LTL freight is the service used to ship partial truckloads. LTL shipments are usually much smaller loads than FTL, typically totaling around 10,000 lbs. These shipment types are often arranged on pallets and individually range from 150 pounds to less than 10,000 pounds.
LTL shipping can be a great way to move large items, but it’s important to understand the experience of working with LTL carriers before you decide if it’s the best option for you. In this blog post, we’ll help explain what is LTL freight is and give you some insight into carrier services so that you can make an informed decision about your shipping needs.
What Is LTL Freight And Packaging?
What does ltl stand for, LTL(Less Than Truckload) “LTL shipping is ideal when you have a shipment that doesn’t require an entire trailer and weighs 100 to 10,000 pounds.” How does LTL freight Shipping Works?
In short, LTL freight shipments take smaller loads and turn them into full truckloads that make multiple stops. The shipping cost is generated from how much space is used, the classification of the items being shipped, as well as where it’s being picked up and delivered.
There are three ways to ship LTL freight: expedited, standard, or guaranteed. You can also add special services to your shipment. These pick-up and delivery services (lift gate, inside, residential) require additional accessorial fees.
What Are The Benefits of LTL Shipping?
- Cut your costs by utilizing LTL shipment methods- you only pay for the space used in the trailer, and not for the entire trailer. The cost of unused space is shouldered among other users.
- Numerous handling units are often more insecure than a single well-packaged pallet. LTL shipments typically arrive on pallets, which increases the overall security of the shipment.
- With LTL shipping, you also get access to additional convenient services like liftgates and inside pickup/delivery.
- LTL carriers provide tracking capabilities in a variety of methods, including the bill of loading number, PO number, shipment reference number, PRO number and pick-up date number.
What Aspects Determine The LTL Freight Shipping?
Factors that determine the ltl freight shipping are as following:
- Location: More distant locations cost more to travel to.
- Size: The size and weight of your shipment define the freight class, which in turn affects shipping rates.
- Mode: If you need your LTL shipment to arrive sooner, you can typically pay an additional fee to have it shipped expedited.
- Type: A shipment that needs delicate handling (perishables, fragile items, those with hazardous materials) will most likely be more expensive.
Important FAQs
What Does LTL Mean In Logistics?
LTL freight is the term used when referring to shipments that are smaller than a full truckload. Usually, this means multiple separate orders being sent on one truck.
Is Fedex Freight LTL?
FedEx Freight’s all-points coverage, one Bill of Lading, one invoicing statement, and one collection and delivery make shipping LTL (less-than-truckload) freight simpler than ever.
How Long Does LTL Shipping Take?
In a lot of instances, LTL shipping takes around one to five business days. This happens due to many factors that affects the delivery schedule including traffic, weather, road conditions etc – which is why, if you have paid for guaranteed service the LTL freight offers on time delivery. Track you LTL shipping.
How Do You Price LTL Freight?
LTL shipping rates are based on a shipment’s weight or number of pallets. The more it weighs, the less you pay per hundred pounds—this is called “dimensional pricing”.
How To Effectively Improve Your LTL Freight?
Almost every shipper must figure out the optimum logistics route for cargo that requires more than six pallets but not a full truckload. Due to the empty space, using a full truckload service if you don’t have a complete load to send may be less environmentally beneficial.
When this happens, freight consolidators can improve the supply chain’s effectiveness and value. Shippers can cut costs and emissions with freight consolidation. Utilize freight volumes and transportation networks by combining shipments into LTL full truckload shipments. Is
LTL Shipping the Best Option for You?
LTL shipping is probably your best option if you don’t transport a lot of palletized freight all at once. It probably makes even more sense if you’re in a busy freight channel because you won’t have to pay extra to have trucks stop by your facilities.
Try to communicate as clearly as you can immediately away to prevent any unexpected charges. In order to avoid any problems along the line, if you discover a reliable LTL carrier, let them figure out the NMFC.
Lastly, if you have any questions don’t fret to ask. Ensure that your conversation with the LTL carriers keep you on board and no nasty surprises. Be certain to know how much you have to pay them and when you can expect your ltl furniture shipping or ltl freight is to be delivered.