Less than truckload (LTL) cargo is the first category of freight shipment, which represents most freight shipments and most of the business-to-business (B2B) shipments. LTL shipments are also often referred to as motor freight and the carriers involved are referred to as motor carriers.
LTL shipments range from (110 to 15,000 lb), being less than (8 ft in to 27 ft ) the most part, depending on each LTL carriers rules. The average single piece of LTL freight is 1,390 lb and the size of a standard pallet. Long freight and/or large freight are subject to extreme length and cubic capacity surcharges.
LTL shipping is based on a Terminal based model. Each LTL carrier has a network of Terminals in and around the United States and your LTL shipments are sorted and shipped out on Trucks the day after picking up in route to your destination. Also known as common carriers. One little known fact is that there are up to 60 LTL carriers in the United State and some are National while some are Regional.
LTL shipping is cheaper until the point where you reach 12 to 14 linear space or more and sometimes 5,000-15,000 pounds depending on the volume of your shipment.
LTL standard rates are generally not super-fast. Whereas a Full truckload is a DEDICATED van and can be faster for you.
How many pallets is considered LTL?
LTL: Less-than-truckload shipments are typically between one and six pallets and weight from 200 to 5,000 pounds (most of the time).
LTL is very practical for relatively smaller shipments. You will pay only for the space that your freight requires.
Advantages and disadvantages of LTL shipping?
LTL shipping is generally less. With LTL you pay only for the space on Trailer (truck) that your shipment takes up. Because you are sharing a truck space with many other business’ who ship. This is greener and more economical. Packing can be easier, and you will mostly have tracking numbers assigned to your shipping.
Is LTL shipping right for me? Ask yourself these questions.
If you ship less than 5,000 pounds (in some cases less than 15,000). You can always give The Shipping Emporium a call (703) 304-8170 or by email customerservice@shippingemp.com to ask any questions or to get a quote.