Freight Shipping vs Moving Services
When you want to move, whether it is your business or your home, you might face some challenges. Moving is a serious process that requires planning and handling a lot of tasks. Probably the main one is how are you going to transport your belongings from your current address to your destination. Both moving services and freight shipping have many advantages and some disadvantages as well. Whether you choose to hire professional movers and packers in Seattle or contact a freight shipping company, the goal is to effortlessly transport your items. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences between freight shipping vs moving services to help you decide.
Moving services
If you want someone to do all of your moving tasks instead of you, moving services may be the best option between freight shipping vs moving services. If you hire quality long distance movers Seattle offers, you don’t have to worry about endless packing and obtaining the right moving supplies. Secondly, professional movers can dismantle all of your bulky furniture before they start to pack. After you arrive at your destination a team of professionals will assemble your furniture.
They will also load and unload the moving truck so you don’t have to lift a finger. Moving services include the transporting of your belongings to your destination, and some companies will also provide you with storage services. Full-service moving is one of the best options for any move you have if you don’t have a tight budget and are looking to save time and energy.

Types of moving services
Every relocation is unique and it requires a personalized approach. This is why moving companies offer different types of services to assist with your move. After you know all the important information regarding your relocation you can consult a professional moving company Washington locals recommend on what services would be right for you.
Local move
Moving services for local moves are usually charged by the hour. You can expect to pay from $300 to $400 by the hour on average for a crew of four movers. A local move is usually considered any move within the same state and a 55 mile radius. Keep in mind that local movers don’t need a USDOT number but they need to have a state license.
Long-distance or interstate move
If you need to move to a distance greater than 100 miles or relocate to a different state you will need experienced cross country movers in Seattle to assist you. Keep in mind that cross-country moving isn’t charged by the hour. Also, you will likely need additional moving services to successfully complete your relocation.
International move
Another type of special moving service you might need is international relocation. Moving to a different country or a different continent can be even more demanding than other types of relocation. You should aim to find and hire international moving companies in Seattle that have enough experience in this specific type of moving.
Residential or commercial
Additionally, when considering freight shipping vs moving services, note that there is a big difference between moving commercially and residentially. If you need to relocate your business you will often need help from professional commercial movers as you are probably on a tight schedule and have a lot of other tasks to go through besides the move. This way you’re office belongings will safely reach their destination. On the other hand, when you need to relocate your home you can hire residential movers to do the job for you. Quality residential movers are easier to find as most moving companies focus on this particular type.

Benefits of moving services
There are numerous benefits of choosing moving services to help you with your move. One of the main ones is saving time and energy. Moving requires you to complete many time-consuming tasks such as packing, organizing everything, loading, and unloading. If you hire a moving company you don’t have to do any of these. On top of that, everything will be insured in case any damages happen during transport.
Additionally, handling heavy furniture can sometimes result in injuries when not done by trained professionals. Your movers will take care of any unpredictable challenges that can come up during relocation. All in all, one of the most important benefits of moving services is the peace of mind it provides. It is a foolproof way to have an effortless move.
Cost of moving services
When you want to calculate the cost of moving services there are multiple factors to consider. First of all, if your move is local then all you need to know is the hourly price. However, with more long-distance relocation calculating the price becomes more complicated. You need to factor in the distance and the size of your move. For long-distance moves, the cost typically ranges anywhere from $1,500 to $25,000. Greater distance and more belongings will result in a higher cost.
Additionally, some relocations will require special services, such as transporting fragile high-value items. These services will impact the final moving price. The only foolproof way of finding out the cost of your move, however, is to go directly to the source. Luckily, most professional moving companies will offer you a free moving quote. This estimate will provide with a general idea of the expenses for your move. It is recommended to research multiple companies before hiring them. You should also get more than one estimate so you can secure yourself the best deal.

