Container, Pallet or Full Trailer? A Shipper’s Guide to Choosing the Right Freight Option

One of the most common questions from first-time shippers is simply: what category does my load fall into? Picking the right one when you post on Freight1 makes a real difference — it’s what lets the right hauliers find your job in the first place. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main options.

Containers (import & export)

For shipping containers moving to or from a UK port, such as Felixstowe, London Gateway or Purfleet. These jobs usually specify a skeletal trailer and are often time-sensitive, since ports charge for containers left uncollected.

FTL (Full Truckload)

Best when your shipment fills an entire trailer on its own. You get exclusive use of the truck, a direct route with no intermediate stops, and typically the fastest transit time.

LTL (Less Than Truckload)

Suited to smaller shipments that don’t need a full trailer. Your goods may share space with other loads, which usually means a lower cost than booking an FTL truck outright.

Flatbed and curtainside

Flatbed trailers suit oversized, awkward or machinery-type loads that need to be craned or forklifted on from the side or top. Curtainside trailers offer similar side-loading access while still protecting the load from the weather.

Refrigerated loads

For temperature-controlled goods — food, pharmaceuticals or anything else that needs a controlled environment in transit. Always flag this category so only hauliers with the right refrigerated trailer respond.

Van loads and side-loader loads

Smaller local or regional jobs are often better suited to van-sized transport, while side-loader trucks are commonly used for container work that needs to be lifted on and off without a crane.

Car transport

A dedicated category for shippers moving one or more vehicles, matched with hauliers running car-carrier trailers.

Getting it right the first time

• Choose the closest matching category so the right hauliers see your load
• Note the required trailer type if you know it — this narrows responses to hauliers who can actually take the job
• Flag time-sensitive deliveries clearly, especially for port collections
• Add any handling notes, such as loading windows or access restrictions, in the description

Post your load

Not sure which category fits? Post your load with as much detail as you can, and hauliers who specialise in that type of work will reach out directly. You can also

browse current listings to see how other shippers have categorised similar jobs.