Understanding Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart way to move goods when you don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire truck. Instead of one business using all the space, LTL combines shipments from multiple businesses into a single truckload. This makes it a cost-effective solution for companies with smaller freight needs.

Here are the key aspects that define LTL shipping:

• Shared Space: LTL is all about consolidation. Various shipments are grouped together to optimize the truck’s capacity, which in turn saves money for everyone involved.
• Typical Shipment Size: Generally, LTL freight weighs anywhere from 150 to 15,000 pounds and is usually transported on pallets for easier handling.
• Cost Savings: With LTL, you only pay for the specific space your goods occupy on the truck. This makes it a much more affordable option compared to booking an entire truck, which is known as Full Truckload (FTL) shipping.
• Transit Times: Keep in mind that LTL shipments might take a bit longer to reach their destination. This is because trucks make multiple stops and often need to transfer cargo between different terminals.
• Network Efficiency: LTL carriers operate using a hub-and-spoke network. This system of terminals and central hubs allows them to efficiently sort and route shipments, ensuring your goods get to the right place.
• Additional Services: LTL shipping often comes with extra services you can opt for, such as lift-gates for easier loading/unloading, inside pickup or delivery, and even expedited service if you need your shipment to arrive faster. Just be aware that these specialized services might come with additional charges.