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/// Less than Truckload (LTL)

/// Our name says it all.


At LTL Freight Shop, we work hard to make sure that our Less than Truckload freight shipping services fulfill the needs of every customer.


It's about Dedication!

Because of this dedication, we have developed partner relationships that connects us with a large network of over 50 ltl freight carriers. Combining our partner relationships with our FREE web-based technology allows our customers to compare freight costs, book shipments and track shipments with ease.

LTL freight shipping can be a difficult task without the knowledge of the industry and shipping rules. Our freight shipping experts are here to help make the process easier by being able to answer all your Less than Truckload shipping questions.

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/// What Is LTL?

 

Definition: Less than Truckload. In layman’s terms, LTL means “Part of the truck.” LTL freight shipments comprise a majority of B2B freight shipping in the U.S.  Some freight carriers that provide LTL shipping as a service may choose to limit their service to specific regions, while others may offer LTL freight shipping nationally.

What are considered LTL shipments? 
LTL freight is larger and heavier than parcel shipments but smaller and lighter than full truckload shipping. LTL freight shipments can range from 100lbs to 7,000lbs, however the average weight of an LTL shipment is about 1,200lbs and the size is of a standard pallet (40”x48”x40”), (L x W x H) respectively. These shipments also fall into one of eighteen different freight classes, based on shipment density.

How is LTL transported?
LTL freight shipments are most commonly transported on a 53’ trailer, but also can be transported on 48’ “city trucks” or 28’ trucks for narrow or residential deliveries.  These LTL shipments can be packaged a variety of ways for shipping, including palletized (shrink-wrapped or strapped down), boxed, crated or in drums and barrels.

What are the advantages of LTL?
The network of LTL freight carriers has greater availability to handle freight shipments, as compared to truckload carriers. The greatest advantage in utilizing LTL is the cost savings to the customer. Since the carrier is moving multiple freight shipments from multiple shippers, the freight carrier pools all the shipments onto a single freight truck. Therefore, each shipper pays a fraction of the cost of utilizing the truck or trailer. LTL carriers normally offer better rates than parcel carriers for competitive reasons and economies of scale.

What are the Disadvantages of LTL?
Every rose has its thorn. The biggest disadvantage of LTL shipping is transit time for freight shipments.  LTL shipments are loaded and unloaded multiple times when transferring trucks at regional terminals. This repeated handling of freight shipments can be very time consuming, so LTL carriers normally take more time than a full truckload shipment.

What additional services do LTL freight carriers provide?
LTL carriers can provide additional optional services to customers, known as surcharges or accessorials. These services include, but are not limited to, lift gate services, appointments for pick up or delivery, residential pickup and delivery, freeze protection, inside delivery, notification before delivery, blind shipment, and other accessorial services.


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