Less than truckload shipping, also known as LTL shipping, refers to the transportation of goods or small freight that do not require a full truckload. Less than truckload Loads are arranged on pallets and are used when freight weighs between 150 pounds to 10,000 pounds.
How does LTL shipping work?
Less than truckload shipping works by combining partial loads from shippers who pay for the portion of a standard truckload their goods would occupy, while other shippers and shipments fill the unoccupied space to create a full multi-stop truckload – making this type of shipping highly efficient.
Shipping costs depend on the pickup and drop-off locations, the class of the goods being shipped and most importantly, the space used. The aim of LTL shipping is to optimise transporting goods for more shippers in the most efficient way possible.
What factors determine LTL shipping rates?
LTL shipping rates can be determined by a number of factors, these include:
- Mode – how quickly goods need to reach their location. For example, expedited shipping refers to when goods are required to arrive at their destination more quickly than standard transit times.
- Location – the further the destination, the higher the shipping cost may be.
- Dimensions – the size and weight of the shipment will determine the freight class and may directly impact shipping rates.
- Service – if the shipment of goods requires special handling, (e.g. fragile, perishable or hazardous goods) the higher the shipping rates may be.
What are the benefits of LTL shipping?
There are many benefits of less than truckload shipping, these include:
- Cost savings –as you only pay for the portion of the truck you use, the cost will be a fraction of what a standard truckload shipment would cost.
- Efficiency – LTL shipping offers flexibility as well as using fewer trucks to carry loads, rather than more trucks carrying less than their capacity – helping to reduce emissions and your carbon footprint.
- Increased security – most LTL shipments are packaged onto pallets before being loaded onto trucks. This offers greater security than shipments with multiple smaller handling units.
- Small business friendly –LTL shipping allows small businesses to benefit from professional shipping services without having to pay the premium fee as the cost is determined by the space used. Most small businesses will ship fewer goods and will likely spend less money on freight than larger companies would.
Why choose Lesters Logistics for your haulage?
Here at Lesters, we are experts in providing logistics and transport. To see how we can help you, get in touch with our helpful team today.
