Differences Between Shipping Expedition and Cargo

Aren't shipping expedition and cargo the same thing? Or is there a difference between these two shipping methods?

When choosing a shipping method, companies face three options:

1. Profit
2. Break Even
3. Loss

#Funfact: 45% of companies truly profit from shipping fees.

The first thing to consider when choosing a shipping method is the type of goods.

Understanding the type of goods to be shipped can narrow down shipping method options. If you're sending goods one at a time to customers, the best choice is to use shipping expedition.

But what about inventory shipping? Should you use shipping expedition? Or what if the product is too large or heavy for regular shipping?

Although there is no standard distinction in shipping types, generally there are two types of shipping: shipping expedition and cargo shipping service. 

What are the differences between them for shipping? Here is the explanation.

What is Shipping Expedition?

Shipping expedition is a standard package shipping, like what you often receive when shopping on e-commerce platforms. 

This method is suitable for small batch shipping with a weight of 5 kg or less. Package size should also be less than 2 meters.

Shipping expedition provides door-to-door service, where the package will be picked up from the sender's location and delivered to the receiver's doorstep.

Shipping via courier is usually done by truck through land routes, but if you need expedited shipping, air shipping via plane is also available. Of course, the second option has a higher price.

What is Cargo Shipping?

If the shipment package exceeds 10 kg, the sender must use cargo shipping service. Shipping time will be longer with this method.

Goods can be shipped using various transportation modes: truck, train, airplane, and ship. The most commonly used method is truck.

Senders who choose to ship goods by truck will have two options, FTL and LTL. FTL or Full Truckload can be done by renting the entire truck space for one shipment,

LTL or Less-Than-Truckload is a shipping method that involves renting partial truck space for shipment. In one LTL shipment, goods from various different senders will be transported.

LTL shipping is usually less than 10 pallets and under 10kg. If the package weight exceeds 10 kg, it will be more economical to choose the FTL method.

Differences Between Shipping Expedition and Cargo

Differences between Shipping Expedition and Cargo based on cargo volume, weight, shipping duration, and shipping cost:

1. Weight, Quantity, and Type of Goods

The main thing to consider when choosing a shipping method is the type, weight, and quantity of goods you want to ship. 

Shipping expedition is suitable for sending individual items, relatively light weight, and in limited quantities. 

Shipping expedition is often used by online shop sellers to ship goods to buyers. 

Unlike shipping expedition, cargo shipping is more suitable for heavy goods and large batches with a minimum weight specified by the cargo service. 

Cargo is often used for shipping heavy and large items such as vehicles, heavy equipment, and even satellites. 

Cargo shipping options are usually used by businesses to ship inventory. Cargo shipping also recognizes several terms such as FTL (Full Truckload) and LTL (Less Than Truckload).

2. Shipping Duration (Urgency)

Items that require fast shipping are suitable for using shipping expedition options. Shipping expedition generally has various service options, such as regular, express, or same-day service. 

For shipments that need to arrive quickly, expedition will process shipments via air route with plane so they arrive faster at the destination address. 

Unlike cargo shipping, the majority of cargo uses land transportation such as trucks (for domestic shipments) and ships (for international shipments), so shipping time will be longer compared to regular shipping expedition. 

Cargo service requires a shipping time between 3 to 15 days. Some cargo services provide air route shipping, but the cost will also be higher compared to regular cargo shipping. 

3. Price

Shipping expedition calculates rates per kilogram (minimum 1kg). The heavier, the more expensive the cost. Another factor that influences is the dimension or volume of goods. Light goods with large volume will be charged at a higher rate.

Cargo calculates shipping rates based on a specified minimum weight. 

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Read: Advantages & Disadvantages of Land Route Cargo Shipping

Advantages of Shipping Expedition

Shipping expedition has advantages in fast and reliable shipping time.

Packages will move from the sender's doorstep to the receiver's doorstep in just a few days. 

Advantages of Cargo Shipping

Cargo shipping often provides significant discounts when shipments are large and/or heavy. Thus, senders can ship more goods at once compared to splitting shipments into many different packages.

Disadvantages of Shipping Expedition

Once the package is too large or heavy, the sender will be charged a very high fee. Even at certain weights and volumes, the shipping expedition service may refuse to ship the goods.

Disadvantages of Cargo Shipping

Cargo is not known as a reliable form of shipping. The estimated delivery time is only an estimate. Although senders can pay extra for expedited shipping.

With LTL shipping, there are goods from several different senders in one truck.

The truck will make many stops for each delivery. This means your shipment could enter and exit the truck multiple times before reaching the final destination.
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Read: Importance of Shipping Insurance for Heavy Goods (Cargo)

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Renting Cargo Shipping

If you're considering a shipping method between expedition and cargo, please consider the distance and size of shipment. Large and heavy shipments will typically be cheaper with cargo options.

Indeed, shipping expedition offers door-to-door service and is faster. But that's not necessarily a smart choice for large or heavy items.

Cargo is a smarter choice even though it may take longer. Cargo is capable of shipping items weighing more than 10kg or shipments requiring pallets.

ABC Express is a smart choice as a partner for heavy and large goods shipping. ABC has become a trusted advisor for hundreds of companies such as ASBA, Street Boba, and AirNav Indonesia.

The way we do this is by formulating & recommending several route options and transportation modes that suit your needs & event objectives.

You don't need to be confused making decisions on your own.

Consult your best shipping option with ABC Express or Get a special shipping rate quote today!‍