What is freight shipping?
Freight shipping is one of the most important methods of transportation of goods around the world. These particular goods are referred to as freight. Freight is cargo that is generally over 150 lb heavy, over 108 inches long, and over 160 inches in length, which is why it can’t be transported using parcel shipping. If you’re looking to move, your heavy furniture can be transported by hiring freight companies Seattle residents trust.
However, this method of shipping is also useful for moving large quantities of smaller goods. If you’re looking to use freight shipping keep in mind that reputable companies refuse to transport hazardous or valuable items. Freight shipping also requires various modes of transportation such as boats, cargo planes, trucks, etc.
Types of freight shipping
There are numerous types of freight shipments. The urgency, as well as the size and type of your shipment, will determine which is the right option for your needs. The most popular types include :
- Less than Truckload (LTL) – As the name suggests, this type of shipping means that your goods take up less space than a full truckload. This is probably your best option if your goods weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds. It is the cheapest option as well since you’re sharing the truck with other customers.
- Full Truckload – This method is useful for transporting your goods if their weight is over 15,000. Since the truck is fully loaded, it will be more expensive. However, your items will arrive at their destination quicker, since there aren’t any stops to make.
- Partial Truckload – Partial truckload is usually bigger than LTL, so fewer people will share the truck, This results in quicker transportation but a higher price as well.
- Freight shipping by sea – Most commonly used for international shipping of freight.
- Freight shipping by air – This is the fastest and most expensive option.
- Freight shipping by rail – It is a good option if you’re on a tight budget, but not on a tight schedule.
- Intermodal shipping – This is freight shipping through various modes of transportation.
Benefits of freight shipping
If you’re trying to choose between freight shipping vs moving services for your relocation, here’s a look at some of the benefits of freight shipping to help you make a decision.

Cost-effective transport
One of the biggest benefits of freight shipping is its relative affordability compared to other methods of moving your belongings. Since there are multiple types of shipping at various prices it is easier to find the right one for you at a decent price. This is especially true if you don’t need more than an LTL for your relocation needs. Using other methods such as postal services is a lot more expensive,
Efficiency
Freight shipping is a highly efficient way of transporting your belongings for your relocation. You can transport all of your items in one shipment so you don’t have to worry about different times of arrival. It is also reliable and consistent. Carriers will usually group customers from the same area so there aren’t too many stops along the way, resulting in quicker arrival time.
Expedited shipping
If you need to relocate quickly or you need your good to arrive on a specific date you can easily get expedited shipping of freight, whereas sometimes movers aren’t available to relocate you on that specific date, or you simply don’t have the time to arrange moving services. Freight shipping can also be customized to fit your needs.
Cost of freight shipping
If you want to know the exact cost of your shipment the best way is to ask the carrier for a free quote. You will need to find a company you would like to hire and provide them with some information to get an estimate. Generally speaking, there are certain factors that affect the price, so you can calculate the cost yourself. Some of the main factors are the mode of transportation, size and weight, distance, location, time of the year, and density. Expedited shipping is also going to raise the price. Keep in mind that freight shipping prices change frequently, so it is best to ask your provider for a timely quote.
The cost of freight shipping can vary depending on which company you choose to hire. The most useful way to determine to price is to ask multiple companies to provide you with an estimate. This way you can compare the results and choose the best one for your needs, while also getting a general picture of the final cost of your shipment. You will need to provide them with the origin and destination address, size and weight, mode of transportation, timing, and value, as well as any special handling your items might require.

How to choose the right freight shipping company
When choosing a freight company for you there are multiple factors to consider. While the price is going to be very important, there are other things to keep in mind. Sometimes your shipment will require special services. If you find a company that can fulfill your needs and finds the best solutions, it will pay off down the road.
You should look for a company that has experience in freight shipping. Research before hiring, and check online reviews. They should provide you with insurance in case any damage occurs during transport. Always choose a company that has transparent pricing and good customer service. Additionally, your freight forwarder needs to provide all the special services you need to safely ship your belongings.
Freight Shipping vs Moving Services – which one is right for you?
If you need to decide between freight shipping vs moving services you should consider what are you looking for when it comes to transporting your belongings. For people who prefer to DIY their move, freight shipping may be a better option. On the other hand, if you don’t have the time and energy to spare on relocation you might want to opt for moving services. All in all, if you choose freight shipping you should prepare for packing. Learning how many boxes you need and how to properly pack your belongings for transportation is the best way to ensure their safety. So make sure to take enough time and do it with care!
Why Choose Us

History
Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism
We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value
Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.