Less than truckload freight (LTL) shipping is commonly used for the transportation of goods that does not require the use of an entire trailer. There are typically many separate shipments being transported on one truck. Less than truckload shipments are usually put on pallets and this shipping method can be used when freight weighs between 150 and 10,000 pounds.
When a shipper chose LTL, he/she will pay for the portion of the standard truck trailer their freight occupies while other shippers and their shipment fill the rest of the unoccupied space. There are numerous benefits to shipping via LTL.
- Cost Effective – With LTL freight, the truckload is made up of several smaller shipments that all together fill an entire truckload. As your shipment is not using the entire truck space available, you only have to pay for the space you are using. The rest of the cost is covered by the other occupants of the trailer’s space.
- Increases security – Most LTL shipments are packaged onto pallets before being loaded onto a truck. One well-packaged pallet has a better chance of remaining secure than shipments with multiple smaller handling units.
- Additional service options: When shipping via LTL, you gain access to special services like liftgates and inside pickup and delivery.
- Tracking: LTL carriers offer tracking capabilities through the bill of lading number, PRO number, PO number, shipment reference number and pick up date range, to name a few.
- Environmental Friendly – When the LTL shipping process is being used, it will result in fewer trucks carrying full loads, rather than more trucks carrying less than their capacity. This way will reduce emissions because fewer trucks are needed to deliver goods to their destinations.
Factors That Determine The Shipping Rate
- Location: Generally, the further the distance, the higher the price.
- Dimensions: The dimensions and weight of the shipment help determine the freight class, which directly impacts rates.
- Mode: Less Than Load shipments can be shipped standard or expedited, typically for an additional fee.
- Type: A shipment that requires special handling or equipment (perishables, fragile, hazardous items) are likely lead to higher costs.
LTL freight shipping is ideal for businesses that have fewer goods and do not require a full trailer. Using a reliable transportation service could help small businesses scale their operations successfully. Consider LTL when looking to maximize cost savings.
If you are looking at using LTL freight is a shipping option for your business, you may want to check out Shiply, an online transport marketplace that has a list of rated LTL freight companies ready to send custom quotes for all your shipping needs. Just complete one simple form on their website and the quotes will be emailed to you within minutes, Shiply offers a great space to compare services. As the drivers on Shiply are often making similar journeys and are looking to fill the extra space in their vehicles, their quotes can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
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