Freight elevators are elevators with cabins of above-average internal and lifting capacity, which are designated for use when moving large quantities of furniture and goods between floor levels. When not being used for freight, they are sometimes made available for regular passenger traffic.

The larger cabin and lifting capacity serve the designated movement of freight. It is designated for furniture and goods rather than for transporting vehicles.

Passenger elevators serve routine traffic of users and visitors. A freight elevator can sometimes be made available to passengers without losing its freight designation, so passenger use alone does not determine the category.