Deciding on the best way to transport your cargo can be a task that leaves you with a lot of questions. It’s always good to be prepared with the lingo and logic of logistics when you’re planning to move a large cargo load from one destination to another. There are a few options for anyone looking to transport cargo, but there are different reasons why choosing one option over another is ideal, let's look at LTL Freight as one of those options.
There are two major types of cargo shipment options that you can select from. FTL, or full truckload, shipments are one option, and the other is LTL freight, or less than truckload, shipping. LTL freight shipping is particularly simple and the definition is straightforward. Less than truckload shipping means that your shipment will take up less space on the truck bed, which leaves you with other options for how to use the remaining space.
Here is a closer look at LTL freight shipping and when and why you should choose it for your shipments.
What is LTL Freight Shipment?
An LTL freight shipment is a shipment that will not fill a truck flatbed completely. This is a lighter load in the sense that it leaves you with enough extra space on your truck’s flatbed to load other shipments on the truck as needed. These smaller shipments can be as light as 100 lbs or as heavy as 5 tons.
The LTL freight shipment option is excellent for someone looking to ship a substantial load that can’t be moved in another way other than a flatbed truck but doesn’t need the entire space. This method of shipping usually means that you’ll only pay for the space needed on the flatbed to ship your cargo instead of the entire flatbed itself.
If you own a small business or do not need to fulfill a large quantity order, this is usually the best option for the transportation of your cargo. This option is budget-friendly and will help keep the costs of your shipments as low as possible.
When is LTL freight the most ideal option?
One big difference between LTL freight shipments and FTL shipments is that LTL freight shipments tend to take a bit longer than an FTL shipment. The reason for this is that an LTL freight shipment is usually consolidated with shipments from or for other small businesses or companies. This means that your cargo will eventually be dropped off along a route that consists of other drop-offs and pickups. Because of this, there are detours on the shipment driver’s route that can add to the time it takes to receive your cargo.
Another aspect of LTL freight shipments that you must consider before moving forward on this option is the nature of your cargo. LTL freight shipments are not always as secure as FTL in terms of the actual cargo. This is because, throughout an LTL freight shipment’s transportation, the cargo is likely to be moved to accommodate new pick-ups or drop-offs along the way. This means that your cargo may be unloaded and reloaded several times before it reaches your destination.
If your cargo is fragile, high-risk, or needs to make it to its final destination quickly, then the LTL freight shipping option may not be for you. If your cargo is sturdy, can be moved without consequence, is not high-risk and does not need to reach its final destination as fast as possible, then LTL freight shipment is the best option for you.
American Manufacturing Solutions can help you discern the best methods to utilize when you’re planning on shipping large cargo across any distance. With our help, you can meet your goals with LTL freight shipping and move forward onto your next project in no time at all. Don’t hesitate to call us today!
