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How to Ship LTL Freight 101: Definition and Basics 

American freight shipping companies serve as the nation’s lifelines, moving valuable resources from one location to another. These resources range from household goods to cars, strategic materials, and critical infrastructure components.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the U.S. freight industry is valued at over $1.44 trillion and is projected to reach $1.67 trillion by 2030. Freight shipping ensures that people across America have access to essentials like food, fuel, and other daily necessities. LTL shipping is a critical component of this vast industry.

If you’ve been wondering, “What does LTL stand for in shipping?” or wondering, “How do I ship LTL freight? “ You’re in the right place!

This blog explores the meaning and significance of LTL freight shipping—a smart solution for businesses and individuals. We’ll also outline the steps to safely ship LTL freight, from first-mile pick-up to last-mile delivery.

What Is Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping?

ltl trucks lined up

Among the various shipping methods available, LTL shipping is particularly important for smaller shipments. It’s designed to transport goods that require less space than a full truckload.

LTL shipments typically weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds and are packed in boxes or pallets for transport.

This shipping method isn’t just crucial for individual customers; businesses also benefit from LTL shipping. It allows companies to ship goods without waiting for a full truckload, pooling shipments with others moving in the same direction.

LTL shipping reduces costs, improves efficiency, and ensures timely delivery of goods across the country.

What Does LTL Stand for in Shipping?

LTL stands for Less-Than-Truckload shipping, a method for shipping goods that require less space than a full truckload.

The truck’s unused space is shared with other LTL shipments. According to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system, LTL shipments weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds.

How to Ship LTL Freight: A Step-by-Step Gui

Here’s a simple process to follow if you’re wondering how to ship LTL freight:

  1. Measure and Weigh Your Goods: Determine the dimensions and weight of your shipment.
  2. List Your Requirements: Identify the shipping destination and any special needs, like fragile handling.
  3. Get Quotes: Obtain free quotes from LTL shipping companies.
  4. Compare Options: Evaluate companies based on price, services, and timelines.
  5. Check Reviews: Research customer feedback to ensure the carrier’s reliability.
  6. Schedule Pick-Up: Choose a convenient time for pick-up, remaining flexible for better rates.
  7. Pack Your Goods: Use boxes or pallets and ensure fragile items are packed carefully.
  8. Sign the Bill of Lading (BOL): Verify the shipment details, including freight classification.
  9. Track Your Shipment: Monitor its progress toward the destination.
  10. Inspect Upon Delivery: Confirm that the goods arrive in their original condition.

LTL vs. FTL Shipments

The key difference between LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) and FTL (Full-Truckload) shipping lies in weight and dimensions.

If your shipment is large enough to occupy an entire trailer or weighs over 15,000 pounds, you’ll need FTL shipping. LTL is the better choice for smaller shipments going to multiple destinations.

Who Uses LTL Services?

business shipper in warehouse with ltl freight shipments

LTL shipping is indispensable to industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and construction—sectors that rely on the timely delivery of smaller, perishable, or high-priority goods.

Benefits of LTL Shipping

  1. Cost-Effectiveness: Share transport costs with other shippers.
  2. Environmental Sustainability: Reduce the number of trucks on the road.
  3. Flexible Shipping: Ship smaller loads as needed without waiting for a full truckload.

Factors to Consider When Shipping LTL Freight

When learning how to ship LTL freight, consider these factors:

  1. Freight Class and Weight: Accurate measurements avoid additional costs.
  2. Delivery Zones and Distance: Remote or weather-affected locations may incur delays.
  3. Accessorial Charges: Account for extra services like tracking, insurance, or liftgate delivery.

Required Documents for LTL Shipping

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is essential for all LTL shipments. It outlines the shipment details, including freight class, dimensions, and weight. Depending on the goods, you might also need:

  • Freight Invoice
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Inspection Certification

How Does LTL Shipping Work?

LTL shipping consolidates shipments from various customers into a single truck, optimizing space and reducing costs. This typically follows the Hub-and-Spoke model, where shipments are collected from multiple locations (spokes) and brought to a central hub for consolidation.

From the hub, shipments are routed toward their destinations, with final-mile deliveries completing the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping LTL

For those learning how to ship LTL freight, it’s just as important to know what to avoid:

  1. Incorrect Freight Classification: Leads to higher costs.
  2. Overlooking Additional Services: Confirm quotes include necessary services.
  3. Improper Packaging: Increases risk of damage during transit.

Conclusion: Your LTL Shipping Solution

LTL shipping is ideal for small businesses or individuals looking to transport goods efficiently and affordably. Platforms like uShip simplify the process by connecting you with reliable LTL carriers.

If you’re ready to explore how to ship LTL freight successfully, check out our solutions to streamline your supply chain and reach customers nationwide.

Most Common Questions People Also Ask (PAA)

What does LTL mean in logistics?

LTL stands for “less than truckload” shipping. It is the method of transportation used for shipments that are larger than parcels but compact enough not to require an entire truckload. 

How much does it cost to ship LTL freight?

The cost to ship LTL freight depends on several factors. These include the dimensions and weight of the shipment, the distance to be covered, and the prevailing fuel prices. It also depends on the method of packaging, whether pallets or skids. On average, LTL freight costs $50 to $200 per pallet or skid. 

What is the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) are two different shipping methods for moving goods from one place to another. LTL is the preferred method if the goods don’t require an entire truckload for transportation. LTL shipments typically weigh between 100 to 5000 pounds. FTL is the preferred method for goods and shipments that require a full truckload for transportation. A typical FTL shipment weighs around 20,000 pounds. 

What types of goods are best suited for LTL shipping?

LTL shipping is best suited to goods or items that are not bulky and require less than a truckload to ship. You can either assess your shipment by weight or by volume. If your shipment weighs less than 15,000 pounds, LTL is the preferable method of transportation. Similarly, if your goods are compact enough to fit into a truck, LTL is the method for you. 

How do I classify my freight for LTL shipments?

Freight classification depends on several factors. These are density, stowability, handling, liability, weight, dimensions, and packaging. To understand the class of your shipment, first understand the type of commodity you are shipping. Next, measure the dimensions of the shipment. Multiply the height, width, and length of the box/pallet. If you’re using multiple pallets or boxes, add the volumes together. Next, divide the results by 1728. Ideally, LTL freight classification covers goods that weigh more than 150 pounds but less than 15,000 pounds. Want to skip this process? Choose uShip

How long does LTL shipping take?

The time it takes for your LTL shipment to arrive depends on different factors. These include the distance to the destination, the prevailing weather conditions, and whether you’ve chosen expedited shipping. On average, you can expect a carrier to cover 350-500 miles a day. Add a day or two of processing time, and you have a rough estimate of when your LTL shipment will arrive.