What is the Difference Between Freight and Shipping?

The main difference between freight and shipping lies in the quantity of goods being transported and their purpose. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Quantity of Goods: Freight typically involves the transportation of larger volumes of goods, often in bulk, while shipping can refer to both smaller and larger volumes of goods.
2. Purpose: Freight is primarily used for commercial purposes, such as transporting large quantities of merchandise goods by exporters. Shipping, on the other hand, can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, and is commonly used by private individuals or small to medium businesses.
3. Transportation Modes: Freight often uses large ships carrying containers or railway freight trains for transportation, while shipping generally employs modes of transport like aircraft, trucks, or vans to deliver goods.

In summary, freight is generally used for transporting larger quantities of goods for commercial purposes, while shipping can refer to both smaller and larger volumes of goods for either commercial or non-commercial purposes.

Comparative Table: Freight vs Shipping

The main difference between freight and shipping lies in the size, weight, and distance of the items being transported. Here's a table summarizing the differences:

Freight shipping is generally used for larger, heavier items that need to be transported over long distances, while shipping is typically used for smaller, lighter items that don't require specialized carriers or services. The rates for each method are calculated differently, with freight rates being influenced by factors like supply and demand, equipment type, and destination, while shipping rates are often flat or tiered depending on the service.