Imagine a world without trucks, ships, or planes carrying goods across borders. How will businesses work, and how will consumers receive their products? This is where freight shipping steps in; it is a process that is extremely important for the global economy.

Freight shipping is the process of transporting commodities, goods, and cargo by land, sea, or air. It is basically an integral part of many e-commerce businesses’ operations, especially when international shipping is involved.

What Is Freight?

Freight is the transportation of goods in bulk via air, ship, road, or by an intermodal transport. Freight means the movement of any cargo from one place to another. It is not a parcel shipping. When an order is placed online for delivery to a specific area for a smaller packages that is parcel shipping where as freight is the shipment of larger bulks of goods.

Freight in shipping refers to the cargo that is transported from one place to another. It includes the cost of transporting these goods, packaging, loading, and delivering them to their destination. Freight can consist of anything from raw materials, bulk commodities, and sensitive products as well. It can be transported domestically or internationally as well.

In Logistics, Freight includes

• Planning
• Management (done by a Freight Forwarder)
• Coordination of the movement
• Storage of goods
• Packaging
• Warehousing
• Customs clearance
• Delivery to the final destination.

In freight shipping it is an important thing to make sure that the goods get delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and on time.

Types of freight shipping

Freight shipping includes various types like air, sea, rail, and truck freight, each suited for different shipment sizes, distances, and delivery speeds.

1. Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping

Ideal for large shipments that can fill a full truckload. It guarantees direct shipping with external shared space. It moves bulk which is large enough to use an entire semi-trailer, that is typically more than 15,000 pounds.

2. Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping

It is best for smaller shipments that don’t require an entire truck. Mixing freight from multiple shippers helps reduce fees by using shared space. LTL is typically used for shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds.

3. Intermodal Shipping

This method uses more than one mode of shipping to transport goods over long distances optimally. Including rail in your freight shipping can reduce fuel use, lower costs and offer a reliable method of shipping

4. Air Freight

Best for urgent, time-sensitive delivery. It is more expensive but it is fast and used for high-value goods.

5. Ocean Freight

It is used to ship large bulks internationally. It is a slower process and a cost-effective method for non-urgent shipments.

6. Expedited Shipping

Used for urgent deliveries that need to arrive quickly. This one has a generally steeper price but still guarantees fast delivery. Expedited freight refers to time-critical shipments.

7. Freight Rail

To transport bulky and large shipments over long distances within a country. It is an eco-friendly method which is cost-effective as well.

What classifies as a freight shipment?

Freight refers to any shipment above the following size and weight thresholds:

30 inches (inches height x width) x 30 inches x 30 inches, or 150 pounds and above. On the other hand, smaller packages may cost less for parcels in most cases.

For instance, eBay freight shipping is a service offered by eBay to facilitate the transportation of large and bulky items that cannot be shipped using standard parcels.

How does freight shipping work?

Freight shipping entails larger and heavier goods that are more cumbersome thus it’s not as straightforward as parcel shipping. Instead, it requires use of bigger infrastructures which involves loading and unloading systems, bulky transport vehicles and ports to facilitate unhindered movement of shipments.

Shippers often load the goods in trucks or in pallets. Pallets, or wooden platforms used for shipping, are typically 48” x 48” or 48” x 40”, and around 26 which can approximately fit in the average trailer. This allows a more easy, without any damage, and a convenient transportation.

Characteristics

Freight shipping includes the shipment of goods which is very different from normal parcel delivery. Freight shipping is more cost-effective and efficient. Some huge companies, like FedEx and UPS, also have freight divisions, but they operate as separate units for it and parcel delivery as well.

Anything that weighs more than 150 pounds, is longer than 108 inches, and is greater than 160 inches in length comes under the parameters of freight shipment.

Benefits of freight shipping

Freight shipping offers cost-effective, reliable solutions for transporting large quantities, enabling businesses to streamline supply chains and reach global markets.

1. Top Carriers

In case you’re transporting significant cargo, it is important to guarantee your commodities reach safely and promptly. Online freight services work hand in hand with reliable high-class carriers to achieve this.

