Did you know $14.5 trillion worth of goods were shipped in 2017? Shipping is big business. So it’s easy to see why you might have trouble keeping track of your shipping and growing logistics budget.

You might want to consider LTL shipping as a solution. LTL stands for less-than-truckload shipping, a cost-efficient method of transporting goods.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about what LTL shipping is, why it’s used, and why it’s a more efficient option than other types of freight services.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Less Than Truckload Shipping?

Less-than-truckload shipping, or LTL shipping, is a way of transporting large quantities of goods. It differs from other types of freight transportation in that it does not use a standard, fixed load size or packaging for your shipment.

Instead, the amount you send out will be calculated on an individual basis. This means that this method is ideal for people who have slightly smaller shipments that would be too difficult or expensive to transport using other types of freight services like parcel delivery services or palletized trucking companies.

What Makes LTL Shipping Different?

LTL shipping is also a cost-effective way to ship large cargo. It’s used for both local and long-distance shipments, and it’s used for large cargo that would otherwise be too big for FedEx or UPS.

LTL shipping services make sense when you need more control over the pickup process, or if you can’t afford the time commitment of having your own personal driver. Remember, you can still use less than truckload tracking to keep track like you would with normal freight.

LTL carriers will pick up your shipment wherever they’re needed, which means you can use them to move goods around town or across the country.

How Much Does LTL Shipping Cost?

The cost of shipping depends on the weight, distance, and size of the shipment. The short answer is that it varies from carrier to carrier and from market to market.

Your freight carrier will determine how much your total freight charge will be based on those factors.

How Is Freight Class Calculated?

The freight class is determined by the weight and dimensions of your shipment. Freight class determines how much you pay to ship it.

There are several ways to determine shipping options, but the most common is using a shipping calculator. These calculators can be found online or through a freight broker, who will calculate your freight class and quote you rates accordingly.

The carrier determines how they want to classify their shipments based on the information they get from their customers (you) when submitting an order for pickup or delivery services.

How Long Does LTL Shipping Take?

LTL shipping company times are usually between 2-7 business days. Delivery times can vary depending on the delivery location.

However, you can expect to get your shipment a few days sooner, especially if it’s shipped directly from the shipper to the receiver.

LTL Shipping Can Be a Great Fit for Many Businesses

LTL shipping can be a great fit for many businesses that have the right cargo. Whether you’re looking to move a few pallets across town or across the country,  an LTL carrier can be a great fit for you.

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