When it comes to shipping less-than-truckload (LTL) freight and LTL shipments, you may have questions, especially if it’s your first time. Even if you are a well-experienced shipper, understanding LTL shipping and LTL carrier processes can be confusing and similar to a moving target.
As one of the top LTL carriers in the area, On Track Freight Systems offer decades of experience confidently shipping and trucking all types of LTL freight class. In the process, we’ve helped countless LTL shippers reduce freight costs and achieve the best LTL freight rates.
At the same time, we’ve fielded and answered several questions for small businesses. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top FAQs from shippers and small businesses.
What Is LTL Freight Class?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) is a very efficient freight classification for larger packages, one pallet or more than one pallet, or bulkier shipments. LTL transportation solutions are regularly used to ship irregularly or uniquely shaped packages.
Very simply, an LTL shipment doesn’t require the entire 48-foot or 53-foot trailer to transport. Instead of having to pay for the entire truck, you will only pay for the portion of the trailer you use.
And this opens the door to immense savings for small businesses. Less-than-truckload freight shipping is different from full truckload shipping (FTL), which is the class you’ll use when your cargo takes up the entire trailer.
Why Would a Business Choose LTL Shipments?
Whether you’re shipping goods in New Jersey, New York, or anywhere else in the U.S., LTL cargo transportation offers a host of benefits that can impact your bottom line. Because you only pay for the part of the trailer or truck that your cargo uses, the top benefit of LTL is cost savings.
Instead of your pallet requiring the entire trailer, the space and costs of the trailer are split between the other businesses shipping cargo. Your costs will be based on the total weight, volume, and other factors associated with your goods. Additional benefits of LTL include:
- Reduced environmental impact
- Reduced risk of loss and damage
- Extra servicing options
- Fast, next-day transit times
- Easier tracking
- Lowered warehousing costs
What Are Shipping Weight Limits for Parcel Shipments?
Less than truckload carriers are instrumental in providing expedited services for B2B freight that exceeds the dimension and weight restrictions of parcel shipments. The most popular parcel carriers include FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS; and each of these carriers have strict weight limits for cargo based on shipment information:
- FedEx has a parcel shipment weight limit of 150 pounds
- DHL parcel shipping generally has a weight limit of 154 pounds
- UPS has a parcel shipment weight limit of 150 pounds
- USPS has a weight limit for parcel shipments of 70 pounds.
What Is the Max Less-Than-Truckload Freight Weight Limit?
There are no hard and fast rules in regards to LTL max weight limit. While one carrier may set limits of 10,000 pounds, other LTL carriers may transport cargo up to 20,000 pounds. In other words, different carriers have their own limits. In addition to weight considerations, most LTL carriers will limit the shipment to a total of six pallets.
When Should I Choose LTL vs Parcel Shipping?
While parcel shipping may be effective in B2C transport, savvy business owners who primarily focus on B2B save time and money by shipping LTL. In particular, parcels may be a suitable option if your B2C shipments are standard-sized packages, weigh less than 150 pounds, and are lifted easily.
LTL transportation is the preferred option for larger shipments that exceed the size and weight shipment limits of parcel shipping. When transporting LTL freight, your shipments are placed on pallets, secured on a truck or trailer, and stored in a safe space for transit, which reduces the likelihood of theft and damages.
The potential for damage and theft is further limited because LTL shipping has substantially fewer check-ins and stops. LTL is also an ideal solution if all of your packages are being delivered to the same location. Simply put, LTL is the best way to ship for most small businesses.
What Are LTL Freight Classes?
LTL freight classes are a standardized method of calculating the LTL freight quote price. The freight class offers a standard comparison for commodities moving interstate, intrastate, and foreign. Defined by the National Motor Freight Classification, freight class can range from 50 up to 500. In total, there are 18 different classes.
In general, cargo with a lower freight class will be less expensive to transport. Lower classes typically represent very dense or low-risk cargo. On the other hand, freight that is lighter and takes up more space will generally have a higher freight class. And as you would assume, the higher the freight class, the more expensive the rate quoted will be.
How Are LTL Freight Classes Determined?
When it comes to freight class, there are four key factors that are used:
- The density of the LTL freight in pounds per cubic feet. In general, higher density equals higher freight class, while lower density generally equals lower freight class.
- Stowability. Can your freight be turned or stacked to maximize space? Or does your freight have a unique nature that it must be stored separately? Difficult to store pallets will have a higher freight class and be more expensive.
- Handling. In terms of packaging and fragility, freight that’s easier to move between LTL terminals most likely will have a lower freight class.
- Liability. Cargo that has a high probability to sustain or cause damage to other freight will have a higher freight class.
What Are Less-Than-Truckload Accessorial Freight Charges?
Freight accessorial charges are the extra services performed by a carrier. These services are in addition to the standard dock-to-dock pickup and delivery. While less-than-truckload accessorial freight charges can encompass a vast array of services, some of the most common include:
- Inside pickup and inside delivery
- Residential freight delivery
- Liftgate delivery
- Special equipment
- Limited access
One way to potentially save money on your LTL freight invoice is to pre-book or include your accessorial charges with less-than-truckload carriers. This is due to the fact that ordering extra accessorial services in advance with carriers may result in reduced costs, flat rates, or even no additional cost at all.
Simply put, it could save you money and reduce your bill of lading. Most importantly, if your LTL carrier isn’t aware they need additional special equipment to make the delivery, it could cause delays, lost time, as well as added fees. Even worse, the carrier may be unable to deliver the freight.
Where to Find the Best LTL Freight Carrier in New York & New Jersey?
At On Track Freight Systems, we offer fast next-day LTL and FTL shipping solutions throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area. In the event your B2B shipping needs extend past this area, the team at On Track can help.
Throughout our expanded footprint, we can deliver fast and affordable shipping solutions across the United States. As the leading carrier in the area, we are laser focused on meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations at every turn.
Contact On Track Freight Systems today for the best LTL freight quotes and rates.
