As your business grows, the way you ship should grow with it. What starts as a simple parcel operation—boxes sent one by one through carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS—can quickly evolve into a complex shipping matrix with rising costs and increasing fulfillment demands. At some point, it makes sense to ask: is it time to switch to freight?

Parcel shipping is ideal for small, lightweight shipments under 150 pounds. It’s fast, predictable, and integrates easily with e-commerce platforms and fulfillment software. Carriers provide door-to-door service, frequent pickups, and real-time tracking, making it a low-friction option for small-to-midsize brands. However, when you start shipping in bulk, large items, or multiple boxes per customer, parcel pricing can become inefficient due to dimensional weight and surcharges.

That’s where freight shipping becomes an option. Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight allows you to send multiple pallets or oversized products at a cost-effective rate. Full truckload (FTL) shipping offers even more control and savings when you can fill a trailer. Freight is often cheaper per pound when you’re moving heavy or voluminous goods, and it’s well-suited for wholesale shipments, B2B fulfillment, and high-volume retail orders.

The trade-offs? Freight shipments generally require longer lead times, curbside or dock delivery, and more upfront coordination. There’s also more variability in pricing due to fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and freight class designations.

When should you consider switching?

• You regularly ship more than 150 lbs in one order
• Your average shipping cost per unit is increasing due to size or weight
• You fulfill wholesale, B2B, or pallet-sized orders
• You’re shipping to retailers, distribution centers, or 3PLs
• Your packaging costs are increasing because you’re forced to split orders into multiple boxes

If you’re not sure whether freight is right for your current operation, try running a side-by-side comparison using shipping rate calculators or a freight quote aggregator like Freightquote or Redhawk Logistics.

Also, consider tools that streamline freight booking and documentation—especially if you’re just starting to manage LTL or FTL shipments. These tools often come with subscription costs, which is why it’s smart to stack savings. Use Fluz gift cards for eligible B2B marketplaces or software vendors and earn cashback when purchasing freight tools or supplies. Every bit helps when shipping at scale.

Ultimately, the choice between parcel and freight depends on your product type, order volume, and long-term growth goals. But if you’re starting to max out the limits of parcel, it might be time to think bigger—literally.