As a business owner, you work hard to grow your business. And one of the ways you know you’re experiencing some level of success is when you begin to question whether switching from parcel shipping to Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight transportation would be a good option. For most businesses, this answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Fortunately, the team at On Track Freight Systems can help. We offer a full range of tailored LTL and Full-Truckload (FTL) shipping solutions designed to help small businesses navigate the best path forward. Let’s take a closer look at why small businesses should consider switching to LTL freight Transportation.
Am I Shipping Parcels?
For the most part, small parcel shipments are those shipped in your own packaging or through a carrier supplied box. Parcel shipments aren’t shipped on pallets and usually move through a package shipping system. If you ship parcel shipments today, you’re more than likely using one of the following carriers:
- UPS / UPS SurePost / UPS Mail Innovations
- USPS
- FedEx / FedEx SmartPost
- Courier Service
- DHL
In general, parcel shipping involves packages that are less than 150 pounds and can be easily lifted. However, one of the biggest downsides to using parcel shipping is the risk. These packages are much more likely to get lost and damaged due to the rigorous handling.
Along the same lines, there are exponentially more checkpoints and potential transfers involved. Parcel shipping can be an economical choice if you are sending a few lightweight, small packages. But if you’re sending packages of any size with any volume or regularity, it can make dollars and sense to explore the enticing benefits of LTL shipping.
What Is LTL Freight Shipping?
Less-than-truckload is a popular class of freight shipping that usually deals with packages that are larger or bulk shipments. At the same time, LTL shipping is an ideal solution for packages that are uniquely shaped. With LTL shipping, shipments are palletized, secured, and stored in a non-damaging space, which makes them a much less risky option for carriers.
Instead of going through several checkpoints, LTL shipping has dramatically fewer stops and check ins, which reduces the opportunities and likelihood of damage or loss. LTL is also an excellent option if you’re looking to have all of your packages delivered to the same location.
Even if your packages are light and small, LTL can generate immense savings by transporting more items together. This is usually the case for small businesses, warehouses, and similar facilities who ship products and supplies to other businesses, distribution centers, and stores. Depending on your business model, LTL shipping may be a viable way to increase efficiency, lower costs, increase speed of delivery, improve security, and best meet the needs of your clients.
Should My Growing Small Business Consider Switching to LTL Shipping?
If you’re looking to switch from parcel to LTL freight shipping, the team at On Track Freight Systems will make it as easy and seamless as possible. We’ll do the heavy lifting, so you can focus more on the benefits you’ve gained from our new partnership.
Damage Risk and Loss Prevention
Ideally, no shipments should ever be damaged in transit, but unfortunately— it happens. Compared to LTL shipping, parcel shipping has a higher chance of the package being lost or damaged in transit. The reason is that LTL shipments are secured in a space designed to prevent damage to freight and are made safer by utilizing pallets.
Parcel shipments, on the other hand, are delivered with other parcel shipments that come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you never know what can happen when it’s being unloaded or out for delivery.
Trackability and Checkpoints
Parcel shipments go through a variety of checkpoints, updating the shipment location more frequently compared to LTL shipments. The consistent updates are valued by consumers, but not always so much by companies who wish to retain a certain level of privacy.
LTL shipments also allow for zone skipping, which is when the freight bypasses a parcel carrier’s zone. This is advantageous because it allows the shipper to avoid charges associated with crossing multiple zones. In general, the fewer transfers and checkpoints a shipment goes through, the higher probability of a safely delivered order.
Price Differences
One of the most known differences between freight vs shipping is the cost advantages associated with parcel shipping. This difference comes from the overall higher volume parcel shipments can offer thanks to their smaller nature. The large scale of LTL shipments means they tend to take up more space during transit, sometimes resulting in a slightly higher price.
Of course, the size of parcel shipping does not always end up as an advantage. Parcel shipments have their own rules and regulations, often ending up in additional charges or fees. For example, something small like changing an address to a Friday delivery can cost you extra with parcel shipping. It’s important to be mindful of fees associated with LTL carriers as well, such as charging you for not having a loading dock available.
Contact On Track Freight Systems for Affordable Freight
At On Track Freight Systems, we are 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. Need fast delivery on freight outside of the area? No problem!
The team at On Track Freight Systems has partnered with some of the leading national carriers and will work closely to deliver the solution you need. If you need help deciding which type of shipment is suitable for your business, get a rate quote inquiry from On Track Freight Systems to see which model fits your business.
