplify operations and provide proper shipping options.

How to Prepare Your Store for Freight Shipping?

1. Determine Freight Shipping Needs

• Before setting up freight shipping, check your store’s shipping needs, such as:

  1. Product size

  2. Weight

  3. Customer location

• Items that exceed standard carrier limits need freight shipping. It includes items weighing more than 150 lbs.

• Less-than-truckload transports smaller shipments that do not need an entire truck.

• Full Truckload shipping is best for large shipments filling an entire truck.

• You might also consider extra services, such as:

  1. Liftgate delivery is for locations without loading docks.

  2. Inside delivery, when customers need items brought indoors.

  3. White glove service is for specialized handling and setup.

• Defining these requirements upfront helps configure freight shipping. It also helps avoid customer complaints due to unexpected fees or limitations.

2. Choose the Right Freight Shipping Method

• Magento 2 does not support freight shipping. You must choose the right method for pricing and carrier integration.

• If you prefer manual freight rate configuration, Magento 2 offers basic options:

  1. Table rates shipping allows custom freight pricing based on weight and product type. It is best for merchants with fixed freight pricing or limited shipping zones.

  2. Flat-rate shipping charges a fixed freight fee per order or item. It is useful for simple pricing models but lacks real-time carrier calculations.

• Integrate with major freight carriers for accurate real-time quotes. These include FedEx Freight and DHL Heavy Freight.

• To simplify rate calculations and shipping automation, install a third-party Magento 2 extension:

  1. ShipperHQ offers real-time freight quotes and advanced shipping rules

  2. WebShopApps freight shipping offers custom freight rates and LTL carrier integration

  3. uDropship freight automates dropshipping and freight shipping

• TechShoppers, an electronics retailer, faced challenges managing a vast inventory from different distributors.

• They implemented a customized dropshipping solution. It allowed the smooth importation of thousands of products into their store.

• The integration enabled order fulfillment by sourcing products from the nearest distributors. It improves logistics and customer satisfaction.

3. Optimize Freight Shipping for Cost & Customer Experience

• Reduce freight shipping costs by negotiating better rates for bulk shipping discounts. Implementing a custom freight solution in Magento 2 reduces shipping costs by 23%.

• Use zone-based pricing to cut distance-based costs. Dropshipping or third-party fulfillment centers reduce costs.

• Enhance customer experience with free or discounted freight shipping for expensive orders.

• Enable real-time freight tracking so customers can track orders. Provide estimated delivery dates to set clear expectations.

• Place a test order before going live to check if freight rates appear. Ensure proper application of taxes and surcharges. Review the checkout process for user-friendliness.

4 Advanced Freight Shipping Techniques

1. Multi-Modal and Intermodal Shipping

• Use a combination of transportation methods, such as truck and air. It enhances flexibility and cost efficiency.

• Intermodal shipping allows smooth transitions between transportation modes. There is no direct freight handling. It reduces delays and damages.

• Use digital platforms with integrated shipping solutions. It helps ensure simplified operations and cost savings.

2. Multi-Level Freight Shipping

• Managing inventory across different warehouses reduces shipping costs and time.

• It helps companies fulfill orders by selecting the closest warehouse for delivery. It minimizes transit delays.

• Advanced warehouse management systems enable stock monitoring and order fulfillment. It ensures optimal resource allocation.

3. Dropshipping Integration for Freight Items

• Dropshipping deals with small parcel shipments. Integrating this model with freight shipping can benefit bulk product businesses.

• Companies can reduce warehousing costs and improve scalability. It is by working with suppliers who ship freight items to customers.

• Implementing AI logistics platforms ensures efficient routing and shipment tracking.

4. Green Shipping Initiatives

• Green shipping initiatives include using fuel-efficient vehicles and adopting electric trucks. It also includes using carbon offset programs to cut environmental impact.

• Route optimization and use of alternative energy sources such as solar logistics hubs. These contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and environmental regulations compliance.

5 Key Features of Freight Shipping

1. Designed for Heavy Shipments

• Unlike regular parcel shipping, freight is for oversized and heavyweight goods. These are difficult to transport using standard couriers.

• These shipments exceed 150 lbs. It is the upper limit for standard carriers like FedEx and UPS Ground.

• Large shipments often exceed parcel size limits. It requires palletization or crating for transport.

• Furniture and industrial machinery use freight shipping. A furniture retailer shipping a 300-pound dining table cannot use standard parcel services. It must rely on an LTL freight carrier.

