LTL Freight
Streamline your LTL freight shipping process with FreightCenter, and experience significant cost savings of up to 95%. Take advantage of our complimentary LTL freight quote service today. LTL shipping is an ideal solution for transporting partial truckloads and other goods that do not require full trailer capacity.
LTL Freight Shipping Rates Instantly
Are you looking for the best LTL freight rates from top carriers? Look no further than FreightCenter! With our easy-to-use platform, simply provide us with a few details about your shipment, and we’ll provide you with instant shipping quotes from the best freight carriers in one convenient place.
At FreightCenter, we pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to finding the best prices and options for your less-than-load shipping needs. Whether you’re shipping domestically or internationally, our team of experts is here to help you navigate the complex world of freight shipping and ensure your shipment arrives on time and in perfect condition.
Say goodbye to the hassle of searching multiple carriers for the best rates, and let FreightCenter do the work for you. Get started today and experience the ease and convenience of our platform for yourself!
Why choose LTL Freight Shipping?
- LTL Shipping Quotes from 50+ carriers
- Instant LTL rates anytime
- LTL solutions to anywhere in the U.S. & Canada
- Unbeatable discounts on your less-than-load, truckload, rail, air, and more
- Automated LTL tracking, paperwork & invoices
- Manage all freight quotes & shipments in one place
- 24+ years of transportation experience working for you!
FreightCenter is Trusted By For LTL Shipping
Working With Jennifer Rendine has been super easy. I know that every detail will be taken care of with each and every shipment. I would recommend Freightcenter.com to anyone. 5 Stars!
It was very easy to do and priced right . The people I talked to were very friendly and helpful !
It was a great experience. Everything went very smoothly. My customer service rep was exceptional!
I have used Freight Center for 3 different pickups and so far everything has worked beautifully. I would highly recommend their services and the pricing is very competitive. Thank you Freight Center for the good job.
So happy using FreightCenter. Great service and the lowest price. My go to shipper from now on!
Easy to work with. Scheduled on line and then a CS rep called us to make sure all the details were in order to ship our product correctly to the customer.
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
What is LTL Freight?
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight is a cost-effective shipping method for shipments that do not require a full truckload. With LTL, multiple customers’ loads are consolidated onto one truck, reducing shipping costs and allowing customers to share transportation expenses.
LTL shipments typically weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds and are too large for parcel carriers like UPS or FedEx but too small to justify a full truckload. LTL carriers utilize specialized equipment such as pallet jacks, liftgates, and forklifts to handle and transport these shipments.
LTL carriers provide various services, including pickup and delivery, tracking, and insurance, and their rates are typically based on shipment weight, dimensions, density, distance traveled, and any additional services required. It is crucial to provide accurate measurements and weight details to ensure an accurate quote and that your shipment arrives on time and in good condition.
In summary, LTL freight is an efficient and cost-effective way to transport shipments that don’t require a full truckload. Using LTL, you can share transportation costs with other customers and use specialized equipment and services to ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time.
What Does LTL Mean In Freight?
LTL stands for “Less-Than-Truckload” in the freight industry. LTL shipping is a transportation method for smaller freight loads that do not require a full truckload. LTL carriers typically transport multiple smaller shipments from different customers on the same truck, which allows customers to share the cost of transportation and reduces overall shipping costs. LTL freight shipments typically weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds and may be too large for parcel carriers like UPS or FedEx but too small to justify the price of a full truckload.
LTL carriers use specialized equipment, such as pallet jacks, liftgates, and forklifts, to handle and transport these shipments. LTL carriers offer various services, including pickup and delivery, tracking, and insurance. LTL shipping rates are typically based on the shipment’s weight, dimensions, density, distance traveled, and additional services required.
When To Use Less-Than-Load Freight For Shipping?
Less-Than-Load (LTL) freight shipping is typically used when the shipment’s weight is between 150 and 15,000 pounds, which is too large for parcel carriers like UPS or FedEx but too small to justify the cost of a full truckload. Here are some situations when ltl freight services may be the ideal shipping solution:
- Small to medium-sized businesses: Small businesses that do not have large amounts of inventory to move can benefit from LTL shipping since it allows them to split the cost of a full truckload with other shippers.
- Cost-effective shipping: LTL shipping is a cost-effective solution for shippers who want to save on transportation costs. Rather than paying for an entire truck that they don’t need, shippers only pay for the space their cargo takes up.
- Multiple destinations: If numerous shipments go to different destinations, LTL shipping can efficiently consolidate your freight and save on transportation costs.
- Limited storage space: If your facility has limited storage space, LTL shipping can be an ideal solution since it allows you to ship smaller quantities of products without additional storage space.
- Specialized freight: LTL carriers are equipped with specialized equipment, such as liftgates, pallet jacks, and forklifts, making them a good option for shipping freight that requires special handling.
LTL freight shipping is ideal for smaller shipments, cost-effective transportation, multiple destinations, limited storage space, and specialized freight. Using LTL shipping, you can save on transportation costs and deliver your products efficiently and securely.
