If you are looking to buy a freight loader or to set up a larger freight loading operation, you have a broad range of choices. You can buy or lease a single piece of freight loading equipment, such as a freight truck loader or an air cargo lift. You can also outfit your business or port with a customized system to deliver directly to ships or rail.

There are three different choices for your individual needs:

1. Buy freight loading supplies from a retail website, distributor or individual manufacturer.

2. Connect to freight loaders specializing in building and supplying operations for different shipping industries.

3. Outsource your loading and shipping needs to loaders in a freight company, who will also handle the shipping for you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the selection available at retail freight loading equipment websites

Some websites sell a variety of freight loading supplies and equipment to handle materials. A look at their comprehensive selections is worth the effort.

I recommend: BuyerZone is a one-stop shopping center for a variety of different freight loaders, including skid steer loaders with attachments, such as forks for moving pallets or buckets for scooping. You can compare up to 5 different vendors here, including Bobcat, Volvo or Direct Capital Leasing. Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. is also a distributor of freight loaders. Information on their website applies to new, used or leased equipment; including skid steer loaders, knuckleboom loaders, wheel loaders, track loaders and multi-terrain loaders. They also offer a variety of new CAT equipment.

Link to freight loader manufacturers for different shipping industries

The below recommendations serve as a brief freight loader directory connecting to different shipping industries. Find an aircraft loader dealer, a freight ship loader and a rail loader manufacturer and consultant.

I recommend: Advance Lifts sells all kinds of lifts, including dock lifts, truck levelers and rail transfer bridges. Their lifts have applications in loading aircraft cargo, trucks and rail. FLSmidth manufactures boat and ship loaders, with custom design services. ALL-CON World Systems designs and builds custom rail loading, unloading and storage operations for your manufacturing or distribution business. FMC Technologies advertises an "automated guided vehicle (AGV) system" for a variety of industries and uses, including truck and trailer loading.

Hire freight company loaders to handle all your shipping needs

Several freight loading and shipping companies offer services themselves or give quotes through their websites for multiple shippers. Consider letting them handle your loading and shipping needs.

I recommend: Freight & Shipping, Inc. offers quotes from several different freight truck loaders to help you find the best price, with services ranging from full truckloads to smaller loads, as well as commercial and residential services. Highway Freight provides quick-quotes from multiple carriers, as well. Allison Shipping International is a freight shipping company that provides overseas shipping services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Match your needs to your budget. If all you need is a skid steer loader or forklift, you may buy one new, used or lease. If you need to set up a larger operation to move quantities of material via rail or at a dock, keep your loader freight costs in mind and explore your options for building a larger, customized system.