2. Freight Rates Calculation Depends on Different Factors

Unlike flat-rate parcel shipping, freight shipping costs are dynamic. Key factors affecting freight pricing include:

• Shipment weight & dimensions as larger and heavier shipments cost more.

• Freight class depends on the National Motor Freight Classification system. It categorizes goods by density and handling complexity.

• Distance & shipping zones as longer distances increase costs.

• Different freight carriers, such as UPS Freight, have different pricing structures.

• Extra services, such as liftgate and white glove service, add extra fees.

3. Special Packaging and Handling Requirements

It requires proper packaging as freight shipments are larger and vulnerable to damage. The best practices for freight packaging include:

• Stacking goods on pallets provides stability and ease of handling.

• Keeps items safe and prevents movement during transit.

• Custom wooden crates offer extra protection for breakable or expensive items.

• Attach clear shipping labels and BOLs.

4. Longer Transit Times Compared to Parcel Shipping

Freight shipments generally take longer than standard parcel deliveries because:

• LTL shipments make different stops at freight terminals before reaching their destination.

• Large shipments need coordination between different carriers. It is especially for intermodal transport.

• Weather conditions and carrier schedules determine freight transit times.

Different freight shipping transit times include:

• LTL Shipping: 3–7 business days.

• FTL Shipping: 1–5 business days.

• Intermodal Freight: 7–14 business days.

• Expedited Freight: 1–2 business days.

5. Advanced Tracking and Delivery Requirements

Freight shipments need more complex tracking and scheduling than parcel shipping. The different freight tracking features include:

• Major carriers like FedEx Freight and DHL Freight offer API-related tracking.

• Customers can track their freight online.

• Many freight deliveries need appointments, especially for businesses and residential locations.

Important freight documentation includes:

• A bill of lading (BOL) is a legal document that all freight shipments needs.

• A freight invoice is a cost breakdown of freight charges.

• Customs forms are necessary for global shipments.

Difference Between Freight Shipping and Standard Shipping

Feature	Standard Shipping	Freight Shipping
1. Definition	The shipping method is for small packages. It uses couriers like USPS and FedEx.	The shipping method is for large or bulk shipments using freight carriers.
2. Weight Limit	It includes up to 150 lbs per package.	It includes over 150 lbs per shipment.
3. Size Limit	It includes small to medium-sized packages. They fit in standard boxes.	It includes oversized and bulk shipments requiring special handling.
4. Transportation	Small vans or trucks carry them.	Cargo ships or planes carry them.
5. Delivery Process	It includes direct delivery to residential or business addresses.	It includes dock-to-dock or curbside delivery. It may need scheduling or liftgate service.
6. Tracking System	It includes real-time tracking with detailed updates.	It includes less frequent updates, often terminal-based tracking.
7. Cost Structure	It incurs flat-rate or per-pound pricing.	The price depends on dimensions and freight class.
8. Handling & Special Services	It includes basic handling with express or signature confirmation options.	It includes inside delivery or hazardous materials handling.
9. Best For	It is best for online stores and personal shipments.	It is best for manufacturers and wholesalers.
10. Common Use Cases	The common use cases include retail orders and small business shipments.	The common use cases include industrial equipment and large e-commerce orders.

FAQs

1. What's the best freight shipping extension?

ShipperHQ offers the most comprehensive freight shipping capabilities. It comes with dimensional shipping and extensive carrier integrations. For simpler needs, WebShopApps Freight Shipping provides good value.

2. How do I calculate dimensional weight in Magento 2?

Magento 2 does not calculate dimensional weight. It requiring a shipping extension or custom code. Calculate it by multiplying length × width × height. Then, divide it by the carrier's dimensional factor. Shipping cost depends on the greater value between dimensional and actual weight.

3. Can I offer same-day delivery for freight items?

Same-day delivery for freight items is difficult but used in specific cases. It requires local warehousing and depends on premium carrier partnerships. Smooth execution may need custom development or specialized extensions.

4. How can I reduce freight shipping costs in my store?

Reduce freight shipping costs by negotiating volume discounts and using multi-level fulfillment. Prevent delivery issues with address validation. Save costs by consolidating shipments whenever possible.

Summary

Unlike standard parcel shipping, freight shipping transports bulk items exceeding 150 lbs. The article explores the key features of the shipping, including:

• Choose between manual pricing or real-time carrier integration.

• Use multi-modal shipping, warehouse distribution, and AI-driven tracking for efficiency.

• Requires special packaging, longer transit times, and appointment-based deliveries.

• Freight shipping handles oversized goods with complex logistics.

Optimize your freight shipping costs with smart strategies. Pair it with managed Magento hosting for a smooth eCommerce experience.