2. Cut down on Shipping Fees:

Businesses may take a lot of time when searching for the best rates since they have to find different carriers, get quotes, and then compare the prices. However, TEU eases this process by providing you a trustworthy service at competitive rates.

3. Timely Freight

When dealing with time-sensitive shipments, it is necessary to respect tight delivery windows. Different shipping options allow you to select that particular service level that meets deadlines easily.

Challenges

1. The increasing demand for skilled people is growing rapidly in the logistics industry. It is important to firm a strong team as small business operators quickly realize the need for a good team. Managing freight shipping can be tough, so having a strong team helps during peak seasons. Hiring reliable people in the team is the only solution to handle challenges more effectively.
2. Having proper information about the modes of freight is really important. It gives you flexibility if you’re dealing with less-than-truckload (LTL) or full-truckload shipments. The method or mode chosen for shipment is selected according to the need. As it saves both time and money.
3. Using the right tools during the shipment process is crucial. Understanding the importance of competitive shipping rates can reduce the amount of time and money. Many shippers find themselves under the rubble with rigid contracts. High rates can be overcome by booking everything in advance, so you can avoid paying more than expected.
4. Incomplete bills, not classifying freight correctly, small mistakes, or being unprepared are common issues among shippers. Being prepared can help you avoid costly surcharges, delays, or even customs issues for international shipments.
5. Delays in freight shipping can occur with any company. These are unavoidable because everything is not under one party’s control. For instance, one may lose their shipments’ progress, so having online tracking tools helps you to stay on top of things. To anticipate any issues that might come in the process, the shippers can work with reliable companies that have online tools that track the shipment more effectively.

Conclusion

Freight shipping is a process used worldwide now; having complete knowledge of this process is the only way one can make sure that money and time are being saved. This process can lead to challenges like building a skilled team, choosing the right shipping methods, securing competitive rates, and ensuring proper preparation and documentation. So, making the right decision and having the right people on a team can help to overcome these challenges.

The difference between a BOL (Bill of Lading) number and a PRO number in Logistics is very important. This difference is crucial to understand for efficient shipment tracking and management as well.

These numbers are important so we can understand less-than-truckload (LTL) and other freight types. They help both shippers and carriers to monitor the movement of goods. But the question is what makes them different from one another? So, let’s explore them

What is a BOL Number?

A BOL number is a unique identity that the shipper generates. A “BOL” or “Bill of Lading” is a unique number. It is made and designated by the sender of an LTL or other form of freight delivery.

Mostly, every shipment has a different BOL number. It is to ensure only one shipment is associated with that number.

This BOL number is present on the Bill of Lading document. It is present at the top of the document to make sure that it is visible to the shipper, recipient, and carrier throughout the shipment.

What is a PRO Number?

An abbreviation for “progressive rotating order” or “progressive number” is a unique 7-to-10-digit number assigned through a provider or a third-party logistics company to track the shipment from pickup to delivery.

The PRO number is displayed on the Bill of Lading and shipping labels. It is typically positioned on the pallet for easy scanning during transit.

A PRO number is generated via the service or logistics service providers. Using a PRO number is crucial when tracking a shipment. Because the carrier or service provider may not have access to complete shipment data such as the BOL number in their system.

Key Difference Between BOL and PRO Numbers

The primary difference between a BOL and a PRO number is who generated it, the shipper or the shipping provider. A BOL number and a PRO number are the numbers that perceive LTL (much less than truckload) and other types of freight shipments.

A BOL number is an important and sensitive piece of document that highlights the origin, destination, and contents of the load. This number is made to ensure that the shipment is accurately documented and traced from the moment it leaves the shipper’s facility.

A BOL number may have different lengths. It depends on the logistics service provider or the carrier. BOL numbers typically consist of eight to sixteen alphanumeric characters. Because of this versatility, carriers can design distinctive identities that work with their tracking and documentation systems.

Whereas, a PRO number is used for tracking purposes within the carrier’s system. This allows both the shipper and the recipient to track the shipment’s progress from pickup to delivery. This number is important so that the shipment arrives on time at the destination.

The PRO Number is used to track the movement of the shipment, to identify shipments within the carrier’s system, to access shipment documents, to check shipment status, and to track the shipment’s location.

