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Rates
Less-than-truckload shipping or LTL freight shipping services combine the shipments of multiple customers to make deliveries more cost-effective than full truckload service (FTL). It is an efficient way to ship oversized goods that are too large for parcel carriers but need to be more significant to require an entire semi-truck. LTL freight services use hub and spoke operations to maximize efficiency. Regional and local distribution centers or terminals serve as the hubs and collect local shipments from different shippers for consolidation onto trucks that will transport them to their destinations. This type of operation benefits small e-commerce businesses that don’t have enough freight volume to fill an entire truckload.
The rates associated with LTL freight shipping depend on several factors, including the shipment size and the load’s destination. The more space the shipment occupies, the heavier it is; the farther it travels, the higher its rate will be. Special handling or safety requirements may also raise a shipment’s rates, as will the need for special permits.
Shippers can utilize a transportation management system (TMS) to view their negotiated carrier rates instantly. It allows for more informed decisions when selecting the best service option for any freight need. It can also help reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency by connecting with multiple LTL carriers to offer competitive pricing.
Definition
Less-than-truckload shipping is a transportation service used for freight that doesn’t fill an entire truckload. The shipments are consolidated on the back of trucks to reduce costs. The services offer a wide range depending on the size and type of freight that needs to be transported. The shipments are weighed and categorized for proper classification before they are put on the truck to be delivered to their destination.
The LTL services are a viable shipping option for companies needing quick customer shipments. The services are often more cost-effective than a full truckload delivery and allow the company to control its inventory by not having to wait for a whole truckload of goods from a supplier.
As the demand for online products continues to rise, shipping speed and reliability are critical to a successful sales model. The exemplary systems and processes are necessary to ensure that product inventories can be shipped quickly from warehouses or distribution centers close to the customer so that delivery times remain consistent.
Less-than-truckload shipping providers can range from a single local parcel carrier to large, national truck transport companies that carry multiple clients’ goods across the country. They use hub-and-spoke terminal networks of local, strategically located pickup and delivery terminals for each area they serve. These are connected to a central hub, sometimes known as a freight assembly center or warehouse, where they load and unload the freight into the trailers.
Service Basics
Consider LTL (Less Than Truckload) service if your company is shipping freight. This form of freight transportation optimizes costs for large palletized shipments that are too heavy or bulky for parcel service or insufficient to fill a truckload trailer. Each day, an LTL carrier will send several trucks to collect shipments from local shippers in a specific geographical area. Once all the incoming shipments have been collected, they are taken to a central terminal and loaded on outbound vehicles headed for regional destinations. These vehicles will also pick up freight from other customers. Each shipment is weighed and rated at the terminal, which initiates the customer billing process.
LTL freight loads are typically crated or palletized and range in size from 150 to 15,000 pounds. Because of the economy of scale, shipping less than a truckload is more affordable for smaller freight loads than full-truckload shipments. One of the most important aspects of shipping Less Than Truckload freight is creating an accurate and complete bill of lading. Specify the number of items, dimensions, weight, and freight class on your BOL. Carriers will charge a fee to inspect and re-weigh your shipment if it doesn’t match the information on your BOL.
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Time-Sensitive Delivery
Time-sensitive delivery is a freight shipping service that guarantees an exact delivery date or time. It is popular with businesses that offer a fast-selling product and must get those products into customers’ hands as soon as possible. This type of service is often expensive, but it’s worth the extra cost if you’re trying to ensure that your company’s products arrive in perfect condition. LTL shipping is ideal when a shipment is too large for parcel service but too small to fill an entire truck trailer. Less-Than-Truckload combines multiple shippers’ loads on one truck, so each company pays for only the space they use.
It makes it an affordable option for businesses needing more volume to justify full truckload (FTL) shipping costs and reduces environmental impact. As an added benefit, some LTL shipping services offer additional options like lift gates and notification options to help streamline the shipping process.
A company that offers time-sensitive shipping will have systems to guarantee that all products reach the customer in perfect condition. It requires meticulous attention to detail, special coordination, and world-class communication. Typically, this type of service is offered by specialized logistics providers or by couriers that know the area where the shipment will be delivered. Finding a partner who can provide these services in your region is essential.