LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING GUIDE

Less-than-Truckload

In LTL freight the volume of the shipment isn’t enough to fill the entire area of the truck or carrier. Freight between 150 lbs to 10,000 lbs is transported by LTL carriers. If your freight is above 10,000 lbs, you need to transport it by FTL carriers.
In LTL shipping, freight from multiple shippers is transported in the same freight container. Thus, LTL considered as a secure, quick and cost-saving alternative of FTL carriers.

Here we mentioned some guidelines which you should know before moving the shipment through LTL freight.

1. The first important task is to calculate the total weight of the freight and carefully examine its size and dimensions. Find out about your LTL freight class and NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) number, which states the type of freight, is necessary to determine the shipping cost.

2. Search for a good LTL freight carrier in your town. You will get a long list of a logistics company to choose from.

3. Find the rate quote of selected logistics companies and compare the prices. Nowadays, most of the companies use standard freight rate quote application where you can submit the information about your freight and you will get an estimated price.

4. If you need any additional facility which does not cover by the standard freight shipping procedure, you are liable to pay ‘accessorial fees’ incurred by LTL carriers.

5. Prepare your freight as per the guideline of your LTL freight shipping company before the shipping date. The pick-up and delivery of the shipment should be time punctual as it is highly important in business. Thus, it is recommended to choose a logistics company with ample experience in LTL freight shipment like Tenaxx Logistics. Follow the LTL freight shipping guidelines when you are about to prepare your freight.

6. Ask the service provider company whether they provide shipment tracking service or not. Regardless if you want to ship freight across the country or outside the country, tracking service is a necessity.

How are LTL and FTL Shipping Rates Determined?

Multiple factors are involved in deciding how LTL and FTL shipping prices are defined.

1. Distance

On the basis of pick up and destination zip codes, carriers determine the distance freight must travel. After calculating the distance, they use the freight’s weight and class—based on NMFC codes—to determine the shipment cost.

2. Freight All Kinds

Carriers will also offer a discounted rate to customers who choose to combine their freight with that of other shippers. These discounts are usually provided by means of the carrier lowering the freight class of the items being shipped, so as to lower the price.

3. Accessorial Charges and Surcharges

The main factor in determining LTL shipping rates is the presence of accessorials. The term “Accessorials” are added services that shippers may need carriers to provide at the final destination in order to ensure that the product reaches the right hands shortly. Basically, these accessorials take time and slow down the delivery of other shipments, so carriers need to adjust their pricing accordingly. Some examples of common accessorials are Inside pickup, Residential service, Inside delivery, Fuel surcharge, and Arrival notification.

4. FTL Rates

FTL rates are easy to price out since an entire truck is being dedicated to one company’s shipment. FTL shipments rate determined by the cost per mile basis or based on a single door to door rate. FTL shipments are also subject to fuel surcharges.

If you would like to get started on shipping today and get the best freight rates, get an instant rate quote at Tenaxx Logistics today.

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