In today’s global economy, businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. One area where many companies are looking to save money is in the transportation of goods. While shipping by air is often the fastest and most efficient option, it can also be the most expensive. For companies that need to ship smaller quantities of goods, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping may be a more cost-effective option.
LTL Freight Definition
LTL shipping is a type of freight shipping that is used to ship smaller loads that do not require a full truckload. LTL shipments are typically between 150 to 10,000 pounds (68 to 4,536 kilograms). LTL shipping is often used for commercial goods, such as:
- Building materials
- Retail products
- Electronics
- Furniture
LTL shipping is a good option for businesses that need to ship smaller quantities of goods. It is also a good option for businesses that need to ship items that are not time-sensitive.
LTL Freight Companies
Some of the largest LTL freight companies in the United States include:
1. UPS Freight
UPS Freight is a leading provider of LTL shipping services in the United States. The company offers a wide range of LTL shipping options, including ground, air, and international shipping. UPS Freight also offers a variety of value-added services, such as tracking and insurance.
2. FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight is another leading provider of LTL shipping services in the United States. The company offers a wide range of LTL shipping options, including ground, air, and international shipping. FedEx Freight also offers a variety of value-added services, such as tracking and insurance.
3. Con-way Freight
Con-way Freight is a leading provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services. Con-way operates throughout North America, providing time-critical LTL freight service via a network of 260 terminals in the United States and Canada.
Con-way’s less than truckload services are door-to-door, providing pick-up and delivery services to businesses and residences. Con-way also offers a wide range of value-added services, including loading and unloading, packaging, crating, and assembly.
4. SAIA LTL Freight
SAIA is one of the nation’s leading providers of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services. SAIA operates a network of regional, interregional, and national LTL service centers across the United States.
SAIA’s LTL services provide customers with a broad range of options for shipping their freight. SAIA offers both standard and expedited shipping services, as well as a variety of value-added services such as packaging and crating, freight tracking, and insurance.
SAIA is a member of the Less-Than-Truckload Carriers Association (LCTA) and the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC).
5. Roadrunner Transportation Systems
Roadrunner Transportation Systems is a leading provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services. Roadrunner operates a network of regional, interregional, and national LTL service centers across the United States.
Roadrunner’s LTL services provide customers with a broad range of options for shipping their products. Roadrunner offers both standard and expedited LTL shipping services. Standard LTL shipping is ideal for shipments that are not time-sensitive, while expedited LTL shipping is designed for time-sensitive shipments.
Roadrunner’s LTL services are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers, from small businesses to large corporations. Roadrunner has the experience and the resources to provide customers with the best possible shipping solution for their specific needs.
6. YRC Worldwide
YRC Worldwide is a leading provider of LTL freight services. The company offers a wide range of services, including next-day, two-day, and ground shipping. YRC Worldwide has a network of more than 200 service centers across the United States.
7. Estes Express Lines
Estes Express Lines is one of the largest providers of LTL freight services in North America. The company offers a wide range of services, including next-day, two-day, and ground shipping. Estes Express Lines has a network of more than 200 service centers across the United States.
How to Calculate LTL Freight Rates?
The cost of shipping LTL freight is based on the shipment’s density, weight, and distance. Density is calculated by dividing the shipment’s weight by its volume. Weight is measured in pounds, and volume is measured in cubic feet.
The shipping rate for an LTL shipment is based on the shipment’s class. There are six different classes of LTL freight, from Class 50 to Class 500. The class is determined by the shipment’s density and value.
To calculate the shipping rate for an LTL shipment, you will need the following information:
1. The shipment’s weight
2. The shipment’s density
3. The shipment’s class
4. The shipment’s distance
Once you have this information, you can use a freight calculator to calculate the shipping cost.
LTL Freight Quote
If you’re looking for an LTL freight broker, we are here to help. We offer LTL shipping quotes from multiple carriers, so you can find the best rate for your shipment. We also offer a wide range of value-added services, such as freight tracking, insurance, and loading and unloading.
To get a quote for your LTL shipment, simply fill out our online form or call us toll-free at 1-888-Ship-LTL.
