(778) 564-5502
There are various factors that play a major role in deciding the shipping cost of the products. Package dimensions, weight, distance, tracking, insurance, customs, duties, and handling are the most crucial ones. Every business wants to reduce shipping cost so that it can offer products at reasonable prices to customers; FTL (Full Than Truckload) and LTL consolidation is used to serve the purpose. In this article, we’ll talk about LTL freight, its benefits, factors and how it functions.
What is LTL Freight Shipping?
Less than truckload freight shipping is used for the transportation of small loads or loads that don’t need the utilization of a whole trailer. When freight weights between 150 to 15,000 pounds, this transportation method can be used.
When shipping LTL, the shipper only pays for the area of a truck trailer that their freight takes up, with the remaining space being consolidated by other shippers’ freight.
When to Choose LTL Shipping?
Size of Operation – For small businesses that don’t have enough goods to fill a whole truck, hiring a transportation company for LTL shipments is a cost-effective option. LTL goods are secured and palletized for shipping.
Time Constraints – LTL trucks may transport cargo for various clients. They may be traveling to the same city or general region, but they will still make several stops along the way. LTL trucks are therefore not the recommended choice for time-sensitive shipments.
Weight – Freight must weigh between 150 lbs and 15,000 lbs in order to qualify for LTL shipment. Even if they meet the weight restrictions, things that are oddly shaped or too delicate to be placed on a pallet may not be suitable for LTL, so consider using another method.
What Factors Influence LTL Shipping Rates?
Freight Classification – This is by far the most key component in figuring out how much LTL shipments will cost. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association established 18 freight classes ranging from 50 to 500. Shipment density, value, stowability, handling, and liability are used to determine class. Generally, the lower the class, the lower the rate will be, and vice versa. Dense shipments are given a lower categorization because they are less likely to be damaged and more manageable.
Weight – Many LTL carriers use Centum Weight (CWT) or hundredweight measurement, to calculate rates. Using this measurement, rates are quoted per 100 pounds. For instance, a 400 lb shipment priced at $25 CWT would cost $100, excluding accessories or specialty services. Based on freight classification rates, cargo weight, and route distance, the freight forwarders calculate CWT. Generally, the heavier the weight of the shipment, the less the shipper will pay per 100 pounds.
Distance – Generally, the farther the distance, the higher the price. The shipment’s distance is calculated using the zip codes for the origin and destination.
How Does LTL Freight Work?
The LTL shipping can be described as a spoke and hub design made up of small, local (spoke) terminals and large, central (hub) terminals that directs LTL carriers through their shipments. Once an LTL cargo is picked up for delivery, it is transferred to a local terminal for initial consolidating onto an LTL truck and then taken to a central terminal to complete the rest of its journey. The process of continuous consolidation ensures LTL shipments reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of LTL Shipping
Reduced Shipping Costs – The most obvious reason for LTL transportation service is minimized shipping costs. With the help of LTL services, various shippers load their goods onto one single truckload. The cost of a truck gets distributed among all the shippers because of which they need to pay only for the space acquired by their cargoes.
An Eco-friendly Method – Global warming is the biggest issue. While using the LTL method, transportation businesses reduce carbon footprints. Since the cargo of various shippers is loaded onto a single truck, which reduces the amount of fuel that trucks require for shipments. Also, we all know eco-friendly is the new trend. This will further help in boosting the image of your business.
Tracking and Handling Options – All shipments can be traced and identified with ease. Thanks to labels and distinct markings outside the cargo.
Customers may check the status updates and monitor their shipments at various points during the delivery process.
Differences Between LTL, LTL Consolidation, and FTL
Less Than Truckload (LTL) – The shipping of relatively small freight is known as less than truckload. The usual weight of LTL shipments ranges from 151 to 20,000 lbs. Less than truckload carriers use hub and spoke operations.
LTL Consolidated Shipping – LTL consolidated shipping method simplifies the shipping process. In the consolidation process, LTL shipments traveling to similar destinations are combined at consolidation warehouses and transported on a single vehicle to their final destination.
Full Truckload (FTL) – Large shipments that occupy the entirety of the truck or almost all of it are frequently shipped via FTL. Even if you don’t need to occupy the entire available space, you can still reserve the truck at its full capacity. FTL cargo is loaded into the truck, which proceeds directly to the final destination.
Final Thoughts:
Once you determine the suitability and benefits you can consider opting for LTL transportation services. It is a cost-effective solution and promotes economies of scale, but only if you evaluate the factors of suitability effectively. So, if you are looking for a reliable LTL service provider in Surrey, Vancouver Canada, we recommend you to go for OTT Transportation Services. They have been offering trustworthy and cost-effective LTL freight shipping and you definitely need to consider them.
