Less than load (LTL) freight is the transportation of products or goods that does not require a full truckload due to the smaller nature of the parcel. This means that there are typically many separate shipments being transported on one truck. LTL shipments are usually put on pallets and can range anywhere from 150 pounds to 10,000 pounds. shipments are broken down and shipped LTL to their final destination.
LTL carriers specialize in optimizing their loads by moving more goods for more shippers in an efficient manner. LTL shipping is popular because of its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and also environmental friendly. When partial loads are combined to create a full truckload, it is very cost-efficient. The cost will be based on space used, class of items being shipped, and pickup and destination locations. The LTL freight can be shipped standard, expedited, or guaranteed. So what are the benefits of LTL Freight? Please read on.
Cost
With LTL freight, the truckload is made up of several smaller shipments that all together fill an entire truckload. As your shipment is not using the entire truck space available, you only have to pay for the space you are using. Therefore, your cost will be a fraction of what a normal full truckload shipment would cost.
Environmental Friendly
When the LTL shipping process is being used, it will result in fewer trucks carrying full loads, rather than more trucks carrying less than their capacity. This method will reduce emissions because fewer trucks are needed to deliver goods to their destinations.
How Does It Benefit Small Businesses
Small companies tend to ship fewer goods and spending less money on freight as compared to larger companies. LTL shipping offers small businesses the opportunity to benefit from all the services professional shipping provides without paying the high cost for space they do not need.
Whilst LTL freight shipping is a very useful method of transporting items, it can be rather complex. Some of the challenges are as follows:-
Time
As each truck contains shipments from multiple clients going to multiple (while similar) locations, oftentimes it takes longer for freight to arrive. It is therefore important to set more time for LTL freight to arrive at its destination than you would for full truckload freight.
Finding a Carrier
There are some carriers that offer LTL shipping, but not all carriers do. The problem can sometimes be finding a carrier willing to ship LTL.
If your organization is looking at using LTL freight is a shipping option, you may want to check out Shiply, an online transport marketplace that has a list of rated LTL freight companies ready to send personalized quotes for all your shipping needs. Shiply offers businesses a more convenient way to ship larger items. All you have to do is to complete one simple form and the quotes will be emailed to you within minutes, giving you a great space to compare services. As the drivers on Shiply are often making similar journeys and are looking to fill the extra space in their vehicles, their quotes can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.