LTL Freight Service Is Best When:
- Freight exceeding 150 pounds in weight.
- Large, dense, or bulky items.
- Palletized or crated shipments.
- Shipments that do not require the entire trailer.
- Freight is shipped through local terminals and distribution centers.
- Business shippers and individuals are seeking cost-effective freight rates.
In these situations, utilizing LTL service is the most efficient and economical option for shipping your goods.
5 Benefits Of Shipping LTL:
TL shipping offers a variety of benefits for businesses looking to optimize their freight transportation:
- Cost-effectiveness: With LTL shipping, businesses can save money by only paying for the portion of the trailer they need, while the remaining cost is shared among other shippers in the trailer.
- E-commerce optimization: In today’s economy, businesses must align their shipping methods with customers’ expectations. LTL shipping can help improve delivery speeds, getting shipments and inventory to customers as quickly as possible.
- Increased security: Most LTL shipments are palletized, making them easier to handle and transport. However, proper packaging is essential to ensure the safe arrival of goods at their destination. Loose or smaller items that are not palletized are not ideal for LTL shipping.
- Extra service options: LTL shipping offers additional services such as liftgates, inside pickup and delivery, and other customizable options.
- Online tracking: Most LTL carriers provide comprehensive online tracking through PO, bill of lading, or shipment reference numbers. Additionally, some carriers offer to track via text messages to provide real-time updates.
What Is LTL Freight Shipping?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a cost-effective option for small to mid-sized businesses to transport partial truckload shipments without paying for a full 53-foot trailer. Shipping a full truckload trailer can be expensive, especially if you do not need to use the trailer’s entire space frequently. On the other hand, opting for LTL shipping can help you save on transportation costs. However, there are several factors to consider when shipping LTL.
One crucial aspect to consider is the origin and destination of your shipment, as it can impact how your package is shipped. Additionally, the type of packaging used, such as pallets, crates, or boxes, can affect the shipping process. It’s also important to measure the weight of the shipment, which includes the packaging and the item(s) being shipped, as well as the dimensions of the freight using length, width, and height measurements. If you have any questions about packaging options, refer to our website for more information.
Why Choose FreightCenter for Your LTL Freight Shipping?
There are numerous compelling reasons why FreightCenter should be your choice for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Freight Shipping needs:
Access to Multiple Carriers: FreightCenter partners with numerous reputable carriers, providing you with various LTL shipping options. If you have searched “ltl freight near me” online, you do not need to look any further. Access to multiple carriers enables you to compare prices, transit times, and other factors and choose the carrier that best meets your requirements.
Competitive Rates: FreightCenter negotiates rates with its partner carriers on behalf of its customers, which typically results in cost savings on shipping using FreightCenter’s services.
Easy-to-Use Platform: FreightCenter’s online platform is user-friendly, making getting a quote, comparing prices, and booking your shipment a breeze. You can track your shipment in real time through the platform.
Dedicated Support: FreightCenter’s customer service team can answer questions or concerns through phone, email, or live chat.
Shipping Expertise: With over 20 years of experience in the shipping industry, FreightCenter’s team of experts can provide you with guidance and advice on the best way to ship your LTL.
FreightCenter’s innovative transportation management system (TMS) LTL technology streamlines and centralizes the less-than-truckload shipping process. By instantly comparing freight rates from top carriers or calling 800.716.7608, you can get the most out of shipping less-than-load freight. Additionally, shippers have access to a dedicated freight account manager who works with them every step of the way to handle even the most unique shipping needs.
FreightCenter employs expert LTL shipping agents with in-depth logistics industry knowledge. They can help you find affordable LTL freight shipping rates and the best carriers for your cargo. Furthermore, we can help you choose the best accessorials or specialized LTL services. By partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3P) like FreightCenter, you can eliminate the guesswork and stress of shipping less-than-load freight.
We Make LTL Shipping Easy
Shipping with LTL can be daunting, especially if you lack logistics experience. The multiple variables involved, including lanes, weight, dimensions, packaging, and freight classification, all impact the shipment’s services and cost. At FreightCenter, we have provided logistics services driven by exceptional service, innovation, and technology since 1998. As leaders in shipping, 90% of our business is in less-than-load shipments, and we have handled nearly 1,000,000 LTL shipments as of 2022. Our trained experts are here to simplify the process for you and help make informed logistics decisions for your business.
When you choose FreightCenter, an account manager reviews your business and transportation needs to ensure you receive fast, personalized, and dedicated service. Our National Account Managers work closely with our Customer Care team to ensure you receive top-notch support. As a non-asset-based third-party logistics provider, we do not own any trucks or warehouses. Instead, we work with the best trucking companies nationwide to negotiate highly competitive rates and offer complete LTL shipping services to our customers. Our easy-to-use platform and access to exclusive discounts ensure you can confidently and quickly ship your LTL freight.
FreightCenter Provides Helpful Tools
FreightCenter offers a range of helpful tools to assist all customers. With 24/7 access to rates for all shipments and an assigned agent to connect to our partner carriers, our agents can identify the best carrier for your shipping requirements. To begin, use FreightCenter’s freight shipping quote tool. For international shipments, customers can contact our shipping experts at 800-716-7608.
