If you are working in the logistics industry, there might be a lot of industry jargon that you will encounter along the way. One of these terms might be “LTL” which stands for less-than-truckload freight. If you are starting a career in logistics or are a business owner who wants to learn what is LTL Freight, this guide is for you.
What is LTL Freight?
As mentioned earlier, LTL stands for less-than-truckload. It is a type of shipment that is fairly small. It is the opposite of FTL or full truckload shipment. Parcel carriers are usually classified under LTL since they are carrying loads that can be grouped into small units, usually less than 150 pounds each.
If your business does not require you to transport large shipments that require a full truckload, LTL is the best method for you. Using LTL will help you reduce the cost of your shipment while giving you the advantage of moving your goods without most of the time constraints.
The primary benefit of less-than-truckload shipping is that it provides flexibility for the shipper and receiver of the goods. The shipper does not need to have large trucks available at all times; rather, he can use a smaller vehicle if needed or want to transport larger shipments a few times per year instead of every week. The receiver does not need to wait on another shipment from an unrelated source before receiving his goods; instead, he can fill orders faster with less hassle.
How does LTL Freight work?
LTL freight is the most common type of freight shipping. It’s used for large shipments that don’t need to be carried on a truck, such as appliances or heavy machinery. LTL freight is usually scheduled to arrive at your destination within 10 days after being shipped, but it can take longer depending on the carrier and the shipping method you choose.
There are at least two main types of LTL services:
Direct LTL Service – This type of service has its dedicated rail cars and is billed as an alternative to air freight. The advantage of this option is that it can be very cost-effective. However, it’s not always possible to reach the speediest shipping speeds with LTL shipments, so you may need to factor in extra time for transit.
Tailored Service – This option allows you to customize your shipment based on your needs and budget. You’ll have more control over where your goods are going and how they’re being transported, but it also means that there’s less flexibility when it comes to timing and price.
LTL shipments are typically shipped in containers, but they can also be transported in less-than-truckload trucks. The shipment will stay within one container or one truck, so there’s no space for anything else.
You can choose from several different carriers for LTL shipping. Some offer door-to-door service, while others use refrigerated vans or railcars instead of containers. You’ll want to make sure you find out which carrier offers what kind of service before you book an LTL shipment with them — this will save you time and money later on down the road!
What is the difference between less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) freight?
LTL freight means that only a fraction of the goods is shipped at one time. The rest of the shipment is still in storage and will be shipped later on.
The LTL freight method is less expensive than FTL because it does not require a complete load of goods to be shipped at once, which saves on fees and shipping costs. However, you can’t count on this method being available at all times, as many factors can cause an LTL shipment to be canceled or delayed.
FTL, on the other hand, is when a truckload’s worth of cargo is sent out at once. This method ensures that your shipment is complete and ready to go at all times. It also makes it easier for customers to track their orders, which means they can better manage their business operations with less hassle.
In short, LTL freight is when the shipment is loaded into containers and transported from point A to point B. LTL freight can be either international or domestic.
FTL freight is the full movement of a shipment from origin to destination. This includes loading the goods onto a truck or railcar and transporting them to their destination.
What are the benefits of LTL shipping?
LTL shipping is a convenient way to ship lightweight items, such as furniture and custom-fitted items, between two points. It is also used for small-scale commercial deliveries and can help you save money. Here are some benefits of using LTL shipment:
Convenience. Needing to move your freight from one point to another? Not only is this costly, but it also takes time. By using LTL shipping, however, you can move your freight quickly and easily without having to worry about the costs or time involved in moving by the truckload or any other means of transportation.
Value-added services. If you’re in the market for more than just the bare essentials, LTL shipping could be a great option for you. You can add value-added services such as packaging materials and other supplies that are typically not required by truckload carriers if they don’t offer them themselves. This will allow you to take advantage of these services while saving money on other aspects of your shipment.
Lower rates. Larger shipments can result in higher costs for the shipper, so it makes sense to take advantage of competition among carriers. Shippers who use LTL services are often able to save money on transportation costs because they aren’t obligated to use one particular carrier.
Flexibility. With LTL, you can ship small amounts of cargo at any time and place, instead of having to wait until your goods are ready before sending them out. You don’t have to worry about inventory levels or other restrictions that come with larger shipments.
Should I use LTL shipping for my business?
LTL is a shipping method that is used frequently by businesses. It’s an efficient way to ship small amounts of cargo, especially when you need to ship from one location to another. LTL also offers flexible pricing options and is often used as a shipping solution for smaller shipments.
When considering LTL for your business, there are several things to consider. First, how much cargo are you planning to ship? If you have a small order that does not require a full truckload, then LTL may be right for you. Second, what size container do you want to use? Larger containers will allow more items per shipment than smaller ones do but the cost of transporting the cargo in the larger containers will be higher than it would be if you had sent them in smaller containers. Thirdly, do you need to schedule your shipments in advance? In most cases, this isn’t necessary with LTL since the typical shipping time for this type of shipping is about five days but some companies require their customers to schedule.
If you want to know more about LTL and how it can be implemented for your business, send us a message today! Our team at Soul Logistics has been handling LTL and FTL shipments for our customers for many years and we will be happy to share our expertise with you.
