Ltl Truck

Ltl Truck

When shipping LTL, the shipper pays for the portion of a standard truck trailer their freight occupies, while other shippers and their shipments fill the unoccupied space. There are a number of benefits to shipping via LTL.

Benefits of LTL shipping

  • Reduces costs: When booking an LTL shipment, you only pay for the portion of the trailer used. 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. 

Factors that determine LTL shipping rates

  • 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: LTL shipments can be expedited, typically for an additional fee.
  • Type: A shipment that requires special handling or equipment (perishables, fragile, hazardous items) will likely lead to higher costs. 

Lower your LTL freight rates

The video below shows four simple, cost-effective strategies that can help you save on shipping LTL freight.

When to choose LTL shipping

  • LTL shipping is ideal for businesses who have freight under 15,000 pounds and do not require a full trailer.
  • Consider LTL when looking to maximize cost savings.

Preparing LTL shipments

  • Dimensions: Round up to the next inch when measuring the length, width and height of a shipment. Accurate dimensions are critical for carriers to maximize their capacity and for you to avoid adjustment fees.
  • Documentation: The bill of lading should be completed as accurately as possible to give to the carriers when they arrive. This document acts as a receipt for the goods that are being shipped.
  • Packaging and labeling: Load goods onto pallets to condense and protect your shipments. Heavy items should be placed on the bottom of pallets or crates and a label should be placed on the side.

 Additional LTL shipping services

  • Expedited: When you need goods to arrive at their destination more quickly than the standard transit time, request an expedited freight quote.
  • Liftgate: Used when freight exceeds 100 pounds and the receiving location does not have a dock for the shipment to be moved directly off the truck.
  • Limited access: This service is required for deliveries heading to locations that have limited access for carriers, such as construction sites, camps, rural locations, strip malls, etc. 
  • Inside pickup and delivery: If the carrier needs to enter the building to obtain the freight to load or complete a delivery by bringing it indoors, you will need to ask for this service.