Everything you need to know about Less than Truckload Shipping

Author: Chris Gayle

Less than Truckload Shipping or what is commonly called LTL Shipping, it is transportation of undersized frieght. In simple words, it can be described as transportation of cargo that does not require a full 48 or 53-foot trailer. For less than truckload goods transportation, a carrier company must be fully equipped to handle the task. Many companies specialize in the process and also provide services like residential pick-ups/deliveries, protect from freeze, transit, etc. A less than truckload carrier collects goods from different shipments and puts them together in one trailer for transportation. Usually the truckload that they can carry ranges from 151 lb to 20000 lb (68 to 9072 kgs.) Basic information that you need to gather about this type of shipping process is packing, rates, carrier and equipment.

Less than Truckload Packaging:

Packaging of goods is done according to the Department of Transport rules and regulations. The DOT standards state that goods must be packed in such a way that no person, place or environment can harm the product or is harmed by the product by any means. Proper packaging helps in making fragile goods tough and durable. You can easily keep the packaged goods with other goods and remain assured that the product will reach the destination safely.

Less than Truckload Rates:

The prices may vary depending on the weight, class, destination and pick-up. Various companies offer discounts on shipping that makes it easier for the consignee to transport his cargo. For extra services like residential pick-ups, lift-gate delivery, call ahead notification and job site pick up/delivery, the companies charge extra money.

Most LTL carriers have an online application form where you just have to enter the information about the kind of service you need and you will automatically be updated with the approximate price that the company is going to charge.

Less than Truckload Carriers:

Many companies offer different types of LTL Shipping for transportation based on your needs. If you need to transport hazardous material, you will be assigned a different kind of carrier and if you need to transport fragile material then a different kind of carrier will be assigned based on the product size.

Less than Truckload Equipment:

An LTL carrier generally consists of a van trailer with enclosed sides. These trailers have roll up doors or swing doors that ease the process of loading and unloading. Some trailers have temperature control units, which help in managing the temperatures for special products.

Benefits of LTL Shipping:

Less than Truckload transportation is a very cost effective method as it helps in transporting cargo in bulk.

Companies provide several kinds of services like call-ahead notification, lift-gate delivery, etc.

Hazardous material and fragile goods are specially packed so that they may reach the destination without being damaged.

Less than Truckload Shipping is a process which comprises of transporting materials that have less weight in comparison to a truckload. Many shipping companies offer discount on transportation of cargo and provide various services that might prove to be beneficial for the consignee.

Road King Logistics is one of the leading International LTL Freight shipping company offering Freight shipping services, shipping hazardous materials as well as best services for Refrigerated Trucking at a fair price.