LTL Freight Services

The LTL acronym stands for Less than Truckload and, as its name suggests, is a freight shipment service aimed at inland transportation of goods that will not occupy a whole trailer. Therefore, shippers only pay for the portion of the truck taken up by their cargo since the entire trailer space is shared with other shippers’ goods, a method that will no doubt reduce costs on your shipping and it covers pickup and delivery.

LTL transport or LTL freight services is suitable for ground freight shipping of small-dimension shipment. The general rule allows the weight of up to 15,000 pounds and no more than a 10-pallet space, although requirements may vary from one LTL provider to the next. In addition, it should definitely be into your shipping options when looking to maximize cost savings on inland transportation of your goods, being a perfect improvement for your supply chain. Also, take into consideration the transit time for your cargo.

It is advisable to avoid using this kind of service for sensitive goods since there is often a risk of contamination and damage from other cargo in the same trailer. Furthermore, some goods that require special treatment will likely lead to higher costs. In addition, there are certain items that are unfortunately prohibited with LTL, such as regulated waste, precious metals, financial documents, art, live animals, explosive materials or drugs.

LTL can be considered more efficient for smaller shipments. In this shipping mode, you share the space in a truck with other shippers, allowing you to pay only for the space your freight occupies. This starkly contrasts with full truckload shipping, where you pay for the space in an entire truck.

LTL shipping reduces costs for businesses that don’t need the entire truck space for their shipments. Here, their goods can be consolidated with shipments from multiple shippers to optimize routes and reduce shipping rates.

Freight comparison tools, which provide base rates, accessorial fees, and estimated transit times, can help you compare LTL shipping rates and carriers.

To choose the right options for your shipping needs, check the reviews and ratings of different carriers and assess their reliability. Consider their coverage area and experience with specific types of goods.

Yes, ground shipping is included in most LTL freight services. It is more cost-effective than other shipping methods. However, it can have longer transit times. It’s only ideal for smaller shipments that aren’t time-sensitive.

The cost of LTL shipping depends on factors such as the weight and dimensions of the cargo and the distance from the origin to the destination. Additional fees may also apply, including residential delivery surcharges, liftgate services, and inside delivery or pick-up charges.

Request a detailed LTL shipping quote from your shipping provider to fully account for all costs of an LTL shipping service.

Packing your LTL shipment properly ensures the safety of your goods during transit. Here are some best practices:

• Use sturdy pallets and shrink-wrap


• Distribute weight evenly on the pallet


• Label cargo clearly


• Use protective packaging

Most LTL carriers will provide you with a real-time tracking number, which you can input into the carrier’s portal to monitor the status of your shipment online.

LTL weight limits generally range from 150 to 150,000 pounds. Pallets should not exceed 48” x 48” x 60” in dimensions. Different carriers have unique weight and size limits, so check with your chosen carrier for accurate information.

LTL shipping can accommodate a wide range of goods, including retail products, industrial equipment, non-perishable goods, and small machinery. Hazardous materials and oversized items can also be accommodated but may require special arrangements.

The transit time for an LTL shipment will ultimately depend on the distance between the origin and destination and the route taken. However, domestic shipments generally take 2 to 7 business days.

Fuel surcharges are added to the base LTL shipping rate to account for fluctuating fuel prices. This surcharge helps carriers manage their operating costs during seasons when fuel prices change.

When shipping via LTL within the US, you will need the following documents:

• Bill of Lading


• Packing List


• Other permits or certifications

A commercial invoice is generally not required for domestic shipping; it is only required for international shipments.

Yes, you can obtain cargo insurance for LTL shipments. Most carriers will offer you different options for cargo insurance. Make sure to verify the coverage details before purchasing. If you’re shipping high-value goods, consider obtaining additional insurance.

To schedule an LTL shipment, start with obtaining LTL shipping quotes from your chosen carrier. Confirm the shipment details, and if all is to your liking, you can schedule a pick-up through the carrier’s portal or customer service. Prepare your shipment and the required documentation before the scheduled pick-up time.

You can reduce costs for your LTL shipment by following these tips:

• Optimize your packaging and reduce dimensions


• Plan your shipment during non-peak times


• Consolidate your shipments when possible


• Compare quotes from different LTL carriers and select the most competitive rate