LTL freight options are an enormously popular option for merchants and even private enterprises that must ship products quickly but do not have enough product or merchandise to fill a full truckload (FTL). Many intermodal freight carrier companies are now offering this option because of the high demand for it. It is a time and money saver for both the client and the freight carriers as many times deliveries of different sourced products can be delivered in the same truck. The cost savings especially for small businesses are quite hefty and this does allow small businesses to use freight and cargo carriers that these businesses typically could not afford.
The cost savings extend to warehousing and storage availabilities and keep the carbon emissions lower than running freight with a truckload capacity that is too large for the merchandise. The same security and tracking exist in LTL freight that exists in FTL. The boundless opportunities for usage of LTL freight have increased its popularity over the last decade. Technology has now advanced and the shipments of LTL freight are as secure and safe as with the full truckloads.
A comparison of LTL freight versus FTL freight
LTL freight is more generally suggested by freight carriers for more than one business, depending upon the timeframe of delivery and the merchandise being shipped. This is chosen by the freight carrier who will have the database of logistical data at hand. When using FTL it is generally a large company that places the delivery order as the large companies can easily fill a full truck. Smaller entities were left out too many times but this shift now to LTL offerings by top name companies has alleviated the problems of using sub-standard delivery services for smaller merchants.
LTL freight can also ensure that deliveries are just as secure as a larger company’s deliveries as a database is kept of all freight waiting to be shipped. A list is kept by freight carriers of all customers along a certain route wanting the LTL freight services. Because the locations are alike, the delivery is made swiftly usually.
Package pilferage is cut back and lift gate carriers are available in LTL freight
Many times package pilferage is a problem in smaller shipments that sit too long docked at a location until a carrier is filled. This can happen with employees or anyone that has access to the freight. Smaller packages are more easily pilfered and can have dummy freight replaced easily in place of the true merchandise,
LTL offers a solution to this pilfering. Since larger freight carriers are generally the companies providing LTL options, the logistical schematics are in place that helps prevent package pilfering. Many types of logistics are used worldwide by companies but large freight transport companies are experts in distribution logistics.
Liftgates carriers can also be available to smaller companies now using LTL freight which will indeed cut back on the damages to packages that are hand loaded onto a truck or van. Large freight carriers saw these needs and addressed these issues now by offering LTL freight options.
For the freight companies, it also increases their bottom line as there is a consistent flow of freight moving coming through their company. Cargo vans and trucks that sit idle do not make money for the company so LTL freight is a solution that now benefits cargo freight companies and smaller merchandisers.
The use of accessories is part of the safety of goods in LTL freight
Since many sizes and shapes of freight might be present, tiebacks, winches, and straps are used extensively also. Smaller freight can move around more easily within any cargo van or truck and ensuring that each piece of freight is secure is a priority. Packing the transported materials as tightly as possible is also part of the process.
Personal items and precious items sometimes are moved from one location to another by residential customers and office owners. All freight must be tested for unexpected movement during transport before the transport begins.
Large freight companies also have enough insurance to cover any unexpected losses and this is another reason to have a consultation with a freight carrier and to consider the most experienced for any transport. While costs of course should be considered, it is not the only consideration. Damaged merchandise cannot be recovered so all transport companies should be researched before choosing an LTL freight provider.
The reasons to consider LTL freight shipping are many
As pointed out earlier in this article, the safety of all merchandise is a primary reason as well as timely delivery of merchandise. This is an option that is open now to both corporate entities, small businesses, and even private shippers of their goods and furniture. Methods of shipping smaller loads successfully before LTL freight were very limited. All types of companies now with all types of merchandise that need shipping can take advantage of this type of shipping successfully.
The reasons to use LTL freight do outweigh any concerns about this type of shipping freight and a genuine company will welcome all questions, comments, and consultation with each client. The only real disadvantage can be some wait times if an LTL cannot be filled quickly enough as it is what can be called “shared truckload” delivery. While it usually generates a fast delivery if unique goods or no other customers are in the delivery area a wait time can occur. A good freight company will be upfront about this though and honestly appraise what the wait time if any will be.
On the whole, though it is a solution that is welcomed by smaller businesses as well as private enterprises and individuals. Checking into the options in LTL freight when shipping any type of goods or merchandise is a great step towards safe and secure deliveries. Many consumers and customers were not aware of this option until recently and it is being well received and used time and time again by those that try it.