Less than truckload (LTL) freight services explained
If you are a shipper and you want to ship freight in North America, it is vital for you to understand what Less than Truckload shipping is, and how it works.
Often people find it difficult to understand what less-than-truckload shipping is. Less than truckload shipment or LTL is when shipper’s cargo takes up less than a full truckload or when the freight weighs less than 20,000 lbs. LTL shipping services in USA thus focus on combining many shippers cargo in a truckload and then transporting the same over long distances, where the cargo is eventually delivered to its destination via local trucks.
What counts for less than truckload shipment? Any freight, which is heavier than parcel shipment, but is relatively lighter or smaller than full truckload shipping is defined as less than truckload shipment.
LTL freight carriers prefer to carry most, less than truckload freight shipment on 53-inch trailers. But depending on the size and weight of the freight, the carriers can also transport cargo in 48-inch city trucks or in narrower 28-inch truck for residential deliveries.
LTL freight services can provider shippers with additional benefits with the less than truckload if the shipment is packed well. LTL shipments can be packaged in many different ways – it can be palletized (strapped down or shrink wrapped) or it can be boxed or packaged in barrels or drums.
Merits of less than truckload shipping As compared to truckload carriers, a LTL freight carrier offers better services and is capable of handling freight better. The freight carrier is more economical choice, since it is moving multiple freight shippers from various shippers and all the freight is shipped in one single freight truck. Since, the cost of shipping is divided amid multiple shippers, it becomes really economically. Freight carrier also offer LTL freight tracking service to shippers who can keep track of their cargo en route its destinations.
LTL carriers can offer additional services to its clients, which are called surcharges or accessorial. These services may include appointment for prompt pickup and delivery, door to door pick up or delivery, freeze protection etc. LTL freight quote is provided free of charge by freight carriers. All a shipper needs to do is shoot an email or call of the freight company’s customer care for free LTL freight quotes. The company tends to respond at the earliest.













