Parcel vs LTL vs Air Cargo for Personal Effects | Decision Guide
Choosing between parcel, LTL freight, and air cargo depends on shipment size, urgency, and handling requirements. This decision guide explains how each mode applies to personal effects.
Parcel shipping
Parcel is optimized for small, lightweight shipments with strict size limits. It offers residential pickup and wide coverage but is not suitable for larger consolidated loads.
LTL freight
Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight is designed for palletized commercial goods. It often requires docks or terminals and involves more handling steps.
Air cargo
Air cargo prioritizes speed and is best for urgent or high-value shipments. It typically involves airport handling, additional fees, and strict packaging requirements.
Where parcelized freight fits
Parcelized freight bridges the gap by allowing containerized personal effects to move through parcel networks where eligible, balancing cost, speed, and protection.
Decision summary
- Parcel: very small, non-urgent items
- LTL: large, palletized commercial freight
- Air cargo: urgent or time-critical shipments
- Parcelized freight: personal effects between parcel and freight