Freight Types, Shipping & Transportation

LTL Truck

LTL freight shipping is a type of freight transportation that can be used for the transport of small freight or when freight doesn’t require the use of an entire trailer. LTL shipments are only weighed and charged by weight, which makes it a cost-effective option. This article will explain how LTL shipping works, the benefits it offers in terms of shipping, and the best practices to keep in mind before hiring an LTL provider.

What does LTL mean in shipping?

Less than truckload freight (LTL) is used for the transportation of small shipments or when a shipment doesn’t require the use of an entire trailer. This type of LTL transport can be used where the cargo weighs up to 15,000 pounds. Small loads of freight are usually arranged on pallets and can be as small as 150 pounds.

 

How Are LTL Shipping Rates Determined?

  1. Distance: The amount of mileage will affect the price since longer distances and higher weight are charged at a higher rate.
  2. Size & Volume: When calculating the size and volume of cargo, many carriers base pricing on cubic space taken by the shipment.
  3. Freight Class: Freight Class is typically used to differentiate prices for similar products such as furniture or automobiles that can travel within the US. Generally, items with a high-class rating will also have an increased shipping cost.
  4. Additional Services – Special requests like residential pickups or deliveries in addition to adjustable tailgate devices for loading/unloading freight may incur additional charges depending on carrier policies

 

Benefits of using LTL Shipping

Cost

LTL freight shipping is a cost-effective option that provides low rates. The truckload in LTL freight is made up of several smaller shipments that together fill an entire truckload. You only have to pay for the space you use because your shipment does not take up the entire truck space available. As a result, your costs will be a fraction of what a typical full truckload shipment would be.

Environmental Impacts

Planning a single route with several delivery stops saves fuel, time, and resources while also being environmentally friendly. LTL freight hauls also eliminate the need for driving empty trucks back to base, which has a positive impact on both drivers and traffic.

Distribution Strategies

LTL shipping is an ideal option when you’re trying to keep business costs down while still meeting customer demands. It can be used as part of your distribution strategy because it allows you to consolidate your freight, which can reduce the number of drivers needed to make deliveries.

Perfect for Small Businesses

Small businesses can benefit from LTL shipping because they ship fewer goods and spend less money on freight than larger businesses. LTL shipping allows small businesses to take advantage of all of the services that professional shipping provides without having to pay higher prices for space that they don’t require.

 

Best Practices

If you’re planning on shipping soon, make sure to follow these best practices:

  • Use a Transportation Management System (TMS). With the help of a TMS, you can better choose an LTL carrier or other freight provider that is appropriate for your needs. You’ll be able to ensure accurate charges as well as optimize goods and routes by taking advantage of multi-stop full truckloads with this method.
  • Customers with special requirements, such as packing preferences, should address these ahead of time to avoid spending extra fees or experiencing shipment delays.
  • Consider using an LTL shipping company if you’re trying to keep the business costs down while still meeting customer demands. LTL shipping is often an ideal option when you’re looking to consolidate freight in order to reduce the number of drivers needed for deliveries.

 

How do I choose an LTL freight provider?

There are a few things you should keep in mind before hiring an LTL provider.

You need to make sure that the company you are using is a full carrier. That means they can ship just about anything- from electronics and clothing to more hazardous materials and even overseas items. You also want to know how much time it will take for your goods (those things) to get there. If it takes too long, then LTL might not be the best choice for you.

There are LTL companies in different places around the country so make sure that before paying money, you ask about their prices per mile, fuel surcharges, customer reviews on their website, or other places like Google MyBusiness or Facebook.

 

Final thoughts on LTL shipping

LTL Freight shipping is a cost-effective option that provides low rates. The truckload in LTL freight is made up of several smaller shipments that together fill an entire truckload, which means you only have to pay for the space you use because your shipment does not take up the entire LTL freight available. As a result, LTL freights will be cheaper than other options with more benefits like lower environmental impacts and distribution strategies. If all of this sounds intimidating and you want help enacting these principles, let us know our team of experts is ready and waiting to partner with you to create a stellar plan.