When it comes to the shipping component to any business it is always a little bit confusing. This is especially true when you ship items that are bigger than a standard parcel post but too small to require an entire truckload. This is where less than truckload carriers come into the picture. LTL carriers are discount freight shippers that ship parcels starting at around one hundred and fifty pounds per single pallet up to six thousand pounds or six pallets. When shipping any more or less than specified it is less expensive to pay for parcel post or truckload shipping.
Frequently, less than truckload freight carriers combine shipments from several different business’s which together are equivalent to a truck load. This allows them to offer discounts for freight while maintaining a profit. Most Less than truckload freight is transported via a system know as a hub-and-spoke system which allows shipments to be transferred between trucks and freight mid-points until the shipment arrives at its final destination.
Below is a guide that helps to introduce you to less than truckload carrier’s rate classes.
Base rates are determined by each individual LTL freight carrier. The base rate is the rate is the cost at which shipping starts. The rate will go up from there dependent upon the weight, the miles travelled and where the package is shipped from and to. Base LTL rates are often quoted based on one hundred pounds. Base rates are determined by each individual LTL freight carrier.
The base rate is the rate is the cost at which shipping starts. The rate will go up from there dependent upon the weight, the miles travelled and where the package is shipped from and to. Base LTL rates are often quoted based on one hundred pounds. This rate is then modified/discounted dependant on the volume of shipments shipped, how many lanes are needed to pace the shipment between trucks and freight as well as things such as fuel and special deliveries.
Your freight will also be classified based upon what you are shipping. Is the freight dense and storable or is it high-risk freight that needs special care and handling. This will factor into the overall cost to ship your products. Think about the difference in shipping stones verses cotton padding.
Distance and weight are also two large considerations that help to define the amount you will be charged for your LTL shipment. If the distance the package needs to travel to is within your normal range than you will not pay an increase to ship however if your shipment needs to go outside of the normal delivery range you will pay more for the special handling. Weight is always a factor in how much your shipment will cost. The heavier a shipment the more fuel that is needed to ship the goods. With LTL, the benefit is that you are only paying for what you need to ship and not the entire weight of the truckload.
LTL helps save companies on their logistic budgets. There are many companies that ship LTL. To find a company that best suits your business check online. Compare companies, reviews and quotes. Just because you save money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good deal on shipping, the quality of the shipper must play a role as well.