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Truckload Shipping: The Basics

February 16, 2021
5 min read
Truckload
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Though Less Than Truckload (LTL) may appear to be the most advantageous freight shipping option, and it does offer certain advantages, there are times when Truckload (TL) is the clear choice for over-the-road shipping needs.

Truckload Defined

When goods take up all the space in a truck trailer, it is referred to as a truckload (TL) shipment. Trailers measuring 48 ft. and 53 feet can transport up to 43,000 pounds on as many as 45 pallets.

How Does Truckload Differ from Less Than Truckload?

With TL, the shipment is typically from one source, in contrast to LTL which is able to combine smaller loads from numerous shippers sharing the trailer’s space, yet the total volume still doesn’t fill an entire trailer.

In addition, rates are structured differently for TL and LTL. Freight classification – aka priced based on density – is applied to LTL rates but not to TL rates, which tend to fluctuate less and are generally negotiable. Rates can also be affected by factors such as how urgent the shipment is, how great the distance to the store or warehouse delivery location. Various freight types may require unique equipment and paperwork, including specific insurance. We offer clients expertise and peace of mind, ensuring your FTL freight is being shipped by the right carrier, specifically suited to your freight type.

Truckload Benefits

If a company requires full load shipping and they ship on a regular basis, TL can offer significant benefits:

  • Savings: TL can offer better rates for high volume, heavier loads than using multiple LTL shipments to move the same freight
  • Faster, easier deliveries: Rather than stopping numerous times to drop off/pickup loads along the way as with LTL shipping, a TL shipment’s sole focus is on getting one load to its destination, and it does so even more quickly than the alternates of shipping by train or airplane
  • Less handling: With only one shipment moving from pickup to destination with little to no handling while in transit, there is a much greater chance that goods will arrive intact with no cargo damage

Contact Amware, or request a free trial of our cloud-based TMS, Amrate, below, and see if FT may be the right solution for your freight shipping needs.

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