There are several ways to ship bulk items, car, rail, boat, truck, and air all have their advantages and drawbacks. One of the most common methods is by truck and even then, there are various options available. Here we will have a look at one of the most prevalent shipping methods, known as LTL trucking, to find out what it is, how it works, and when to use it.

What Does LTL Trucking Mean?

Trucks come in all kinds of sizes to accommodate various loads that can be shipped in them. But what happens if you need to send something by truck and it doesn’t take up the space that a full load would? That’s when LTL freight shipping comes in. LTL, or Less Than Truckload, is ideal for a shipment that does not require an entire trailer of space to haul it.

Typically, LTL freight is used to loads that weigh 150 to 15,000 pounds. This way, the shipper only pays for that portion of the truck that is used to carry to shipment. The additional space on the truck is usually taken up by other LTL shipments that are traveling in the same direction.

How Can You Benefit from LTL Shipping?

There are several ways a shipper can benefit from sending items through LTL shipping:

  • Lower shipping costs: Because you only pay for that portion of the ruck that is needed to hold the shipment, the cost is reduced, as other loads take up the extra space in the trailer.
  • Increased security: As most LTL shipments are loaded onto a pallet so that it can be placed on the truck, it is a more secure method of delivery than using multiple handlers to take smaller parts. Everything arrives in one piece, at the same time.
  • Added service options available: LTL shipping gives you access to other service options, including liftgates and inside pickup and delivery.
  • Tracking: The ability to track a shipment makes LTL an excellent way to go for any business delivery.

When is LTL Shipping Appropriate?

LTL is perfect for any business that wants to save on costs. As long as the shipment is under 15,000 pounds and it does not take up an entire trailer, LTL can get it there on a budget. Keep in mind that since the shipment is traveling by truck, you have to also consider the time it takes for the delivery. If you need something halfway across the country by the next day, LTL may not be the right choice. But given time to make the journey, LTL can save money and reliably deliver. Just remember, anything under 150 pounds can probably go via parcel shipping.

Any business wants to be efficient and cost-effective in their methods. With LTL freight, businesses have the option of low-cost shipping that is secure and trackable. And since LTL is a very common way to ship bulky items, it’s easy to find a reputable shipper that can handle the load.