Meaning of LTL shipment

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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. 

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.

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.  

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.

Common LTL shipping questions.

• How does LTL work? LTL shipping essentially operates on a hub and spoke model where local terminals are the spokes and larger central terminals are the hubs or distribution centers. 
• What’s the difference between LTL and FTL? Freight that does not require the entire space of a truck is known as LTL shipping, whereas full truckload shipments take up the space or weight limit of an entire trailer.
• Should I ship parcel or LTL? If you are shipping over 150 pounds, consider LTL. Shipping LTL with a freight service provider means competitive rates and expert advice.