Choose a method
Truck, train, container, plane or a shared groupage load: how the methods differ in speed, restrictions and packing requirements.
cargo on the move: a guide to shipping freight and parcels
Cargo on the move: a guide to shipping freight and parcels
Sending a box of belongings to another city, receiving a machine from a supplier or shipping a batch of goods to a customer — the tasks are similar, and so are the mistakes. This guide collects what senders and recipients should know before cargo sets off: from choosing a shipping method to inspecting it on arrival.
Most cargo disputes are settled before shipping: with good packing, an honest packing list and questions asked in advance.
Where to start
Pack it
Which packaging to use, when you need a crate or a pallet, how to fill empty space and which marks to put on the box.
Documents and insurance
Which papers usually travel with cargo, why a packing list matters and what to ask the carrier about insurance and liability.
Receive and inspect
How to inspect a shipment on delivery, record damage or missing items, and what to do if cargo gets stuck on the way.
Guide sections
- Methods
The main ways to ship cargo — road, rail, sea, air, groupage and courier — and how they differ.
- Preparation
How to get cargo ready for the road: packaging, crating, pallets, void fill, marking and a packing list.
- Choosing
How to choose a carrier and what to ask before shipping, so you do not end up arguing about transit times, liability and documents.
- Problems
What to do if cargo is delayed, not tracking, arrives damaged or incomplete, or is stuck at customs.
- Reviews
A comparison of shipping methods and common shipper decisions — plus the guide's article catalogue.
- Safety
Dangerous goods, items you cannot ship, heavy pieces and safe loading.
- Questions
Answers to common questions about this guide, about sending cargo and about receiving it, including customs.
Shipping cargo in five steps
Know exactly what you are sending
Write down the weight, dimensions, number of pieces and contents. Check whether anything contains batteries, aerosols or liquids: such items count as dangerous or restricted goods and are not accepted everywhere or on just any terms.
Choose a shipping method
Weigh up urgency, distance, fragility and the value of the cargo itself. A small urgent item is best sent one way, a heavy batch with no deadline another. You will find a comparison of methods in the Reviews section.
Pack and mark it
Pick sturdy packaging, fill empty space and, if needed, build a crate or stack the pieces on a pallet. Put the address, the piece number and warning marks on the visible sides.
Prepare documents and decide on insurance
Prepare a waybill and a packing list, and for an international shipment an invoice with a clear description of the goods. Find out the limits of the carrier's liability and decide whether you need extra insurance.
Track it and receive it carefully
Keep the tracking number and check the status updates. On delivery, inspect the packaging and contents before you sign the receipt, and record any damage in a written report together with the carrier's representative.
The essentials in brief
Are you a carrier?
No. Cargoflies is a reference guide. We do not accept cargo, transport it or clear it through customs, and we do not sell any services.
Can you recommend a company or give me a price?
No. We do not name carriers or publish rates. Instead, the Choosing section collects questions that will help you compare offers yourself and not miss important terms.
Can I ship batteries?
Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods, especially when shipped by air. Whether and how they are accepted is up to the carrier and its rules, so ask before you pack, not at the drop-off point.
What if my cargo arrives damaged?
Do not sign the delivery documents without noting the problem. Show the damage to the carrier's representative, photograph it and draw up a damage report on the spot — that report will be the basis of your claim.
About the project
This domain used to host the website of a cargo delivery company; later its addresses were taken over by unrelated advertising. The current guide has nothing to do with that company or that advertising; the only thing left from the previous owners is the domain name.
We write for individuals and small sellers who need to send or receive something from time to time: we explain how shipping works, where problems usually arise and how to prepare for them in advance. Specific terms are always set by the carrier, and customs requirements by the customs authorities.
Read next
Sources
- ICAO — Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
- IATA — Dangerous Goods Regulations
- International Chamber of Commerce — Incoterms 2020
- Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
- Federal Customs Service of Russia — information for individuals
This information is based on the documents in force on the date of publication. International rules, carrier terms and customs requirements are updated regularly, so before you ship, check the current texts and the terms of whoever will be carrying your cargo.