Small Truckload Shipping
Compare right-sized truck options, book dependable capacity, and get your Shipping Handled.
No shipment is too small for FreightCenter. Get fast, competitive quotes for small freight shipments with our easy-to-use online quote system and network of trusted carriers.
Related Small Truckload Shipping Resources
LTL Freight Shipping Partial Truckload Shipping Truckload Freight Shipping Freight Calculator
In the world of freight, there are decisions that need to be made. What needs to be shipped? How am I shipping it? What is the most cost-effective solution? Like all questions that need to be asked, there’s one that’s vital: What shipping method should I use?
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (TL) are the most used shipping services. But there’s a lesser-known third option: Small Truckload Shipping. Small Truckload Shipping is a mix of LTL and TL, offering the reliability of Full Truckload and the cost-efficiency of Less-Than-Truckload. It utilizes a range of small trucks and keeps your shipments together, rather than placing them with other shipments.
At FreightCenter, we’re dedicated to helping with any and all of your shipping needs. We’ll simplify the shipping process, find a great rate for you, and get your freight to its destination safely.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
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- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
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- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
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Why Businesses Choose FreightCenter for Small Truckload Shipping
FreightCenter makes it easier to determine whether small truckload shipping, LTL, partial truckload, or full truckload is the right fit. Enter your shipment details, compare available options, and get help from a freight professional before you book.
- Compare available shipping options: Evaluate service choices based on equipment, route, price, timing, and delivery requirements.
- Avoid paying for unnecessary trailer space: Match your freight with equipment that better fits the shipment instead of automatically reserving a full-size trailer.
- Get real support when details are complicated: Work with a FreightCenter agent to review dimensions, access needs, equipment, and scheduling requirements.
- Make repeat booking easier: Create a free account to save quotes, store account information, and book future shipments online.
- Earn FreightCenter Shipping Rewards: Enroll through your account and earn points from eligible freight spending after qualifying bookings are paid and finalized.
FreightCenter’s calculator supports rate comparison and booking, while free accounts allow customers to save and manage quotes. The Rewards program is available through the My FreightCenter account dashboard.
What is Small Truckload Shipping?
Small Truckload (STL) Shipping refers to the mode of shipping between Less-Than-Truckload and Full Truckload shipping.
Full Truckload is only needed for large shipments that would fill a 53-foot truck. Less-Than-Truckload consolidates multiple shipments for the journey, making stops at various terminals and switching hands. With STL shipping, your freight stays together and utilizes the entire space from pick-up to drop-off.
STL offers a good option for those who prefer their freight to remain all together. It reduces the number of hands the freight passes through, keeping handling damage to a minimum. The time it takes to transport the freight is cut down compared to LTL and TL. STL is dedicated solely to your load, enabling the shipment to directly head to its destination with no other stops.
Why Use STL
Small Truckload Shipping is a good option for those who have freight with specific needs.
If high-value freight is being transported, it might be best to use STL to decrease the risk of damage from handling. Instead of having to worry about how many hands your freight passes through, you can have confidence in the knowledge that your freight is in the same truck you left it in. It also takes away the worry of lost freight; the shipment never leaves the truck between pick-up and drop-off.
Small Truckload shipping allows ease for shipments that need to be expedited. Where LTL and TL stop at multiple terminals, adding time onto the journey, STL doesn’t need to stop anywhere. If the shipment doesn’t need to be brought far, it may be picked up in the morning and dropped off that same evening.
STL shipping cuts costs and is environmentally friendly. Instead of paying for a full truckload for a few pallets, STL gives your freight a dedicated space that it fills entirely. Semi-trucks have fewer miles per gallon than smaller vans and trucks. STL helps lower your spending while helping the environment.
Small Truckload shipping offers a variety of vehicles that can be used for transport. Each one has unique qualities, allowing for a quick decision to be made on what’s best for your freight.
Cargo vans have the ability to handle a load of 1-3 pallets. They can hold freight up to 3000 lbs. They’re perfect for places without a loading dock, as they are able to be loaded up at ground level.
