Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) is a freight transportation service for shipments that do not require the full space of a truck. This service is ideal for businesses that have smaller shipments and want to share transportation costs with other shippers.
Key Features of LTL:
Shared Truck Space: Goods from multiple shippers are combined in one truck, which helps reduce transportation costs.
Small Shipments: Typically used for shipments weighing between 50kg and 7000 kg.
Cost Optimization: Businesses only pay for the portion of the truck space they use.
Benefits of LTL:
Cost Savings: Transportation costs are shared among multiple shippers, making it more economical for smaller shipments.
Flexibility: Suitable for small and infrequent shipments.
Reduced Risk of Damage: Less handling compared to other shipping methods.
Challenges of LTL:
Longer Delivery Times: Combining multiple shipments can result in longer transit times compared to Full Truckload (FTL) shipping.
Complex Coordination: Requires precise coordination between carriers and shippers.
When to Use LTL:
Small Shipments: Ideal for shipments that do not fill an entire truck.
Cost Efficiency: When you want to save on transportation costs by sharing truck space with other shipments.
Infrequent Shipping: Suitable for businesses that do not ship goods frequently or in large quantities.
LTL is a great option for businesses looking to transport smaller quantities of goods efficiently and cost-effectively. It offers a flexible and reliable shipping method, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises.