LTL Freight Shipping Meaning
Less than truckload freight shipping (LTL) is for the transport of small-sized freight or when freight does not require using an entire trailer. This shipping technique is for when freight weighs in between 150 and 15,000 pounds.
When shipping LTL, the carrier pays for the portion of a basic truck trailer their freight occupies, while other carriers and their shipments fill the space. There are a large number of advantages to shipping freight LTL.
LTL Freight Shipping vs. Full Truckload Freight Shipping
There are several different perspectives as to what is considered LTL. Full truckload (FTL) carriers can put anywhere from two to six various carrier’s shipments on a trailer. Because each delivery is technically “less than a truckload,” they would think about that to be LTL. There are also freight companies who do not concentrate on truckloads, but rather, consolidate larger volume deliveries from about 2 to 12 pallets (or about 4,000 to 24,000 pounds) and consider themselves LTL Carriers.
The most commonly referenced LTL is delivered using “common” carriers who deal with freight above what would generally deliver via FedEx Ground, or UPS or US Mail parcel services to just under a Truck Load, at about 20,000 pounds or more than 14 pallets. LTL common carriers are likewise most likely to accept loose (non-palletized) freight than the other 2. LTL shipments typically weigh between 151 and 20,000 pounds (68 and 9,072 kg).
Less than Truckload carriers use “hub and spoke” techniques where small regional terminals are the spokes, and larger, more central terminals are the centers (also called Distribution Centers). Spoke terminals gather local freight from different shippers and combine that freight onto confined trailers for transporting to the delivering or center terminal, where the freight will be more arranged and combined for extra moving (likewise referred to as line carrying).
For the most part, the end of line terminals utilizes regional drivers who start the day by loading up their trailers and going out to make deliveries first. When the trailer is empty, they begin making pickups and return to the terminal for sorting and delivery the next day. Due to this method, many deliveries ship out in the early morning, with pickups in the afternoon.
Pickup and delivery drivers generally have set casual paths that they take a trip every day or several times a week, so the driver has a chance to establish a rapport with their clients. As soon as the driver has filled their trailer or completed their route, they return to their terminal for unloading. The trailer unloads and the individual deliveries are then weighed and checked to validate their conformity to the description consisted of in the accompanying documentation.
All LTL freight is subject to examination, though not all freight goes through inspection. Next, the freight loads onto an outbound truck trailer that will forward the freight to a break-bulk, a connection, or the delivering terminal. An LTL delivery may be managed only as soon as while in transit, or it might be managed numerous times before final delivery.
The average transit time for LTL freight is longer than for full truckload freight (FTL). LTL transit times are not directly related simply to the distance between the carrier and consignee. Instead, LTL transit times are also reliant upon the makeup of the network of terminals and break-bulks that are operated by an offered carrier which carrier’s beyond representatives and interline partners. For instance, if a shipment is picked up and delivered by the same freight terminal, or if the freight needs to be sorted and routed only once while in transit, the freight will most commonly deliver on the following business day after pickup.
If the freight must be sorted and routed, or if more than one linehaul is necessary for transport to the delivering terminal, then the transit time will be longer. In some circumstances, the LTL freight has up to 10 days of shipment time frame. Also, delivery to beyond points or remote areas will often include days to the transit time.
The main advantage of using an LTL carrier is that a shipment might ship for a portion of the expense of employing a whole truck and trailer for a single shipment. Likewise, a variety of accessory services are readily available from LTL carriers, which are not usually used by FTL carriers. These optional services consist of liftgate service at pickup or shipment, residential (also called “non-commercial”) service at pickup or shipment, inside shipment, notice before delivery, freeze defense, and others. These services are generally billed at a predetermined flat charge or for a weight-based surcharge calculated as a rate per pound or hundredweight.
Advantages of LTL Shipping
Reduces expenses: When booking an LTL shipment, you only pay for the part of the trailer used. The remainder of the cost comes from the other occupants of the trailer’s space.
Increases security: A lot of LTL deliveries load onto pallets before being loaded onto a truck. One well-packaged pallet has a much better chance of remaining secure than shipments with multiple smaller sized dealing with units.
Additional service alternatives: When shipping via LTL, you access to unique services like liftgates and inside pickup and shipment.
LTL freight tracking: LTL carriers use tracking abilities through the expense of lading number, PRO number, PO number, delivery referral number, and get date variety, among others.
Factors That Determine LTL Shipping Rates
Area: Generally, the greater the distance, the higher the price
Dimensions: The weight and dimensions of your LTL shipment aid in determining the freight class, which directly impacts rates
Mode: LTL deliveries can be sped up, generally for an additional cost
Type: A delivery that requires special handling or equipment (perishables, fragile, harmful items) will likely result in higher costs
When To Utilize LTL Shipping
LTL shipping is perfect for businesses that have freight under 15,000 pounds and do not need a full trailer. Consider LTL when seeking to optimize cost savings.
Preparing LTL Deliveries
Measurements: Assemble to the next inch when determining the length, width, and height of a shipment. Precise dimensions are crucial for carriers to optimize their capability and for you to avoid change fees.
Documentation: The bill of lading ought to be as correct as possible to give to the carriers when they arrive. This document serves as a receipt for the goods.
Product packaging and labeling: Load items onto pallets to condense and safeguard your deliveries, heavy items ought to be on the bottom of pallets or crates, and a label should be on the side.
Extra LTL Shipping Solutions
Expedited LTL shipping: When you need goods to reach their location more quickly than the standard transit time, request an expedited freight quote.
Liftgate LTL shipping: Used when freight surpasses 100 pounds, and the receiving place does not have a dock for the shipment to be moved straight off the truck.
Limited access LTL shipping: This service is necessary for shipments heading to locations that have restricted access for carriers, such as building sites, camps, rural locations, strip malls, etc.
Inside LTL pickup and delivery: If the carrier requires to go into the building to get the freight to load or complete the shipment by bringing it indoors, you will need to request for this service.
Common LTL Delivering Questions
How does LTL Shipping work?
LTL shipping operates on a hub and spoke design where local terminals are the spokes, and more significant main terminals are the hubs or warehouse.
What’s the difference between LTL shipping and FTL shipping?
Freight that does not need the whole area of a truck is known as LTL shipping, whereas full truckload deliveries take up the space or weight limitation of an entire trailer.
Should I deliver parcel or LTL?
If you are delivering over 150 pounds, consider LTL. Delivering LTL with a freight carrier means competitive rates and skilled recommendations.