Questions? Call us at

(800) 697-4477
Contact Us | Track shipment | Login

What are you looking for?

Explore our services and discover how we can help you achieve your goals

What Is LTL Freight?

LTL Freight or “less-than-truckload” freight, is a shipping solution allowing businesses to purchase smaller amounts of products at a fraction of the cost of buying a full truckload. In reality, shipping and logistics mean that purchasing an entire truckload of goods is not always necessary.

This practical freight option lets you pay only for the space on a truck, making it an economical and reliable way to get your goods where they need to go.

Get Your Free Quote
Freight rate calculator
Shipping option
LTL shipping is used for small freight or when the items don't require the use of an entire trailer. Your freight is combined with other shipments to fill an entire trailer. It is ideal for shipments under 15,000 pounds.
Full truckload is used when shippers have enough items to fill an entire truck or they want their shipment in a trailer all by itself.
Pickup/delivery information
Shipment information
Pickup/delivery information
Shipment information

limit of 70 characters

7500+ Daily Shippers
23,000+ Vetted Carriers
8 U.S. & Mexico Offices
1M+ Shipments Managed
  • 2025 awards Transport Topics Top Freight Brokerage Firm
  • 2025 awards FreightWaves FreightTech 2025
  • 2025 awards Inbound Logistics Green Partner
  • 2025 awards Transpor Topics Top 100 Logistics Company
  • 2025 awards Smartway Partner
  • 2025 awards Food Logistics rockstars of the Supply Chain
  • 2025 awards Great Supply Chain Partner
  • 2025 awards Florida Top 3PL
  • 2025 awards SupplyChainBrain 100 Great Supply Chain Partners
  • 2025 awards Bronze Ecovadis Sustainability Rating
  • 2025 awards Hispanic Business Enterprise
  • 2025 awards Supply & Demand Chain Executive Women in Supply Chain
  • 2025 awards Logistics Management Quest For Quality

How Does LTL Freight Work?

LTL freight aims to maximize cargo space while minimizing shipping costs. LTL freight carriers combine multiple partial shipments from different suppliers and consolidate them onto a single truck to maximize space utilization.

The definition of LTL freight varies across logistics companies, but generally it’s between 150 and 15,000 pounds.

Get a Freight Quote
What is LTL Freight blue semi trailer driving down highway

What Are the Benefits of LTL Freight Shipping?

Less-than-truckload shipping comes with a wealth of benefits such as:

Accessible shipment: LTL shipping allows businesses to ship small loads efficiently and cost-effectively. They don’t need to wait for enough orders to fill a truckload.

Safe and efficient delivery: LTL shipments are safer than parcel shipping, as they typically use air-ride trailers and other protective measures. They can also handle sensitive cargo, such as certain pharmaceutical products.

Lower transportation costs: If you’re looking for an economical way to ship goods, LTL can be the solution. Since companies don’t need to purchase entire truckloads of products, they save money on shipping costs while still getting their items delivered promptly.

Speak with an Expert

+ System Integrations

% On-Time Delivery

What Our Clients Are Saying

Our clients consistently highlight the reliability, transparency, and cost-saving impact of partnering with BlueGrace. From small businesses to large enterprises, companies across the country trust our team to manage their LTL shipments efficiently, ensuring on-time delivery and reducing freight expenses. These testimonials reflect not just satisfaction with our services, but confidence in a logistics partner that understands their unique shipping challenges.

Sarah Thompson
Operations Manager, GreenLeaf Supplies

“BlueGrace has completely transformed the way we handle LTL shipments. Their team helped us reduce freight costs by 12% while improving delivery times, and the visibility into every shipment gives us peace of mind. They truly act as an extension of our operations team.”

infinia infinia infinia infinia infinia
David Ramirez
CEO, Horizon Electronics

“We rely on BlueGrace for all of our nationwide LTL shipments. Their personalized support and intelligent routing solutions have made our supply chain much more efficient. The real-time tracking and proactive communication set them apart from any other provider we’ve worked with.”

infinia infinia infinia infinia infinia
Emily Chen
Logistics Coordinator, Summit Retailers

