The options that you have for interstate transportation services, including freight shipping, freight transport, cargo transport and heavy haulage are going to be limited to the location that you need your goods delivered to and what your goods actually are.

Big Picture Stuff

The best type of transport and hauliers for your interstate goods is going to depend on a number of factors, and each equation and combination is going to give you a different answer and option. Remember to look at the bigger picture when choosing methods and look at all of your, and your customer’s needs.

Types of interstate transportation services

• Truck – many goods can be transported via truck, whether as the entire load or as part of a load. You may choose the option of having your own trailer or pay to have a shipping container towed.
• Train – interstate train transport is undertaken via shipping container. Each shipping container is sealed and is only opened at the other end by the receiver. Cars can be sent without containers.
• Sea – mostly used for international shipping, but sometimes sea transport is used between major ports and capitals cities.
• Air – most air transport will be restricted because of size and weight but is an option if your goods are not too big.

Factors that may influence your decision

• Cost – different forms of transport have varying costs and you should investigate all costs before making a commitment or signing a contract.
• Time – all methods have different time frames. Air freight may be the fastest but may also be the most expensive, while sea freight may be the cheapest but it is also the most time consuming.
• Size – some items are too big to fit into a conventional shipping container meaning that you may not be able to choose all options. If you have a smaller load, think of sharing with others.
• Chemical – not all methods are amenable with transporting chemicals. Air freight doesn’t allow for chemicals and you will need to declare chemicals to all other types of transport.
• Weight – if the item you are transporting is particularly heavy you will have restrictions. Air freight is obviously out, and your goods’ weight will be considered by other carriers.

When looking at transporting goods interstate you should look into costs and then make decisions. In some cases it may be more economical for you to buy locally rather than transport goods, but this isn’t going to be the case if you are moving interstate and are shipping all your worldly goods. If you are transporting goods that you have just purchased you need to speak to your supplier about shipping. In many cases they may be able to organise transport for you and if not, may be able to give you advice and perhaps even a referral or two as to recommended transport companies.