LTL (Less than truckload) Shipping is one of the best flexible and cost-effective ways to start your freight delivery in logistics. Before you begin LTL shipping, you need to be familiar with what it is and how to use it. This article will provide a detailed reference to LTL shipping, including the definition of LTL, shipping prices, delivery method, and how to manage your LTL shipment to the fullest. 

What is LTL freight? 

LTL freight refers to the shipment of items that cannot occupy a full trailer container due to their weight, packaging structure, or shipping capacity. In general, crates or pallets are used for LTL freight shipping, with freight weighing between 150 and 10,000 pounds. 

LTL shipping can also be classified according to the number of pallets or linear feet of freight. For example, less-than-truckload shipping requires 12 linear feet and pallets ranging from one to six, with a maximum of 10 pallets per truck. If the shipment spans ten linear feet or more, it will cost 1,000 pounds per foot. While specific criteria vary between carriers, they are not significantly different.  

How does it work? 

LTL freight shipment is simple to understand. Imagine it as a puzzle game in which goods from multiple shippers are merged to fit into a single vehicle. It works in the same way that LCL does. 

When an LTL carrier picks up your products, even if there is insufficient cargo to fill the truck, they will switch or transit to pick up other people’s goods that are being sent in the same route or destination. 

A professional LTL freight carrier will tailor the delivery of your cargo to meet your requirements. They also supply express freight and serve hard-to-reach areas such as campers, building sites, rural areas, shopping centers, and more. 3PL Links, a recognized freight forwarder, can help you grow your worldwide business with full LTL shipping and different transportation options. 

How do you calculate it? 

LTL freight is typically priced based on the shipment’s weight/volume, transportation mileage, and other freight shipping charges. The fundamental calculation formula is as follows: 

Less than Truckload Shipping Rate = Billable Weight (kg) x Billable Mileage (km) x Less than Truckload Freight (price/kg km) + Other Freight Charges 

In addition, you must determine your freight class first to get an LTL freight quote. It is primarily developed by the NMFC based on the difficulty of your freight transportation. If your package is missing or contains the incorrect freight class during an inspection, the carrier will reset your class and adjust the shipping fee appropriately. The improper LTL freight class might raise your shipping costs. 

3PL Links freight forwarder has extensive experience with LTL shipping and international freight. Working with 3PL Links can help you get a quick quote and freight class for LTL shipments. 

What is the benefit of LTL freight? 

Cost-effective: With LTL freight, you only pay for the space that your shipment occupies. It is intended to operate on modest loads that travel to the same neighborhood as multiple businesses, resulting in economies of scale. In addition, the NMFTA has established freight class codes as specific prices for LTL freight quotations. 

Value-Added Services: LTL shipping also provides certain additional service alternatives that other shipping methods may not offer. First, LTL allows you to enter locations that are restricted to delivery carriers, such as retail malls and construction sites. 

Second, when there is no dock available to unload freight from the vehicle, LTL shipping frequently provides lift gate service. You can also request that the carrier enter a building to load the package or make a direct delivery indoors. 

Easy Tracking: LTL freight delivery provides a robust tracking system that accepts PRO numbers, bills of lading, shipment reference numbers, and other information to trace your freight. 

Small Business Friendly: Not every firm, especially small or starting businesses, has a large enough inventory to fill a whole truck. By collaborating with LTL freight, these firms can not only improve their bottom line but also obtain the flexibility they require during freight transportation. 

Green Shipping: During LTL freight transportation, the carrier will combine many loads from different shippers onto a single vehicle rather than conveying the items in no more than one-third of the trailer. Shipping a truck at half or less of its load capacity wastes space, time, and money. LTL shipping having more cargo on a truck reduces the number of trailers. The fewer trucks on the road, the lower the carbon emissions. In this approach, LTL is an environmentally responsible method of protecting the environment. 

To get started, 3PL Links can assist you find the best LTL shipping options for your international trade and e-commerce firm. Their professional team will walk you through the entire shipping process. They will point out the documents that you need to prepare, such as business invoicing for air or ocean shipments. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us whenever you are free! 

What Factor Affects LTL Shipping Rates? 

Distance 

There’s no doubt that distance, is a vital factor that affects shipping freight, just like the price of fuel. is an important consideration in moving freight. The greater the distance, the higher the LTL shipping cost. Most LTL carriers have multiple transshipment stations in the same location. If your freight pickup site is near the carrier’s depot, your rates will be lower. 

Mode of Transportation 

If your freight shipment requires specific services, such as indoor drop-off and pickup or transportation to limited regions, the LTL fee will vary depending on the carrier. You may even require specialized trucks or shipping equipment if your products are sensitive, fragile, or perishable. 

Freight Class 

The kind of freight, weight, and dimensions of your consignment are usually determined by the LTL freight classification. They are organized into 18 classes with numbers ranging from 50 to 500 each. The lower the class number, the less the shipping cost. 

Seasonal Effect 

Online purchasing has peak and off-peak seasons, which will affect freight transportation. During high seasons, there is a risk of shipping delays and freight rises, affecting LTL rates. 

When to cooperate with LTL carriers? 

LTL freight shipping is cost-effective for your freight shipment if you want to maximize cost savings. However, not all scenarios are appropriate for LTL shipment. You can use LTL shipping when: 

• The goods cost less than 10,000 pounds 

• The delivery time is flexible and not urgent. 

• The cargo is common and does not necessitate special temperature control services, among other things.  

• The shipping products are not particularly valuable or expensive. Such as electronics and precision devices. 

How to optimize LTL shipping? 

One of the most effective ways to optimize your LTL shipment is to reduce its size. Shipping charges, for example, will be higher for large volumes of lightweight cargo than for small amounts since they take up more room. Here are some tips to improve your LTL freight cargo. 

Minimum Packing 

Use packing materials and appropriate-sized boxes. To prevent crushing, pack them with bubble wrap. 

Manage Pallets 

Organize pallets to optimize useful space. Load shipping pallets uniformly on top and sides to form horizontal rows in the vehicle. 

Packing and Technical Loading 

Professional staff that adhere to clear and consistent packaging and loading standards will assist in lowering overall expenses. You can easily access the 3PL Links network. This will allow you to ship at an ideal LTL rate. 

Why should you choose 3PL Links as your shipping partner? 

3PL Links outperforms other freight forwarders and tops the list for many reasons. It provides diversified transportation such as basic air freight, ocean freight, and rail freight. In addition, our integrated suite of services provides transportation management, distribution, and warehousing solutions through our leveraging process, purchasing power, and technology. We are experts in third-party transportation management, delivering the “best of breed” transportation services at a lower cost. 

3PL Links also values the transportation of sensitive goods. It has extensive experience in the transportation of Construction, Food & Beverages, Home Improvement, Retail, and Hi-Tech goods. Its competitive prices and comprehensive services help startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to start global shipping without any hassle.