To minimize issues keep these points in mind: Misunderstanding in this area can cause delays and much frustration. Oversize: This applies to any shipment with a dimension over 12 feet.ĭelivery Appointments: The long and short of this topic is the shipper needs to know their customers’ dock routines, so the LTL provider can properly handle the deliveries. Linear Foot Rule: Industry standard is shipments occupying 10 linear feet or more of trailer space are charged for 1000 lbs per linear foot. There are three terms to know on this topic that cause issues for shippers:Ĭubic Capacity: LTL carriers impose this rule to protect themselves for lightweight freight that occupies more than their fair share of space in a trailer. Density is to account for very light shipments that take up more space than what is typical for a standard pallet size. Limited Access Charges: Some locations shippers deliver to do not have docks, the personnel to unload the freight or other delays or labor is needed to complete cause these charges, so know your delivery docks well and plan ahead.ĭensity: The point here is LTL carriers have density rules in their tariffs. Non-stackable and irregular sized shipments have significant accessorials associated with it, so make sure you quote these, if not a standard shipment for your business or you will be risking some significant charges. Most likely loads that fall into this category should go truckload, but it still makes sense to quote with LTL to make sure the most economical option is known.Īnother point to be made here is to know you LTL tariff. Volume Quotes / Spot Quotes : It makes sense to request a volume quote is when an LTL shipment is greater 10,000 and / or greater than 8 pallets. So, to help in the communication process, here are some topics LTL shippers need to better understand for success: Often times, when talking with an LTL, we find the issue is with the shipper and the LTL provider is not communicating effectively to help make the solution successful for the shipper. If your business wants a one-stop shop where everything would be handled by one provider and in one system, we’d suggest working with a non-asset provider with a high LTL volume spend that allows them to drive highly competitive rates, along with providing a world-class TMS platform or managed transportation service division.īefore closing out this article, we do want to talk about some of the confusing issues in LTL to make sure you are looking to make a change for the right reasons. Other than XPO, which is both asset and non-asset, one additional thought to consider in your decision process is whether an asset or a non-asset LTL provider is a better fit. So, now that you are armed with the basic information on the top LTL freight providers in the market, consider what is important to your business so you can make an objective decision on what LTL provider will be the best fit for your supply chain. The mega-mergers in the freight and logistics market have not helped in an industry that seems to be looking to craft a one size fits all model. The reason, in addition to all the above complexities each mode seems to have, we share so much on the competitive landscape is a shipper’s supply chain is the lifeblood of their company. In other words, LTL can take a lot of energy away from other priorities for a company to maintain its competitive advantage.Ī few of our contemporaries recently asked us why InTek Freight & Logistics provides shippers with easy access to so much information on the competitive landscape through its “Best of” blogs like we recently published on truckload, freight brokers, intermodal and managed transportation services. When it comes to temperature controlled LTL, the complexities multiply with temp standards, sailing schedules and co-mingling of other product in the trailer. The small sample of issues is just about standard dry LTL freight. … and what seems like countless other variables.
Service coverage networks that differ significantly from LTL carrier to LTL carrier.Ĭonsolidations, pooling and other programs available for larger LTL shippers. Seriously, 85% off a carrier’s LTL rates seems like something you would find in a retailer's Black Friday mailer. Not the same, even when made to sound that way in a sales call.Ĭrazy discount levels. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) class ratings.Ĭonfusing tariff schedules that seem to be written for Harvard law graduates.Ĭzar tariffs and provider’s tariff. Let’s face it, less-than-truckload (LTL) can be one of the hardest freight modes to get “right.”
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