If you are in an industry where you need to ship goods to and from the country, you may have encountered the term LTL or “less than truckload” freight. This shipping category is not new in the market, but not everyone fully understands how it works. If you are familiar with this service but want to know more about it, this article will help you better understand this option and how it can benefit your company.
LTL Freight: What Is It?
Less than truckload (LTL) freight is the opposite of the full truckload shipping option. In a full truckload (FTL) shipment, your cargo takes up the space or weight limit of an entire trailer. LTL freight is your option if you intend to transport fairly small goods or items that do not require the truck’s entire space.
In FTL, the truck needs to be filled with products first, weighing between 150 to 15,000 pounds, before it proceeds with the shipping. LTL does not require this. You only pay for the portion of the truck that your goods will take up space in. They will be placed together with other similar goods.
3 Facts About the LTL Freight Option You Should Know
#1: A Lot of Factors Can Affect Your LTL Shipping Rates
- Destination: Several factors affect the LTL shipping rate, and one of these is the shipping location. The farther the distance between the warehouse and your shipment destination, the higher your shipping rate will be. This fact applies to almost all transporting and shipping rates.
- Special Requirements: Some materials require special handling or unique equipment for transfer, which could mean higher shipping costs. This situation is common if you transfer perishable, fragile, or potentially hazardous items.
- Dimension: The weight of your freight usually tells you how much it will cost, but so are the dimensions of your goods. Both are used in determining the “freight class” of your products for shipment.
- Speed: If you need a quicker turnaround time for your product shipment, you will incur additional expenses in your shipping fee.
#2: You Are Free to Customise This Service
- Fast Turnaround Time: If your freight needs to be delivered quickly, LTL is an excellent choice. You can request an expedited quote from your shipping company.
- Ship Your Goods Anywhere: If you need to deliver items to areas that usually have limited carrier access, such as camping areas, strip malls, construction sites, or rural areas, LTL can be your solution. You only need to inform your partner shipping company in advance so they can prepare ahead.
- Use of a Liftgate: If you need to send items that total over 100 pounds to a destination that does not have a functional dock, an LTL service is best for you since most providers use trucks with pre-installed liftgates.
- Optional Indoor Delivery: This service option allows you to send a package inside a specified building. Expect an additional fee for the service, but shipping companies can make it happen.
#3: It Can Help Save You Time and Money
LTL shipment will not require you to pay for unused cargo space. By combining your products with other deliveries, you can rent a portion of the truck and only pay for the room you take. Moreover, you do not need to add more items or change your logistics to make it happen.
Conclusion
LTL freight is a great and more economical option if you plan to ship light items. To make the most out of this service and avoid excess fees, ensure that your freight meets the required package dimensions. Your packaging and labeling should also be visible and in good standing.
If you are looking for logistic trucking companies to take care of your less than truckload freight, RJS Logistics is a shipping logistics company you can trust. We transport a wide range of commodities for customers and can accommodate special shipping requests from clients. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
