If you’re new to LTL freight service, one of the first questions you may have is about the LTL max weight limit. At the same time, you may be wondering if there are other weight and size limits associated with less than truckload shipping.
Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule in regards to LTL max weight limit. Each carrier has its own limit. To provide further insight, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about less than truckload (LTL) shipping. Let’s take a closer look at the LTL max weight limit and other FAQs associated with LTL transportation.
What Is Less-than-Truckload (LTL) Freight Shipping?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) is an efficient class of freight shipping that typically involves packages that are larger or bulk shipments. LTL shipping is also a cost-effective way to ship packages that are uniquely shaped.
Less-than-truckload shipping includes the class of shipments that do not need the entire 48-foot or 53-foot trailer to transport. This is different from full truckload shipping (FTL) that does take up the entire trailer.
LTL transportation is most often used for larger packages that exceed the size and weight shipment limits of parcel shipping. With transporting LTL freight, shipments are palletized, secured, and stored in a safe space, which makes them a significantly less risky option for carriers.
Instead of going through multiple checkpoints along the journey to the destination, LTL shipping has substantially fewer check-ins and stops. This limits the opportunities and possibility of loss and damage. LTL is also an excellent option if you’re looking to have all of your packages delivered to the same location.
Can LTL Shipping Be Used for Smaller Packages?
Yes! Even if your freight is small and/or light, LTL can generate immense savings by transporting more items together. This is typically the situation for warehouses, small businesses, and similar facilities that ship products and supplies to other stores, distribution centers, and businesses. Based on your business model, LTL shipping can open the door to a host of benefits, including:
- Increased efficiency,
- Reduced costs,
- Faster speed of delivery,
- Heightened security, and
- A superior recipient experience.
At the same time, LTL shipments are often easier to track. At On Track Freight Systems, we have the technology and solutions to best estimate the current location of your shipment by tracking key indicators. And this means we are able to best estimate a delivery time.
What Are Parcel Shipping Weight Limits?
LTL or less than truckload shipping is an efficient method of transportation for B2B shipping of products that exceed the weight and dimensions of a parcel shipment. The most popular parcel carriers include UPS, FedEx, USPS, and others all have strict weight limits for cargo:
- FedEx has a parcel shipment weight limit of 150 pounds
- UPS has a parcel shipment weight limit of 150 pounds
- USPS has a weight limit for parcel shipments of 70 pounds.
- DHL parcel shipping generally has a weight limit of 154 pounds
If your shipment exceeds these weight limits but doesn’t require a full trailer to transport, LTL transportation may be your best and most efficient solution. LTL shipments only require you to pay for the portion of the truck that your freight occupies.
What Is the LTL Max Weight Limit?
As we previously mentioned, there is no industry-wide weight limit for LTL shipments. The most common LTL freight guidelines call for a single shipment to weigh anywhere between 100 and 10,000 pounds.
However, some carriers will move LTL freight weighing as much as 20,000. In addition to weight considerations, most LTL shipments will not have more than six pallets.
If your shipment exceeds this general LTL max weight limit, simply reach out to the team at On Track Freight Systems for an efficient solution. We are the leading trucking company in the New York and New Jersey area. As such, we offer an array of flexible, versatile LTL and full truckload shipping solutions that can be catered to your unique needs.
When Should I Choose LTL vs FTL Trucking Solutions?
Even though LTL is a very popular option for warehouses, business owners, and more, this may not be the best option for all of your shipments. Anytime you need a larger, full-truckload freight solution, the team at On Track Freight Systems can help.
We will partner closely with you to understand your unique trucking needs and guide you to the best solution. Our experienced transportation specialists will help you determine whether FTL vs LTL freight transportation would be the best solution with special consideration to:
- Budgetary concerns
- The size of your shipment
- Palletization and consolidation of your shipment
- Availability of personnel to both load and unload the shipment
- Cargo sensitivity
Contact On Track Freight Systems for LTL Shipping
If you have questions about LTL freight shipping, the team at On Track Freight Systems can help. As a leading provider of FTL and LTL transportation solutions for businesses throughout New York, New Jersey, and beyond, we offer fast, next-day delivery on shipments within the metro New York and New Jersey area. In addition, we provide fast and affordable shipping solutions through the U.S., including:
No matter what or where you’re shipping, On Track Freight Systems will be with you until the last mile.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