At FreightCenter, we believe in saving you money without compromising service quality. We offer a “one-stop-shop” solution for your shipping needs. Simply request an LTL shipping quote using our proprietary technology and select the carrier that provides the best price and transit time for your needs. You’ll receive an extensive list of LTL carriers with just one click.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Factors That Determine Less-Than-Load Freight Costs
Several factors influence the cost of LTL shipping:
Location/Distance: The distance your shipment needs to travel is a crucial determinant of the shipping cost. Typically, longer distances require higher prices.
Dimensions: The size and weight of your shipment determine the freight class and density, which directly impact the shipping rates.
Mode: LTL shipping offers various service options, including standard, guaranteed, and expedited shipping. These options come at different costs.
Type: Certain commodities require special handling or equipment, such as perishable, fragile, or hazardous items. Such additional services come at extra costs.
Download Our LTL Shipping Guide
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) faqs:
What is LTL Freight?
Familiar with Less Truck Load (LTL) shipping? It refers to freight shipment that doesn’t require an entire 48 or 53-ft truck. Hence the term “less than truckload.” At the same time, LTL shipments can range from 150 to 10,000 lbs. If you ship small, LTL is perfect for you! While many Freight Shipping Companies need to make smaller, more frequent shipments, are you?
How does LTL work?
In most cases, LTL operated in a hub and spoke model. This is where local terminals are the spokes, and larger central terminals are the main distribution centers or freight hubs.
How Does Shipping LTL Save Me Money?
There are many benefits when shipping LTL when it comes to the financial side of it. While shipping LTL allows customers to pay for only the space in the truck that their shipment occupies, LTL shipment rates often go by the density. For instance, if you have many small items transporting, we suggest reducing those items into one freight package, increasing the density. Therefore, lowering your rate.
Occasionally, adjustments to rates occur. This is often due to inaccurate information given to carriers. While booking your shipment, please provide the correct details to avoid this and save money!
What’s the difference between LTL and FTL?
Freight that does not require the entire space of a truck is known as LTL shipping, whereas full truckload and flatbed shipments take up the room or weight limit of a whole trailer.
Should I ship through a parcel carrier or LTL provider?
If you are shipping over 150 pounds, consider LTL. Shipping LTL with a freight service provider means competitive rates and expert advice.
Why Is LTL Freight So Expensive?
Your shipment cost is based on weight, density, classification, etc. Several variables, including fuel price, driver compensation, and maintenance, determine LTL freight costs. Due to a shortage of drivers in the industry, driver pay has increased to attract qualified workers.
Why is LTL Freight Slow?
LTL shipping can run slower than total truckload shipping. This is because the truck carries the cargo of several different shippers and therefore has to make numerous drop-offs and trade-offs. LTL shipping can also be ground freight so the driver can run into many delays, including auto accidents, bad weather, or slow traffic.
Who Is the Best LTL Freight Carrier?
FreightCenter can help you find the best LTL carrier for you. Our network includes over 50 top LTL carriers and national and regional options. We help you get the best shipping rate possible as we have strong partnerships with most preferred carriers.
What Does LTL Freight Mean?
LTL stands for “Less than TruckLoad” or “Less Than Load.” LTL shipping is used for freight that is too large to take to the post office but too small for an entire truck. When shipping LTL freight (150 to 15,000 lbs), you share a truck with other shippers and pay only for the space your cargo occupies.
How Do I Ship LTL Freight?
When shipping Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight (150 to 15,000 lbs), you pay only for the space your cargo occupies. LTL can be complicated due to variables such as lanes, weight, dimensions, and classification. LTL can be shipped via standard, expedited, or guaranteed services.
What is LTL vs. FTL?
Freight that does not require the entire space of a truck is known as LTL shipping. FTL is when shipments take up the length of a whole truck.
Parcel vs. LTL
If the shipment is more significant than 150 lbs, transporting as LTL is intelligent. While smaller, lighter packages should be shipped through the parcel.
What is interlining LTL Shipping?
Interlining occurs when a carrier cannot complete the full transit in their coverage area and will transport your shipment to a partnering carrier to complete the remaining distances.
When Should I Request Inside Delivery?
Inside delivery is essential when the truck driver needs to go beyond the loading or unloading dock when picking up or offloading your shipment. A pricing adjustment would apply to the original freight shipping quotes if you did not order inside delivery at booking.
When To Use LTL Freight For Shipping?
Less-Than-Load freight shipping saves you money. Freight shipping is the easiest way to move large, bulky items quickly and affordably. You can save money with less-than-truckload shipping when you don’t need a full truckload. Shipping LTL Freight is best for a shipper with freight under 20,000 pounds and when one does not require a full trailer. Consider Less-Than-Load when looking to maximize cost savings.
Who Is the Best LTL Freight Carrier?
FreightCenter can help you find the best LTL carrier for your needs. Our network includes over 50 top LTL carriers and national and regional options. We help you get the best shipping rate possible as we have strong partnerships with most preferred carriers.
