LTL Freight Carrier Vs. Parcel Service

6. Size Requirements

Let’s start with the most obvious difference between parcel and freight shipping, and that’s the size limitations and requirements. Some cargo might be too large or heavy to be transported by a parcel carrier, in which case you’ll need an LTL freight carrier. But how do you know what’s too big for a parcel carrier? As a rule of thumb, you’ll need to ship freight instead of parcel if:

5. Freight Class

When you ship a parcel, you know that the lighter it is, the less it will cost to ship. However, LTL freight shipping is very different with how it uses shipment details to factor into rates. In LTL shipping, the denser the better. Why?

An LTL freight carrier has a limited amount of space on their truck. Cargo with a higher density (pounds per cubic foot) will cost less to ship than a lower density shipment. That’s because the higher density cargo takes up less trailer space. Think about it like this: 500 pounds of bricks and 500 pounds of ping pong balls weigh the same, but the packaged shipment of bricks doesn’t take up as much space as the packaged shipment of ping pong balls.

Another important factor in LTL shipping is freight class. Freight class plays a huge role in how LTL rates are calculated. But what is it? Freight class is a standardized classification system for LTL freight. It accounts for a number of factors such as storability, value, ease of handling, and density to get an NMFC code. Freight class is implemented to ensure balanced, unbiased pricing for shippers, and so LTL freight carriers can fulfill capacity more efficiently.

4. Pickup/Delivery Services

Parcel deliveries are dropped at your door, whether the location is a residence or business. However, LTL freight carriers are often dealing with much larger, heavier and complicated pieces of cargo. Curbside pickup and delivery services are the standard freight pickup/delivery services for LTL carriers. That means that an LTL carrier isn’t going to drop your shipment off at the door unless you have requested that additional service during the freight quote process.

Anything outside of curbside pickup and delivery, such as inside delivery or liftgate is an additional service and fee. Did you know that if your business is operated out of your home you have to request a limited access location or residential shipping service accessorial during the quote process? This is because freight trucks aren’t built to easily maneuver through these kinds of locations. These are common shipping accessorials many shippers don’t think to request when filling out an LTL quote or Bill of Lading because they assume it’s standard practice. If you’re not sure what accessorials you might need, be sure to talk to your third-party logistics provider (3PL) for help.

3. Packaging

With very few exceptions, LTL freight shipments are packaged and secured in crates or on pallets. With LTL shipping, your cargo will share the truck with freight belonging to other shippers. Every shipment must be packaged to optimize protection, not only for your shipment but also for shipments surrounding it in the truck. Since most shipments will exceed 150 pounds and will be carried on at least three trucks before being delivered. Shifting of poorly packaged cargo can cause considerable concealed damage.

You can get a comprehensive look at the world of freight packaging along with some expert tips and tricks by visiting our Freight Packaging Guide.

2. Authorized Signature

Your LTL freight carrier will not just drop off your shipment for you, as if it were a USPS, UPS or FedEx parcel. An authorized person must be there at pickup to provide the driver with the Bill of Lading, and someone at the receiving end must check the shipment for damage and sign the Proof of Delivery (POD). Make sure the person receiving the shipment thoroughly checks for visible damage, such as tears in the shrink wrap or dents in the packaging. Have them take photos and describe any visible damage on the POD before they sign it. This will help should you need to file a claim with the carrier later.

If there isn’t a representative at pickup or delivery, then it will likely result in the shipment being delayed. It’s highly important to make sure someone is there for both pickup and delivery because a delayed shipment is a headache nobody needs.

1. Finding Capacity

Capacity? What is that? LTL freight carriers need to fill their trucks, and you need to ship your cargo. However, many shippers are not as familiar with LTL freight shipping than they are with parcel and finding the capacity to move your LTL freight cargo can seem daunting and confusing. This is especially true when there’s so many differences between LTL freight and parcel shipping. Third-party logistics companies (3PLs) specialize in connecting freight shippers with carriers who can transport their specific shipment and at discounted rates.

FreightCenter serves as the preferred 3PL for small businesses everywhere. If you’re looking to include LTL freight shipping into your supply chain strategy, partner with FreightCenter today and experience the easy way to ship.

Whether you’re new to LTL shipping or an LTL shipping pro, FreightCenter has the shipping solutions you need. Hopefully you are now adequately acclimated with How an LTL freight carrier is not like a parcel service. Get started today by getting a free online quote or call 800.716.7608.