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. The reality of shipping and logistics is that purchasing an entire truckload of goods is not always necessary.
This practical freight option allows you to pay only for the space used on a truck, which makes it an economical and reliable solution to get your goods where they need to go.
How Does LTL Freight Work?
LTL freight aims to maximize cargo space while minimizing shipping costs. LTL freight carriers will combine multiple partial shipments from different suppliers and consolidate them onto one truck to maximize space utilization.
The definition of LTL freight varies among many logistics companies, but generally, it’s around 150 to 15,000 pounds.
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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.
What Is the Difference Between LTL Freight and FTL Freight Shipping?
FTL, or full truckload freight, is the polar opposite of LTL. The list below outlines the practical differences between the two shipment methods.
Dimension: LTLs are generally shorter than FTLs, with a maximum length of 12 linear feet. However, FTLs are longer than 12 linear feet and larger to accommodate more cargo.
Capacity: LTLs can generally carry 150 to 15,000 lbs of goods. In contrast, FTL can ship out 15,000 to 44,000 lbs of cargo.
Pricing: LTL freight is significantly cheaper than FTL, as you only need to pay for the space used on the truck. At the same time, FTLs are more practical and cost-effective when shipping full loads.
Request Your Free Quote Today
With the advent of e-commerce and small businesses, LTL shipping has become an invaluable solution for companies needing efficient and cost-effective shipment.
BlueGrace provides efficient and dependable freight solutions to ship goods of all sizes. Request a free LTL freight quote today!
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