The Wonders of Less-Than-Truckload or LTL Shipping

LTL shipping, otherwise known as Less-Than-Truckload Shipping, refers to the transportation of relatively small cargo freight. By saying relatively small, that means that the size and weight of the cargo is higher than that of the parcel carriers but lower than the full truckload carriers. Usually, LTL shipments weigh between 151 to 20,000 pounds.

Less than truckload shipping works by consolidating individual LTL freights and then loading them into enclosed trailers for delivery into the terminals and sub-terminals where they are further consolidated and sorted. LTL shipping service providers usually make the deliveries first in the morning and then they pick-up the cargo and collect the freight from various shippers, consolidate and sort them further and then delivery again the next morning.

The main advantage of using the service of an LTL shipping carrier is the shipper cost savings. Less than truckload shipping allows you to transport your small goods at a fraction of the cost that it would take you to rent a whole truck or a trailer for shipping your goods exclusively.

LTL carriers also typically charge less per pound than the parcel carriers mainly because of the economies of scale where volume purchases incur cost savings due to less packaging. For additional cost savings, LTL shipping carriers can also choose to integrate their freight loads with the full truckload shipments given that they have enough cargo to fill the truck or with the parcel carriers. LTL shipping carriers can also integrate with the parcel carriers when the destination hubs are nearer to the parcel carrier’s hub.

LTL shipping carriers also provide additional optional services to their customers like lift gate service at pickup and delivery, freeze protection, inside delivery, notification prior to delivery, and other accessorial services. These additional services are usually charged as a flat fee and are also based on weight charged per pound or unit weight.

LTL shipments usually undergo several levels of handling during transport so it is very important to package the cargo properly to prevent damage from crushing and dropping due to the careless and inattentiveness of the workers handling the packages. Cargo is usually loaded into pallets then into crates. Sturdy containers like corrugated fiberboard boxes are also used.

LTL shipping carriers usually have a team of packaging engineers to ensure that packaging tariffs are met and the design and test packaging of the cargo meets the needs of the total logistics system. Having a properly packaged cargo serves several purposes like protecting your cargo and other cargo from damage and helping to avoid loss or getting your freight separated during transit.

LTL shipments are not only shipped by truck but also by means of intermodal transportation. They also transport cargo by railroad or by air in cases where the cargo has to be transported overseas or somewhere far.

LTL shipping carriers have the advantage of dealing with the railroads more effectively than the small carriers because they send a large volume of freight making them more effective. Handling is also reduced in intermodal transportation so there is more security, less loss and damage, and goods are transported more quickly.