When used effectively, there are several benefits that LTL shipping offers for a business. LTL shipping, also known as Less-than-Truckload shipping, is a popular form of freight shipping. Logistics is a major part of business, and as the (name suggests) if there is any shipment process that lets you save money, it is LTL shipping.

Most logistics companies offer LTL shipping options to clients, which comes with several benefits, as will be seen in this brief guide. This shipping process is always handy when there is a need to send cargo that won’t fill up a single container. 

Companies that offer this trucking service can either be specialized or focus on a broader audience. However, the important thing is that it’s fast, cheaper and flexible. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of LTL shipping and why it’s a plus for most businesses.

What is LTL Shipping?

In most cases, it is also referred to as Less-than-load shipping, and it is mainly used in the transport of small loads or freight masses. This service is best when a company is looking to ship goods that are more than 150 pounds, but less than the amount to take the whole space in a truck. 

Hence, your cargo can be consolidated with freight from different companies for trucking and delivery at the same time. This is one of the many benefits of LTL Shipping. Once the best practices for LTL shipping are duly observed, it is proven to be way more economical than full truckload shipping. 

What are the Benefits of LTL Shipping?

Some individuals will argue that the LTL shipping process is not as efficient as FTL (Full Truckload) shipping option. However, with the right technologies in place, and by following best practices for LTL shipping, it can be efficient. Here are some benefits to the use of LTL shipping

You save money on trucking costs

This is one of the major benefits of LTL shipping. With this freight type, you share the payment on a particular truck with other companies looking to ship out goods to a similar destination. The overall shipping cost is split across everyone with load in the truck. 

This cuts down on fuel consumption, and the number of trucks needed to serve all the parties involved. It doesn’t matter how the loads get to the destination; all that matters is that it gets there. This places LTL shipping on par with FTL shipping, while still costing less.

It is eco-friendly

Eco-friendliness is a phenomenon that several companies are working hard to achieve with every stage of their business. And having lesser trucks on the road is one great way to go. This green-oriented option of shipping results in reduced exhaust-release into the atmosphere. The truck’s movement’s efficiency is also a major influence on this, as most drivers of LTL trucks are well-trained to ensure that the trucking process is optimal.

It offers security for your cargo 

With other trucking services, most packages get dented during shipping. However, with LTL shipping, ample time is spent on the arrangement and assessment of goods. The long process of inspection and packaging keeps all the goods safe. In fact, most freight delivery companies are deliberate about ensuring that no complaint is gotten from the client about the mode of service. 

Also, most freight companies use protective covers to ensure that the goods are well protected from environmental conditions. This increased attention to security is one of the benefits that come with LTL shipping. 

The safety of LTL trucking service is also enhanced by the tracking features available to all clients. This eliminates any chance that your luggage may get lost. Furthermore, the arrangements of goods in the truck are well planned to seamlessly align with stops as it makes its shipping journey.

Organization

This is primarily a focus of LTL shipping companies, as it helps get goods delivered faster and easily. The sequential arrangements make it easier to navigate through stops. This saves more time and the need for constant rearrangement of the freight goods.

Variation in trucking options

To ensure that every of your company’s needs are catered for, most freight companies come with different LTL options. The different options come in a variety of pricing and features, but they all have the same underlying joint-logistics principle.

• Expedient shipping: This comes at an extra cost, and it is the option you need if you are looking to ensure your goods reach its destination faster.
• Lifegate: This is the best shipping method if the goods in question exceed 100 pounds, and if there is no evident docking point for shipments.
• Limited Access: This is best for areas that are not easily accessed. For instance, construction sites or rural areas.
• Custom delivery window: This is a shipping method that allows your goods to arrive at a specific point in time.

As stated earlier, these various options come at various costs and pricing models. Here at All Freight Shipping, we offer LTL shipping services to the following locations:

• Vancouver to Toronto
• Montreal to Toronto
• Calgary to Toronto
• California to Toronto
• Dallas to Toronto
• Chicago to Toronto
• Edmonton to Toronto
• New York To Toronto
• New Jersey to Toronto

LTL Shipping vs. FTL Shipping: How to Choose the Right one

LTL vs. FTL shipping is a common debate, owing to the several benefits that come with the use of either of them. There are some factors that you need to consider when trying to decide on which to pick.

 Shipment size

This is a basic deciding factor. Small or medium-scale companies that would be shipping goods just between 1000 – 10000 pounds of goods are more suited for the LTL shipping method. However, larger companies that need to ship over 10,000 pounds of goods are more suited for FTL shipping. Large cargo requires FTL shipping as opposed to LTL Shipping.

Delivery time

Technically, FTL shipping is bound to be faster than LTL shipping. This is because the latter needs to make several stops once it gets to the delivery area. These stopping and offloading processes will surely tell on delivery time.

Handling

The handling of the goods depends on the shipping company you are employing its service. Theoretically, FTL would offer better handling, as unloading and offloading happen just once. However, with LTL shipping, without a proper arrangement, there will be an incessant need to offload and load the truck per delivery dock. 

This may lead to the damage of the goods being transported. However, this is most likely not the case with reputable companies that take ample time to ensure that the arrangement of goods makes it easy to deliver without offloading the others.

Conclusion

The numerous benefits of LTL shipping make it a preferred choice for many companies. It is designed to save small companies on cost, and it does that amazingly well. With proper planning by the shipping company, LTL can be as efficient and fast as FTL shipping.  

Do you need LTL Shipping in Canada and the U.S? With our experience, we can make the transportation and shipment process seamless and fast. Work with a trucking and freight delivery that will take great care of your cargo. Call 866-200-9989 to get a free quote today!