What Is Less-Than-Truckload Shipping (LTL) & Should I Choose It?

Are you looking to learn the answer to “What is less-than-truckload service” and other FAQs? If so, the experienced logistics experts at On Track Freight Systems can and will help. At On Track Freight Systems, we are the leading logistics and trucking provider for commercial and industrial businesses throughout the New York and New Jersey area as well as greater U.S. areas. 

Our clients and partners turn to us when they need fast, affordable, and reliable transportation solutions. And one of our most popular logistics and trucking options is less-than-truckload (LTL service). 

We offer fast, next-day LTL service within the New York and New Jersey metro area. If you’re looking for national or regional LTL service, we can help there as well. To put it simply, we can handle all of your cargo and freight transportation needs in a cost-efficient, professional, and reliable manner. Let’s take a closer look at LTL service.

What Is LTL Service?

LTL stands for “less than truckload”, so LTL service simply involves transporting shipments that are not large enough to fill a truck or trailer alone. LTL freight is in contrast to parcel shipping or full truckload shipping, which is known as FTL. While parcel carriers handle individual and small packages that are broken down into units typically less than 150 pounds, FTL service involves freight that occupies the entire volume of a trailer. 

LTL Load Management Is Key

The key to utilizing LTL service is load management. Your carrier should demonstrate the highest level of proficiency and have a well-oiled process for determining: 

  • What shipments are directed to what destinations, 
  • When they have been promised for delivery, and 
  • What specific delivery instructions are required.

There must also be accurate and detailed information about the dimensions and weight of shipments so that the space inside each truck or trailer is utilized as fully as possible. The shipments must also include information on special considerations like fragile packages, hazardous contents, and orientation requirements (such as “this side up”).

At On Track Freight Systems, we strategically organize LTL shipments, so that the day’s first deliveries are at the rear and the last deliveries are at the front. All of our trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art features that empower us to efficiently load, unload, and handle the various types of freight on board.

How LTL Service Can Benefit You

If you’re looking for the most efficient mode of transportation for smaller volumes of cargo or freight, LTL confidently checks all of the boxes. In fact, the most obvious benefit of LTL service is the cost. Paying for one driver and one vehicle to transport one shipment to one destination is extremely expensive if the cost isn’t spread over a full load.

By combining shipments from multiple carriers into a single load going to multiple destinations, LTL lets you save money by splitting the cost with other shippers. LTL is good for the environment because it utilizes very organized routes that minimize the number of vehicles used and the amount of driving each one does.

LTL service also lets you rely on experienced drivers who are familiar with the congested urban areas where shipments often originate or are delivered. This is more efficient and safer than using your in-house personnel and vehicles for difficult deliveries.

How to Find the Best LTL Service Provider? 

After asking, “What is LTL service?”, your next question is probably “How can I find the best LTL provider?” While you may not have a shortage of LTL service providers, not all are created equally. One of the best ways to determine whether an LTL service provider is reliable is by their longevity and years in business. 

Simply put, if shipping fails to meet delivery agreements, handles cargo poorly, and has subpar customer service; they will be unable to have sustained growth and longevity. Because of this, when you’re looking for an LTL service provider, you should always inquire about the years they have been in business. 

On Track Freight Systems Exceeds Expectations

At On Track Freight Systems, we boast several decades of excellence. We pride ourselves in our fast, next-day LTL services in the New York and New Jersey metro area. Even if you need LTL shipments across the U.S., On Track has the partnerships and solutions to meet your needs. 

However, it’s truly our customer service and highly-trained personnel that sets us apart. Since 1991, we have continued to grow and thrive through good and bad times because of our unwavering commitment to going the distance for needs. To put it simply, if you have a logistics or shipping problem, the team at On Track Freight Systems will provide a fast, affordable, and reliable solution! 

Value-Added Special LTL Considerations

When it comes to finding the best LTL service provider, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. What works for one shipment may not be suitable for the next. As a result, On Track Freight Systems offers a diverse suite of value-added solutions designed to meet each shipment’s needs. In either case, simply let us know, and we’ll create a tailored logistics package for you. Some of the most common LTL solutions we offer include: 

  • Inside delivery 
  • Liftgate service 
  • Notifications
  • Special handling
  • Residential deliveries
  • And more upon request. Please speak to your account representative for pricing. 

Contact On Track Freight Systems for LTL Service

Don’t settle! You deserve the best when it comes to LTL service. And that’s exactly what On Track Freight Systems will deliver. d

Contact us today to request your free LTL shipping quote.