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LTL stands for less-than-truckload and is one of many shipping methods. When shipping LTL, you can send a small amount of freight in a cost-effective way.

 

What is LTL (Less Than Truckload)?

LTL (less than truckload) freight shipping is the transportation of small freight that doesn’t fill an entire truck trailer. In LTL shipping, loads from several shippers are combined into one trailer, so you will only pay for the space you require and use. The overall shipping cost is split between all the shippers that move freight in the trailer.

An LTL shipment usually weighs between 150 and 20,000 pounds or includes from one to six pallets, crates, large parcels or other shipping units that don’t fill up a carrier’s truck.

How to calculate LTL freight rates

Less-than-truckload freight rates depend on many different factors, so it is impossible to set a stable price range. LTL freight rates are primarily determined by the weight, dimensions, freight class, density, address destination, carrier, and assessorial charges. Additionally, the final price can be affected by many small side factors, like fuel prices.

How to Ship Less Than Truckload Freight

Gathering Shipment Information

Before diving into the less than truckload shipping process, it is essential to collect all necessary information about your load. Dimensions, weight, size, quantity, and freight class all play a large role in how your freight will be transported. When shipping LTL, freight class is a very important factor that must be defined correctly.

Proper Packaging

Another important consideration while shipping cargo is packaging. It is important to properly secure and pack your freight to avoid damages during transit. In LTL shipping, freight is usually stacked onto pallets. You can also ship crates, boxes or barrels.

Choose a Freight Shipping Company

The next step in the freight shipping process is choosing a good freight shipping company or freight carrier. Freight shipping companies can help you get better freight rates, prepare the paperwork, and take control over the entire shipping process. Additionally, these firms can help you accurately determine freight class and avoid mistakes during the shipping process.

What is the LTL freight class?

Freight Classification is a system developed by NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) to classify LTL freight. It plays a key role in calculating how much your LTL freight shipment will cost. Choosing the wrong freight class could waste your money, time, resources, and delay shipments. It is important to classify a shipment correctly.
 
There are 18 different freight classes from 50 to 500. Density greatly affects the freight class. For example, the denser is your shipment, the higher the class is. Therefore, the higher the class, the higher the rate is for every hundred pounds shipped. You can determine your freight on the official NMFTA page.

What factors determine LTL Freight Class?

There are several main factors that determine the LTL freight class, including:

  • Dimensions
  • Density
  • Weight
  • Packaging
  • Value
  • Stow-ability
  • Handling
  • Liability