Benefits of LTL Shipments

Less than truckload freight shipping or LTL is used to transport a small freight or a freight that does not require an entire trailer. It’s a shipping method often used when freight weights between 150 and 15,000 pounds.

When freight is shipped via LTL, the shipper is responsible for paying for the portion of the  trailer their freight occupies. Other shippers will use the empty space to fill their shipments. Let’s take a closer look at what LTL is and how booking an LTL shipment may be beneficial for businesses of all sizes.

Benefits of LTL Shipments

Perhaps the most noteworthy benefit of LTL shipments is that they can allow you to only pay for the portion of the trailer that you’re using. You can count on the remainder of the cost to be covered by the other shippers who will use the empty space for their own shipments.

LTL shipments can also increase security because they are usually packaged into pallets before they are loaded onto the trailer. One properly packaged pallet has a much greater chance of staying secure than shipments with numerous handling units.

In addition, if you use the LTL shipping method, you can receive access to inside pickup and delivery, lift gates, and a number of other special service options. Since LTL allows fewer trucks to transport goods traveling to the same area, it can also reduce the number of pollutants released in the environment. Lastly, most LTL carriers provide tracking capabilities via the PRO number, PO number, pick up date range, and shipment reference number, although LTL tracking isn’t nearly as refined as it is with parcel shipping.

How are LTL Shipping Rates Determined

There are several factors that are considered when LTL shipping rates are being calculated. These factors include:

• Location: The price will be higher if the location is further away.
• Dimensions: Freight class is dependent on dimensions and weight and has a direct impact on cost.
• Mode: LTL shipments that are expedited are higher in price.
• Type: Shipments that involve hazardous, perishable, or fragile items are more expensive than those that do not require any special handling.

Who is LTL Shipping for?

If you are a small business and tend to ship fewer goods and spend less money on freight than larger businesses, you may benefit from LTL shipping. It can give you the chance to reap the benefits of professional shipping without spending a great deal of money on space that you simply don’t need. While finding a carrier who can ship LTL at an affordable price is a worthwhile endeavor, a better option in today’s crowded carrier space is to work with a 3PL. A 3PL can offer equal or better LTL prices to customers because they leverage their relationships with several carriers rather than just working with one or two. Carriers offer 3PL’s better rates because 3PL’s ship grater volumes than any individual company.

Contact Amware to Learn More About LTL Shipments

If you are interested in learning more about LTL shipments and how they may benefit your business, contact Amware today. For a free 30-day trial of Amrate, Amware’s newly redesigned LTL management software, click below.