“Partnering with BlueGrace has been a game-changer. Their team understands our business needs, provides cost-effective solutions, and ensures every shipment arrives on time. We finally have a freight partner we can trust, and it shows in our operational performance.”

infinia infinia infinia infinia infinia
bluegrace

Technology That Supports Better Freight Decisions

International freight data is only useful if it informs action.BlueGrace leverages BlueShip®, our transportation management technology, to support:

  • Centralized shipment visibility
  • Performance tracking by carrier and lane
  • Cost analysis across ocean, air, and domestic modes
  • Integration with existing ERP and TMS environments

 

Rather than replacing your systems, BlueShip® complements them—giving logistics a new edge.

Get Quotes

What Is the Difference Between LTL Freight and FTL Freight Shipping?

FTL, or full truckload freight, is the polar opposite of LTL. While both methods are used for shipping freight, they cater to different types of shipments.

Dimension: LTLs are generally shorter than FTLs, with a maximum length of 12 linear ft. However, FTLs are longer than 12 linear ft and larger to accommodate more cargo.

Capacity: LTLs can generally carry 150 to 15,000 lbs of goods. In contrast, FTL can ship up to 44,000 lbs of cargo (sometimes more).

Space: LTL shipments share space in the trailer, while FTL shipments each have their own trailers.

Terminals: LTL shipments don’t go straight to their destination; they stop at several terminals along the way to be sorted and loaded onto trucks bound for the same area. FTL shipments go straight to their destination.

Pricing: LTL freight is significantly cheaper than FTL, as you only pay for the space your shipment occupies on the truck. At the same time, FTLs are more practical and cost-effective when shipping full loads.

Get a Freight Quote

Proven Results

M+

Shipments

%

Cost Savings

%

On-Time Delivery

Why BlueGrace Excels at LTL Shipping

When it comes to less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, BlueGrace doesn’t just help you move shipments — we help you optimize your entire transportation program. As a full-service third-party logistics (3PL) provider with deep experience in freight management, BlueGrace combines expert logistics support, advanced technology, and a nationwide carrier network to deliver cost-effective, reliable LTL solutions tailored to your business.

Comprehensive LTL Services Backed by Carrier Relationships
BlueGrace leverages robust relationships with a wide network of dependable LTL carriers to secure competitive pricing, blanket rates, and flexible service options regardless of shipment volume or frequency. This broad access helps shippers reduce freight costs, improve transit performance, and scale with confidence as their business grows.

BlueShip® Technology for Smarter Shipping
Our proprietary BlueShip® transportation management system (TMS) brings greater visibility, faster quoting, and streamlined booking to your LTL freight. With real-time tracking, integrated data analytics, and intuitive shipment management tools, you gain clarity and control over your logistics — from pricing through delivery.

Dedicated Managed Logistics for Strategic Optimization
One of the biggest advantages BlueGrace offers is our Managed Logistics service — a strategic, full-service program designed to take logistics off your plate so you can focus on core business goals. Through this managed approach, our experts:

  • Deliver customized transportation management and process optimization tailored to your operations.

  • Integrate BlueShip® TMS with your ERP and reporting systems for real-time insights.

  • Drive improvements via data-driven freight analytics and continuous monitoring.

  • Provide dedicated account support, RFP management, network design, and transparent pricing.

A dark blue-tinted abstract digital landscape featuring a wave of glowing blue particles and light bokeh against a deep blue background.

Freight-Focused Support You Can Count On

Whether you ship occasional LTL loads or handle complex freight flows, BlueGrace’s team of logistics professionals brings deep industry knowledge and proactive support to every account. Our goal is to simplify your shipping, reduce inefficiencies, and deliver measurable cost savings so your supply chain performs better, week after week

Request a Freight Assessment or speak with a Managed Logistics Expert to evaluate how your LTL freight strategy can perform better under real-world conditions.

Need an instant quote? Get started today!

Three Tips for Shippers Using BlueGrace’s LTL Shipping Services for the First Time

Starting with a new LTL shipping partner is an opportunity to improve both cost control and operational visibility. To get the most value from BlueGrace’s LTL shipping services from day one, keep these three best practices in mind.

