Freight, Shipping & Parcel Services Category Guide

Moving Goods To and From Farms

Dairy farms ship and receive a wide variety of goods—equipment parts, supplies, feed ingredients, packaged products for sale, and more. Understanding freight options helps get goods where they need to be efficiently and cost-effectively.

Shipping Modes

Small Parcel

• UPS, FedEx, USPS for small packages
• Fast delivery for parts and supplies
• E-commerce product shipments
• Weight and size limits apply

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)

• Palletized shipments under full truckload
• Shared truck space with other shippers
• Good for moderate volumes
• Transit times vary by distance

Full Truckload (FTL)

• Dedicated truck for large shipments
• Most economical per-unit for high volume
• Direct delivery without handling
• Requires adequate loading/unloading facilities

Special Considerations for Dairy

Refrigerated Shipping

Perishable products require temperature-controlled transport—refrigerated trucks, insulated packaging, or frozen shipping.

Live Animal Transport

Livestock shipping has specific requirements for vehicle type, documentation, and timing.

Farm Location Access

Rural addresses may have limited carrier options or accessorial charges for long driveways or difficult access.

Managing Inbound Freight

• Coordinate delivery times with farm schedule
• Ensure adequate receiving area
• Inspect shipments before signing
• Document damage for claims

Cost Considerations

Small parcel rates depend on weight, dimensions, and speed. LTL rates are based on freight class, weight, and distance—typically $100-500+ per shipment. FTL rates run $2-4 per mile for standard trailers, more for refrigerated. Compare quotes and negotiate for regular shipments. Accessorial charges (liftgate, residential delivery) can add significantly to base rates.