LTL Freight

LTL Freight for Shipping of 1-6 Pallets

LTL freight offers a reliable solution for shippers who need to transport smaller shipments, typically consisting of 1-6 pallets. This article explores the benefits of utilizing LTL freight for routing such shipments and highlights the expertise of Translogistics (TLI) in providing comprehensive LTL freight services.

What makes LTL Freight different from Truckload Freight?

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight and Truckload (TL) freight are two distinct modes of transportation in the logistics industry. While both modes involve the movement of goods by trucks, there are several key differences between LTL and Truckload freight:

Shipment Size:

LTL Freight: LTL shipments are smaller and typically range from 150 to 10,000 pounds or 1-6 pallets. These shipments do not occupy the entire capacity of a truck trailer.

Truckload Freight: Truckload shipments, as the name suggests, fill an entire truck trailer. They are larger in size and often weigh more than 10,000 pounds or require the full capacity of a truck.

Sharing of Trailer Space:

LTL Freight: LTL shipments are consolidated with other shippers' shipments in a single truck. This consolidation allows multiple shippers to share the trailer space, reducing costs and optimizing the capacity of the truck.

Truckload Freight: Truckload shipments occupy the entire trailer space and are not combined with other shippers' goods. The trailer is dedicated solely to the specific shipment, which may result in higher costs for the shipper.

Pricing Structure:

LTL Freight: LTL shipments are priced based on various factors, including the weight, dimensions, density, distance, and freight class of the shipment. The carrier's rate is typically calculated per hundredweight (CWT) or per pound, considering the shared costs among multiple shippers.

Truckload Freight: Truckload shipments are priced differently, often based on a per-mile rate or a flat rate for the entire truckload. The pricing is influenced by factors such as distance, fuel costs, and any additional services required.

Transit Time:

LTL Freight: LTL shipments usually have longer transit times compared to Truckload shipments. Since LTL freight involves multiple stops for loading and unloading various shipments, it may take longer for the truck to reach its final destination.

Truckload Freight: Truckload shipments tend to have shorter transit times because the truck is dedicated to a single shipment, resulting in direct delivery without multiple stops.

Service Options and Flexibility:

LTL Freight: LTL carriers offer additional services such as liftgate service, inside delivery, residential delivery, and notification options. LTL freight provides flexibility for shippers with smaller shipments, allowing them to access a vast network of carriers and distribution centers.

Truckload Freight: Truckload carriers primarily focus on moving larger, full-truckload shipments. While some additional services may be available, they are generally not as extensive as those provided by LTL carriers.

One of the primary advantages of utilizing LTL freight for 1-6 pallet shipments is the increased efficiency it offers. LTL shipments allow shippers to share trailer space with other shippers, maximizing the capacity of each truck. By consolidating multiple shipments into a single truck, shippers can significantly reduce costs compared to full truckload (FTL) shipping. This is particularly beneficial when shipping smaller loads that do not require an entire truck.

LTL Scalability:

LTL freight provides shippers with flexibility and scalability. Since LTL shipments can be combined with other shipments, shippers have the advantage of accessing a wide network of carriers and distribution centers. This extensive network ensures that even smaller shipments can reach their destination efficiently, even in remote locations. Additionally, as shippers' needs fluctuate, LTL freight allows for easy adjustment in the volume of shipments without the constraints of a fixed truckload capacity.

TLI Advantage:

When it comes to routing LTL freight, Translogistics (TLI) stands out with over three decades of experience in the industry. TLI understands the unique challenges associated with routing 1-6 pallet shipments and offers comprehensive LTL freight services to meet the specific needs of shippers.

TMS Portal:

Translogistics provides a user-friendly Transportation Management System (TMS) portal that empowers shippers to efficiently rate their LTL shipments. The TMS portal streamlines the process by providing real-time access to carrier rates, allowing shippers to compare prices and choose the most cost-effective options for their specific shipments.

Auto Tendering and Freight Bill Audit:

TLI's LTL freight services include tendering the shipments to the carriers on behalf of the shipper. This alleviates the administrative burden and ensures seamless communication between the shipper and the carrier. Furthermore, TLI performs a thorough freight bill audit, verifying the accuracy of the charges and ensuring that shippers are billed correctly for their LTL shipments.

Built-in Density Calculator:

Determining the correct freight class and accurately calculating the density of the shipment are essential in LTL freight. TLI's services include a built-in density calculator, allowing shippers to input the necessary information and obtain precise measurements. This feature minimizes the risk of miscalculations and ensures accurate pricing and classification of the shipment.

LTL RFQ Negotiation Management:

Translogistics assists shippers in managing LTL Request for Quote (RFQ) negotiations. With their industry expertise, TLI leverages its network of carriers to secure competitive rates for shippers. By handling the negotiation process, TLI ensures that shippers receive the best possible pricing for their LTL shipments, optimizing cost savings.

LTL Summary:

For shippers who need to transport 1-6 pallets, utilizing LTL freight is a smart choice. The efficiency, flexibility, and cost savings it offers are unparalleled. Translogistics (TLI), with its extensive experience in routing LTL freight, provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the specific needs of shippers. From a user-friendly TMS portal to freight bill audit, built-in density calculator, and LTL RFQ negotiation management, TLI ensures that shippers can optimize their LTL freight operations and achieve their transportation goals efficiently and cost-effectively. Embrace the power of LTL freight and let Translogistics (TLI) be your trusted partner in streamlining your 1-6 pallet shipments.