Key Identifiers in Tracking Shipments

1. BOL number: This number is created by the shipper.
2. PRO number: This number is assigned by the carrier.
3. SCAC code: BOL number and PRO number, containing 7 to 10 digits, are usually linked with a SCAC code. This is to create a comprehensive tracking system that serves as a tracking number in the realm of small parcels. SCAC codes specify the carrier responsible for shipping the cargo and are determined by the National Motor Freight Classification or NMFC.

When to Use a BOL Number vs a PRO Number

To make sure the shipping process runs smoothly one needs to know when to use a BOL number and a PRO number.

The PRO number is assigned at various points in the shipment planning and execution process. Such as

• When the bill of lading has to be generated
• When the carrier has to induct it into their terminal.
• When the carrier has to pick up the shipment

The end-to-end warehouse system makes sure to integrate all packing and shipping process together. This process depends on the shipper’s order fulfillment process and systems.

A BOL number is assigned to a shipment at the time the Bill of Lading paperwork is generated. Moreover,  the Bill of Lading document provides pertinent information about the shipment. It is usually one or more US-sized pages that tell

• Where the shipment is coming from
• Where it is going
• When will it arrive
• Details regarding the contents of the shipment.

This number is used throughout the shipping process as a reference point for all purposes. TEU Global loves serving their customers beyond expectations.

Both numbers are crucial to the shipping process. They serve many functions at different stages as well for instance PRO number is to track and ensure that the shipment is on course while BOL number is for initial shipment setup and documents.

What is SID number

A SID (shipment identification) Number is another unique identifier that is used to track shipments on a bill of lading.

The BOL number covers the entire shipping document and contract. The SID number is generally used to identify individual shipments or orders within a bigger consignment.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In Logistic worlds it is normal to make mistakes. Understanding BOL and PRO numbers correctly can help avoid these mistakes.

1. Incorrect or missing pro numbers can lead to losing the track of shipments. This is one of the most frequent mistakes made. Making sure that the PRO number is correctly assigned can help to avoid this mistake. As this small mistake can disrupt the supply chain. Which can lead to unhappy customers, delays, and lost goods. At TEU Global we use reliable logistics software that help automate this process and reduce the chances of human error.
2. When a company is dealing with different shipment they tend to be inconsistent with their use of tracking number. Which leads to many problems and unsatisfied results as well. Ensuring that the BOL and PRO numbers are accurate can lead to seamless shipment process as well.
3. Another common mistake made is not carefully filing the Bill of Lading or misplacing the form. It can lead to significant issues in shipment process. As all the documents must be handled with care and sensitive information should be held private. Its important to not only care for the documents but also give the complete information to all the relevant parties.

Role of Technology in Managing BOL and PRO Numbers

Logistic operations are nowadays used in a larger number. And technology has stepped into this field to make sure things are more smooth and seamless. The role of technology in managing BOL and PRO numbers has become more crucial. These technological software are simplifying the process of tracking, generating, managing all these operations. This is done so the risk of a mistake or error can be reduced.

1. Auto-generating Pro Numbers: Businesses transport is done by utilizing the system to store a specific set of pro numbers from different carriers contracted by the company. These companies ship high quantity of less than truckload (LTL), truckload (TL) shipments, and using a thorough multi-carrier shipping system. So ,instead of reaching out to carriers every time the delivery system requires a pro number for a shipment, which is the usual practice. These will store a block or series of PRO numbers from different freight carriers in the transportation management system (TMS).
2. Role of technology: The role of technology in logistics is set to expand even further. These technologies are offering far better results with least errors. The emerging AI-powered analytics are expected to give way better results with efficiency.
3. Carrier Systems: Integration with carrier system is the new trend. Many logistic platforms are integrated with them. This integration helps logistics platforms  to have an up-to-date data analysis of their data with no or least miscommunication or error.

Conclusion

In summary, both BOL and PRO numbers have a very important role to play in the world of logistics. The process of shipment is incomplete if one does not understand the importance of each number. However, understanding their differences and their importance can help in maintaining a competitive edge.

Any small issue regarding the process of shipment can be solved by communicating TEU Global at their Helpline Number. The shipment process continues to evolve and the role of technology will soon take a lead in the world of logistics.