1. Share Complete and Accurate Shipment Details Upfront

Accurate shipment information is the foundation of reliable LTL pricing and service. When working with BlueGrace, provide precise weight, dimensions, freight class, pallet count, and any special handling requirements. This helps our team select the right carrier, avoid reclassification or accessorial charges, and ensure your shipment moves as planned. The more accurate the data, the more predictable your costs and transit times will be.

2. Take Advantage of BlueGrace’s Expertise, Not Just the Quote

BlueGrace is more than a rate provider. Our logistics experts analyze your shipment characteristics, delivery requirements, and service expectations to recommend the most efficient LTL options. For first-time shippers, this means leaning on our team to evaluate carrier performance, transit tradeoffs, and consolidation opportunities rather than choosing solely based on the lowest initial price.

3. Ask About Managed Logistics Early

If LTL shipping is a recurring part of your operation, ask about BlueGrace’s Managed Logistics services from the start. Managed Logistics goes beyond individual shipments by providing ongoing transportation oversight, performance reporting, and continuous optimization. This approach is especially valuable for growing shippers who want long-term cost savings, improved visibility, and a more strategic approach to freight management without adding internal workload.

LTL Freight Shipping FAQs: What To Know Before Shipping With Us

LTL (less-than-truckload) freight shipping is used when a shipment does not require a full trailer. Multiple shippers share space on the same truck, and each pays only for the portion of space their freight occupies. BlueGrace Logistics manages the entire LTL process for shippers, from carrier selection and pricing to tracking and delivery, helping businesses move freight efficiently without paying for unused capacity.

BlueGrace reduces LTL costs by leveraging a large national carrier network, negotiated pricing, and data-driven shipment analysis. Instead of relying on one carrier or one-off rates, BlueGrace compares multiple service options, identifies cost drivers such as freight class and accessorial risks, and recommends the most efficient solution for each shipment.

BlueGrace’s LTL services support businesses of all sizes, from small shippers moving occasional pallets to enterprises managing high shipment volumes. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and eCommerce companies benefit especially from BlueGrace’s ability to scale LTL strategies, improve carrier performance, and maintain cost control as shipping needs evolve.

Yes. BlueGrace’s Managed Logistics service is a key differentiator for LTL shippers. Managed Logistics provides ongoing transportation oversight, performance reporting, and continuous optimization. Instead of managing LTL shipments reactively, shippers gain a strategic partner that proactively monitors costs, service levels, and carrier performance across their entire LTL program.

BlueGrace selects LTL carriers based on service requirements, transit time, lane performance, cost efficiency, and reliability. Rather than defaulting to the lowest rate, BlueGrace evaluates which carrier is best suited for each shipment to reduce delays, damage risk, and unexpected charges while maintaining consistent service levels.

To receive an accurate LTL quote, BlueGrace requires shipment weight, dimensions, freight class, pallet count, origin and destination details, and any special handling needs. Providing complete and accurate information allows BlueGrace to avoid reclassification, reduce accessorial charges, and ensure the quoted price aligns with the final invoice.

BlueGrace improves LTL visibility through its transportation management technology, which provides real-time tracking, milestone updates, and centralized shipment data. Shippers can monitor freight status, identify exceptions early, and maintain clear communication across all parties involved, reducing uncertainty throughout the shipping process.

Yes. BlueGrace specializes in supporting recurring and high-volume LTL programs through pricing strategies, carrier alignment, and performance benchmarking. For shippers with consistent freight flows, BlueGrace can implement long-term LTL solutions that improve consistency, reduce administrative burden, and deliver sustained cost savings.

Unlike traditional freight brokers who focus on transactional bookings, BlueGrace operates as a strategic logistics partner. Through Managed Logistics, advanced technology, and dedicated support teams, BlueGrace helps shippers optimize their entire LTL operation — not just individual shipments — resulting in better visibility, stronger cost control, and improved long-term outcomes.

Yes. BlueGrace is well suited for first-time LTL shippers because its team provides hands-on guidance, education, and proactive support. From explaining freight class and packaging best practices to selecting the right carriers, BlueGrace simplifies the LTL process and helps new shippers avoid common mistakes that lead to higher costs or service disruptions.