There are many reasons to choose less than truckload (LTL) shipping for your business. LTL shipping is a great option for businesses that don't have enough freight to fill an entire truck, but still, need to ship their products.

LTL shipping is also generally cheaper than shipping via full truckload (FTL). LTL rates are based on the weight and space your shipment takes up in the truck, while FTL rates are based on the rental cost of the entire truck.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the top reasons to choose LTL shipping for your business. We'll discuss how LTL shipping can save you money, time, and hassle.

What is less than truckload (LTL) shipping?

LTL shipping is a type of freight shipping that involves sending shipments that are too large for parcel shipping, but too small for full truckload (FTL) shipping. In other words, LTL shipments are smaller than what would fill an entire truck but larger than what can be shipped via a parcel carrier.  There are many advantages to choosing LTL shipping over FTL or parcel shipping, including lower costs, more flexibility, and faster transit times.

The benefits of LTL shipping

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a great option for businesses that need to ship smaller loads of freight. LTL shipping offers many benefits over other shipping methods, including:

Cost-effective: LTL shipping is typically more cost-effective than shipping larger loads via full truckload (FTL). This is because LTL carriers can consolidate multiple small shipments onto one truck, which reduces transportation costs.

Flexible: LTL carriers offer a variety of service options, so businesses can choose the level of service that best meets their needs. For example, some carriers offer guaranteed delivery times, while others offer expedited shipping services.

Convenient: LTL shipping is often more convenient than FTL shipping because it doesn't require businesses to have their own trucks or warehouse space. Instead, businesses can simply drop off their shipments at an LTL carrier's terminal.

Reliable: LTL carriers are typically very reliable, and most offer tracking services so businesses can keep tabs on their shipments.

Faster: LTL transit times are generally faster than FTL transit times because LTL carriers make multiple stops along their route to pick up and drop off shipments. This means your shipment will spend less time sitting on a truck before it is delivered to its destination.

Less expensive than full truckload shipping

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is often a more cost-effective option than full-truckload (FTL) shipping for smaller shipments. LTL shipping rates are based on the shipment's weight and density, which means that you only pay for the space your shipment occupies on the truck.

This can be a significant saving over FTL shipping rates, which are based on the size of the truck. In addition, LTL carriers typically have more specialized equipment and experience in handling smaller shipments, which can result in fewer damaged or lost items.

Flexibility to ship smaller loads

There are many benefits to choosing Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping over full-truckload (FTL) shipping, but one of the most important is the flexibility it offers to shippers. LTL shipping allows you to ship smaller loads, which gives you more flexibility in terms of what you can ship and when you can ship it.

This is especially beneficial for businesses that have fluctuating or seasonal shipping needs. For example, if you run a business that sells Christmas trees, you probably won't need to ship as many trees in January as you will in December. With LTL shipping, you can adjust your shipping volume accordingly, without having to worry about filling up an entire truck.

Likewise, if you have a business that ships products on an as-needed basis, LTL shipping allows you to only ship what you need when you need it. This can save you both time and money, as you won't have to pay for empty space in a truck or for storage fees for products that aren't ready to be shipped.

In short, LTL shipping offers greater flexibility than FTL shipping, which makes it the perfect solution for businesses with fluctuating or seasonal shipping needs.

How to choose the right LTL carrier?

There are a few things to consider when choosing an LTL carrier. First, you need to decide if you want a regional or national carrier. Regional carriers typically have cheaper rates, but their service area is limited. National carriers usually have higher rates, but they can ship anywhere in the country.

Second, you need to consider your shipping needs. How much freight do you need to ship? What are your shipping deadlines? What type of freight do you need to ship? Make sure the carrier you choose can accommodate your shipping needs.

Third, you need to read reviews of different LTL carriers. Not all carriers are created equal. Some have better customer service than others. Some have cheaper rates but poorer quality service. Read reviews from other businesses like yours to find the best carrier for your needs.

Fourth, get quotes from multiple carriers before making your decision. Rates can vary significantly from one carrier to another. Make sure you compare rates and services before making your final decision.

Tips for success with LTL shipping

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a great option for businesses that need to transport smaller loads of freight. Here are some tips for success with LTL shipping:

Know your freight class

The freight class is a classification system used to determine the rate you will pay for shipping. There are 18 classes, ranging from Class 50 (the cheapest) to Class 500 (the most expensive). To get the best rate, you need to know which class your shipment falls into.

Use proper packaging

Your shipment needs to be properly packaged in order to avoid damage during transit. Be sure to use sturdy boxes and wrap fragile items securely.

Choose the right carrier

Not all carriers are created equal. Some specialize in LTL shipping, while others do not. Be sure to do your research and choose a carrier that can provide you with the best service at the best price. You should check out https://shipinterlane.com/services/less-than-truckload-service/ if you wish to work with a specialized LTL service.

Make sure your paperwork is in order

When you ship LTL, you will need to fill out a Bill of Lading (BOL). This document provides important information about your shipment, so be sure to fill it out completely and accurately.

Plan ahead

Shipments can sometimes be delayed due to weather or other factors beyond your control. To avoid problems, it's best to plan ahead and ship your goods well in advance of when you need them delivered.