To the outsider, the trucking industry may seem uniform. However, the reality is that there are many considerations when it comes to moving goods from one place to another. One specific type of shipping that is important to understand is LTL trucking. Also known as less-than-truckload shipping, this form of trucking involves shipments from multiple clients on the same truck. Here is what you should know about LTL shipping.
LTL Shipping Is All About Size
The most important thing to know about LTL trucking is that it works with size restrictions. LTL shipping is about relatively small freight. This includes units that are less than 150 pounds. In some cases, it may include units up to 10,000 pounds. The limitations will vary depending on the truck. However, the key factor is that the cargo does not require the entire truckload. In other words, LTL shipping is about smaller shipments that can share space with other goods from other clients.
LTL Shipping Is All About Cost
Because LTL trucking is about sharing a truckload, it is often associated with lower shipping prices. The cost of using a full truck for shipping is expensive. However, when multiple clients use the same truck for their shipping needs, that cost is spread out. Therefore, every client is paying less to secure the shipping space that is needed. It is even more affordable than parcel shipping due to the fact that it requires less handling.
LTL Shipping Is All About The Environment
In an industry that relies heavily on transportation, addressing environmental measures is important. This is another facet to understand regarding LTL shipping. Through LTL shipping, more trucks are being filled to capacity. This means there are fewer shipments being made on a daily basis. The overall effect is a reduction in emissions and fuel consumption. This is an important benefit to keep in mind. Its implications go beyond the industry and impact the world at large.
LTL Shipping Is All About Customization
Another thing to know about LTL shipping is that it provides customization. In fact, with LTL shipping, clients may have more service options than ever. For example, LTL shipping gives clients the option to use a lift gate, and there are also options for inside delivery. Moreover, goods can still be handled with customized shipping methods. There are options for freeze protection and other special handling measures. With these vast options, every client can get exactly the service needed to ship goods across the country. Other shipping options simply cannot compare.
LTL Shipping Is All About Risk Reduction
At first, some people think that LTL shipping is less secure compared to other types of shipping. However, just because LTL shipping has clients sharing a single truckload does not mean that it is less safe. If anything, LTL shipping has taken measures to make it even more secure. In order to protect the cargo, packages are typically loaded securely onto pallets. This reduces the amount of wear and tear that the cargo will undergo. It also helps keep every client’s cargo separate. Moreover, LTL shipping provides advanced tracking capabilities. To cater to the needs of every client, LTL shipments can be tracked with various numbers. This means that clients can always know where their shipments are and when they will be arriving.