LTL Truckload

For Your Smaller Shipping Needs

THE SENSIBLE, ECO-FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE APPROACH TO OTR SHIPPING

What is less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping? LTL shipping is used for transporting small freight that doesn’t require an entire trailer. Businesses share a combined space to create a full truckload shipment.

When you need a shipping service for fairly small loads or quantities of freight, you should consider an LTL shipping service. Sharing truck space splits the cost of transporting goods between companies, giving you the power to get your shipment where it needs to be quickly, without the hefty price tag of a full-sized truck. LTL hauls are designed and orchestrated to help both large and small businesses streamline the delivery process by avoiding delays, extra miles, and lost productivity.

LTL shipping is a more cost-efficient option, especially for smaller businesses. You only use and pay for the space in the truck that you need. Although the delivery time may be a little longer, it is still faster than waiting until you reach a full shipment to deliver your freight.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING LTL SHIPPING

  • Never pay for unused cargo space
  • Get better shipping rates
  • Reduce your environmental impact
  • Protect your shipment from wear and tear
  • Know where your shipment is located at all times
  • Reach our freight team for world-class customer support

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DIRECT PARTNERSHIPS

By working in direct partnership with the world’s most recognizable and trusted carriers, we utilize our earned position in the industry to negotiate the best shipping rates and delivery dates. We never trust your shipment to any carrier who does not have a valid DOT number, cannot prove insurance or possess MC authority. Finally, their safety record must reflect a true dedication to responsible driving and truck maintenance to even be considered as an approved GSL partner.

On our end, your LTL shipment will be handled with the skill you should expect from a leader in shipping logistics. Our state-of-the-art tracking and management platform ensures clear and consistent updates, providing a level of confidence that is rare in the industry. Plus, around-the-clock, personal support is just a phone call away.

With our real-time tracking system, you will receive updates on stop-offs, pick-ups, and delivery.

WHEN TO USE LESS-THAN-TRUCKLOAD SHIPPING

If your freight is on a pallet or in a crate, you will most likely be able to ship it LTL. As a rule of thumb, anywhere between one to nine pallets are considered LTL freight. If you are unsure about whether your cargo falls within the proper restrictions, you can ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your freight within size limits?
  • Are you, or an agent, available to load and unload your shipment?
  • Can you consolidate and place your shipment in a pallet or crate?
  • Are you comfortable sharing trailer space with other freight shipments?
  • you understand the timeline restrictions of LTL freight?

You should also ask yourself whether you’d like a local, regional, or national carrier. At Global Source Logistics, we offer freight services to all 50 states and several other countries. We are able to pick up and deliver freight anywhere within the United States. Call us today to request a quote on your LTL shipment.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CALCULATING LTL SHIPPING COSTS

Freight classification is one of the most important factors when considering freight costs, but there are a number of other factors that affect the cost to ship.

  • Type of Freight: The type of shipment has an impact on the price. Shipping electronics will cost more than shipping a crate of plastic bottles
  • Freight Dimensions: The weight and size of the shipment will alter the price
  • Distance: Rates will increase the further your freight needs to travel
  • Fuel: Gas prices will vary from state to state
  • Location Type: Rates will vary depending on where your freight will be dropped off. For example, dropping off your freight at a trade show will cost more than shipping your freight from dock to dock.

PREPARING YOUR LTL SHIPMENTS

To help reduce the risk of damage or loss to your shipment, you should properly prepare your LTL freight for transportation. For small freight, it would be a good idea to consolidate your shipment by placing it into a pallet or crate. You want to protect your cargo from moving around during transport. Follow these helpful hints for your LTL shipment:

  • Place your heaviest items on the bottom of the stack
  • Align your goods on the pallet, before strapping your package together
  • Use secure straps or shrink wrap to keep your goods bound together
  • Create a label for each pallet, with address labels, postal codes, and phone numbers

READY TO GET STARTED?

From our best-in-class network of carriers and cutting-edge technology to our award-winning team members, we offer the best in commercial shipping options. Find out how we help pave the way to success by contacting Global Source Logistics now.