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LTL or FTL - Which One is the Better Choice?

February 8, 2022
5 min read
3PL
Less Than Truckload
Truckload
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For businesses great and small, shipping remains a major component of the logistics process. Generally, there are two good options for those looking to ship products in bulk: LTL and FTL. Keep reading to find out the differences between LTL and FTL, then contact the team at Amware to learn more.

What is LTL Shipping?

LTL or Less than Truckload shipping is a cost-effective shipping option that makes it easy for shippers to take advantage of the savings associated with bulk shipping, even though they may not have a full freight truckload. With LTL shipping, the shipping company combines several Less than Truckload shipments onto one Full Truckload and passes on the savings to the shippers.

Benefits of LTL Shipping

There are three main benefits of LTL shipping:

  1. Cost: As far as bulk freight transportation is concerned, LTL is the most affordable option. You enjoy the benefits of freight shipping, even as your company is still growing.
  2. Flexibility: You may opt to work directly with the carrier or you can work with a Third Party Logistics provider (3PL). The advantage of partnering with a 3PL is being able to leverage their relationships with several carriers rather than a single carrier.
  3. Scalability: If you’re looking for a shipping option while your business is small that can grow as you do, then LTL shipping is a perfect option for you. As your shipment sizes grow, so will your savings per shipment.

What is FTL Shipping?

FTL or Full Truckload shipping is a fast and reliable option that makes it easy for busy shipping managers to get large shipments from Point A to Point B with little fuss. With FTL shipping, customers either have enough product for a truck that’s completely full, or they have less than a truckload’s worth of product but have a dedicated truck for their shipment.

Benefits of FTL Shipping

There are three main benefits of FTL shipping:

  1. Ideal for Large Shipments: If you have a large quantity of product that needs to be shipped long distance at an affordable rate, then FTL is perfect for you because you’ll enjoy the convenience of a single shipment to track and manage.
  2. Perfect for Risky Shipments: Whether it’s a large shipment of breakable items or a truckload of high-risk products, FTL means you only have to worry about one shipment and one truck, making it the best choice for high-risk shipments.
  3. Fast and on-time: The greatest benefit of FTL shipping is that it’s faster than LTL. Because there’s only one shipment on one truck, the shipment doesn’t have to be resorted, moved, or warehoused at any point in the process, cutting down on shipping time and cost.

Also, while not always the case with 3PLs, Amware has a fleet of asset-based trucks. This allows Amware clients to request and receive Expedited and Guaranteed service, which, in today’s high-demand space, is an option many clients are utilizing.

Which is better: LTL or FTL?

Neither LTL nor FTL is intrinsically better. To determine whether you need an LTL or FTL shipping service, you’ll want to consider cost, shipment size, necessary timeline, and convenience. Still not sure which option is best for you? Contact the team at Amware and let us help you decide, or click below to try Amware’s cloud-based TMS, Amrate, and start saving 30% or more annually on LTL.

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