Why LTL Shipments Are More Sustainable And Economical

LTL shipments, also known as less-than-load and less-than-truckload, refers to the practice of shipping goods that do not require their own dedicated truck. This usually means a single truck will carry freight for multiple clients. The quantity per load can vary between 150 and 15,000 pounds, so long as it is greater than a parcel but less than six pallets. LTL is the alternative to full truckload (FTL) shipping, in which each load occupies an entire truck. While there are pros and cons to each transportation strategy, smaller business owners are most likely to enjoy the benefits of LTL shipments.

There are many benefits to LTL shipping, especially for sustainability and saving costs. Read on to learn more about why many in logistics are opting for LTL shipping.

Why Choose Less-Than-Load Shipping?

Depending on the circumstances, LTL shipping services can be a more eco-friendly, cheaper, and more effective way for businesses to transport their goods than FTL. Those looking to move smaller amounts of freight can pay for the quantity and service they need without having to rent an entire truck. In this way, small businesses can enjoy shipping services comparable to their larger counterparts.

When companies share truckload space, they will see a positive impact in many different aspects, including:

Lower Environmental Impact

Without LTL shipping, companies may waste space and use more fuel to transport products. This can make a huge impact on the company’s carbon footprint. By maximizing the carrying capacity of each vehicle, goods can be transported with optimal fuel efficiency and minimal carbon footprint.

Saving Costs

In FTL shipping, companies are spending a large amount on fuel, drivers, and parcel tracking. With LTL shipping, companies are able to share the load and not take the entire brunt of the cost. This can have a substantial impact on a company’s finances. LTL services can also offer tracking options and bonus features such as lift gates, inside delivery/pickups, and non-commercial delivery, which is normally available to FTL services.

Unlike with FTL shipments, LTL shipping rates are regulated by a nonprofit membership trade group, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). This group sets interstate, intrastate, and even international standards for LTL practices and pricing. Factors that affect transport rates include pickup and delivery distance and specifications such as load density and special handling requirements.

Increased Security

When compared to parcel shipping, LTL shipping has additional layers of security. FTL shipping brings a higher risk of parcels being lost, broken, or stolen. However, with LTL shipping, goods are packaged securely on pallets. This ensures that the goods are much less likely to be lost or suffer damages compared to individually packaged parcels. For this reason, even very small businesses stand to benefit from LTL services if they meet the volume minimum.

How to Get Started with Less-Than-Load Shipping?

If your company is looking for a better, more economical way to ship products that don’t need a dedicated truck, implement LTL shipping!

IEL’s Management Portal can help your company manage all your logistical needs. Contact us today to learn more!

Tim Back Trucking

15:52 17 Aug 23

I worked with Sway and all communication was great. I would deal with this broker again in the future.

Kayla Wharff

19:21 23 Jul 23

Jason Shakespeare is the best broker that I have worked with.

D S

03:19 21 Jul 23

Best brokerage to work with. Honest and reliable.Thank you

sasa delic

20:04 19 Jul 23

James Shakespeare is one of the best broker I ever work with.I have been in this business for more than 7 years and I have never worked with a better broker.

Laura Gist

19:12 18 Jul 23

I booked a load with Misty and everything about the load was as she stated. Misty was very pleasant, easy to work with and answered the phone every time I called her. Thank you Misty!!!

craig gilly

20:55 04 May 23

Integrity demonstrated honor. I booked a load with an apparent Fake/Ghost broker that on the BOL was an Integrity load. Even though they paid the fake trucking company/broker, since I had proof they paid me. Must give credit for this. Great company.

Nathan Denton

16:22 01 May 23

IEL has Great people and placeIEL is one of the premiere Freight Brokerages in the Country with Expert level knowledge staff and the ability to adapt to any situationDon't bother reading the lower reviews, they are simply angry for things that happen every day to both sides of the logistics industry.

Kris Brunner

12:32 13 Apr 23

We shipped a generator to Idaho. Friendly and professional logistics person. Fast and on time pick up by TA Trucking. Great operators. Thanks for helping Ronald McDonald Charities Of Greater Cincinnati.

Lavern Martin

18:03 06 Apr 23

we've been booking loads with Abigail Bortz for a few months now .... this agent does a great job .... good follow-thru and communication, trucks seem to always be on-time, rates are fair. highly recommend this agent

Travis Dobrowski

17:01 23 Mar 23

I work with Mat Nicholas at IEL for quite a while and everything has been great so far, proactive and quick communication makes the whole process way smoother.

Michael Sherrell

21:42 22 Feb 23

Misty Harris is absolutely amazing to work with she is very responsive and understanding. Never backs down from a challenge. Always keeps me moving with little to no down time.