What Is LTL Shipping
LTL shipping is Less than truckload (LTL) freight, or the transportation of goods that doesn’t require a whole truckload. When using LTL shipping services, the shipper only pays for the part of the truck that their freight occupies, instead of for the entire truck. The truck may contain several shipments from a variety of shippers.
LTL freight shipments usually range between 150 to 15,000 pounds and are arranged on pallets. This can make LTL shipping complex for freight carriers but provides the ability to monetize the truck for the carrier when they don;t have an FTL load, and provides the ability for shippers to send smaller pieces of freight.
Advantages of LTL Shipping
Some shippers prefer FTL (Full Truckload) freight due to the assurance of having only their freight on a truck and that it will be picked up and go directly to the delivery point without any stops in between.
When FTL is not appropriate, here are some common scenarios when to use LTL shipping:
LTL shipping accepts partial loads
Not all shippers have a full load at any given time. LTL freight offers the same accessibility to truck transport, but for smaller shipments.
LTL shipping can be cheaper
Shipping LTL costs can be very competitive and more economical because the shipper is only paying for a portion of the truck. The rest of the cost of the truck is being paid for by other shippers who are sharing the space.
LTL shipping may be faster than FTL
If a full truck is needed for your freight, it is sometimes slower as you may have to wait for a truck to become available. LTL provides opportunities to include your freight on a truck that has room and is going to your intended delivery destination.
LTL shipping offers next-day delivery
LTL shippers who specialize in regional areas can offer fast pickup and deliveries.
LTL shipping provides flexibility
For shippers that need special services, some LTL companies offer inside pickup or delivery as well as liftgates, if needed.
LTL shipping provides tracking
LTL carriers commonly have access to real-time tracking of where your freight is so that you can plan for delivery.
LTL shipping reduces your warehouse costs
For manufacturers and distributors, the ability to work with an LTL freight company gives them access to freight pickup and delivery that limits their need to stockpile their shipments until they have a full truckload.
LTL shipping allows carriers to monetize their trucks
Carriers do not like having empty trucks in their depot. The ability to assemble a load of freight from multiple shippers, keeps their trucks on the road and keeps their customers happy.
When to Use LTL Shipping Special Delivery Services
Some shipments require special handling or accommodations. In those instances, LTL may be the right choice for your shipment. Here is a general guideline for when to use LTL shipping special services:
LTL Shipping Residential Inside Delivery
Inside delivery to a residential address, means that the palette or shipment will be placed in a garage, on a porch or on a driveway. It does not mean that the shipment will be placed inside the home.
Freight carriers typically will not pickup or deliver inside a home due to potential liabilities if an accident or injury occurs. It also avoids any potential conflicts if a driver were to track in dirt or if they were to damage walls or doors during movement of a shipment.
LTL Shipping Business Inside Delivery
Inside business deliveries indicate that the shipment will be left inside the door of the business.
Typically, the carrier will bring the freight just inside the main entrance.
In some instances you may be able to request delivery to the interior of the building, but delivery charges will increase. Be prepared, that if your delivery requires navigating stairs, an elevator, or hallways that the freight cannot fit down, delivery may not be able to make it past the front door. Also, be aware that the driver will not break down freight in order to move it through doors. If the freight is larger than your entryway, the driver will leave it outside.
Importantly, if your location has a driveway or terrain that is not conducive to a truck traveling on it, the driver may deem delivery unsafe for the vehicle and alternative arrangements must be made.
LTL Shipping Liftgate Services
In LTL shipping, the responsibility for loading and unloading freight to and from the truck lies with the shipper. For the shipper, if they do not have a loading dock or forklift, they will need a truck that has a liftgate.
Not all trucks have liftgates so it is important to know if one will be needed so that you can request the right truck. Since it is a specialized feature and requires more work by the driver, liftgate services do have a cost.
When do I need to request a liftgate?
If the shipper does not have a loading dock or forklift and is otherwise unable to load the freight into the truck, they can request liftgate service. Here are the typical scenarios when to use LTL shipping where a liftgate is needed:
- Residential homes, apartments and condos
- Construction sites
- Shopping malls and strip malls
- Retail stores
- Downtown destinations
- Office buildings
- Hospitals
- Hotels
LTL Shipping Notifications
LTL shipments are either delivered via pre-scheduled appointment or with simple delivery notification. Some recipients prefer appointments because they need to know exactly when their freight will arrive so that they can be there to receive and inspect it.
For some recipients, it is more convenient to have the shipment delivered after a simple notification. LTL shipment notification deliveries are commonly made to residences, storage facilities, and businesses.
Notifications can speed up the delivery process (no appointment has to be scheduled) and, for recipients that are able to accept delivery at any time, notifications may be more convenient. Deliveries via notification are typically made between regular business hours between 8am and 5pm local time.
Keep in mind that with notification deliveries, a dispatcher will not deliver until contact is made with the recipient. If no contact is made, delivery may be delayed.
What Goes into the Cost of LTL Shipping?
One of the determining factors for when to use LTL shipping, is the cost. Because LTL shipments are only a portion of a truck, the costs are typically less. These are the main factors that determine the cost of LTL freight:
Distance. LTL freight is based on the distance the freight has to travel from pickup to delivery. The further the trip, the higher the cost.
Dimensions. The size and weight of the shipment will determine the freight class, another component of cost.
Mode. Expedited shipments will incur a higher cost.
Type. If your shipment requires special handling (perishables, fragile, hazardous items) or equipment such as a liftgate, the costs will increase.
Choosing Your LTL Carrier
By selecting the right carrier that can help you know when to use LTL shipping, your business will benefit from their expertise and capabilities.
Great LTL carriers are able to move different types of freight, have a fleet of trucks or access to a fleet that is national and regional, and provide the level of service needed for businesses who have pressing pickup and delivery needs.Contact On Track today to get a free LTL shipping quote.