Box trucks have the ability to handle a load of 4-6 pallets. They can hold freight up to 3000 lbs. They can be loaded at both ground and dock level, making this a good option for those with or without loading docks.
Straight trucks have the ability to handle a load of 7-14 pallets. They can hold freight up to 8000 lbs. Just like Box trucks, they are able to be loaded at both ground a dock level.
A subsection of cargo vans; sprinter vans are able to hold up to 3000 lbs of freight and can hold up to 4 pallets. They don’t require a liftgate and can easily navigate residential areas.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
What Makes STL Different to LTL
Outwardly, LTL and STL may seem the exact same. But there are plenty of differences between the two methods of shipping.
Handling
With LTL shipping, freight goes through many different hands. Between pick-up and delivery, freight is brought to one or more terminals where it’s loaded onto different trucks. With STL shipping, the moment the freight is picked up, it never leaves the truck. It remains where it was loaded until delivery, ensuring minimal handling.
Accessibility
One of the biggest differences between LTL and STL shipping is accessibility. LTL shipping uses semi-trucks, making it hard to get into residential areas. Semi-trucks sometimes require a liftgate or loading dock to be used, which can be an added expense if they aren’t available. STL shipping uses smaller trucks, which are easily able to get into neighborhoods and don’t require a liftgate to be used.
Personalization
STL shipping services are personalized to you. Whereas LTL shipping places your freight onto a shared truck, STL shipping designates a truck just for you. It’s easy to make last-minute changes and to receive timely updates during STL shipping.
Small Truckload Shipping FAQ
Q. What size shipment qualifies for Small Truckload?
Most STL shipments consist of approximately 1 to 14 standard pallets and weigh between 3000 and 8000 lbs.
Q. Is Small Truckload more affordable than Full Truckload?
Yes. With STL, you’re paying for less space and less gasoline usage. When an entire semi-truck may not be loaded, you’re losing money, but by using all the space in a box truck, you’re utilizing the space you’ve paid for.
Q. Can STL shipments be delivered to residential locations?
Yes! Cargo vans, box trucks, and straight trucks can easily maneuver residential areas safely and efficiently.
Q. Can hazardous materials be moved using STL?
Yes. Though cargo vans aren’t able to transport hazardous materials, Box and Straight trucks can.
Q. Are refrigerated STL shipping methods offered?
Yes. If you have items that need to be kept cold, such as food or flowers, there are refrigerated STL options for you to choose from.
Q. Can fragile items be shipped using Small Truckload?
Yes, fragile items can be shipped using small truckload shipping. When it comes to fragile items, there may be worries about how they’re handled while in transit. With STL, there’s no extra handling halfway through the journey, ensuring no damage comes to fragile items.
Q. Do I need to palletize my shipment?
To improve loading efficiency and avoid potential damage, it’s best to properly package and palletize your freight.
Q. Where can I find my shipments freight class?
You can use FreightCenter’s freight class lookup tool to determine your shipment’s freight class.
Q. Are STL shipments insured?
Basic liability coverage is offered by the carrier, but FreightCenter offers third-party freight insurance at competitive rates.
Q. Is Small Truckload shipping available nationwide?
Yes. Though some carriers only operate regionally, there are a few that will go coast-to-coast. We’ll help you choose the right solution for your shipment.
Q. Can I track my shipment?
Yes. You’ll be able to track your shipment through FreightCenter. Once your shipment is in transit, you’ll receive a tracking number, allowing you to monitor pickup, transit, and delivery.
Q. Can I schedule a specific pickup date through FreightCenter?
Yes! Our carriers offer flexible pickup windows, making it easy for you to choose when a shipment should go out.
Q. Can I request accessorial services through FreightCenter?
Yes. You can choose from our full range of accessorial services, including liftgate services. Simply make a note of it while getting your quote.
Q. Why should I choose FreightCenter for Small Truckload services?
FreightCenter has 25+ years of experience, a network of more than 20,000 carriers, and expert logistics support experience. We make it our mission to provide you with cost-effective and trustworthy rates.
Q. What information is needed to get a Small Truckload shipping quote?
To receive an accurate quote, provide the shipment’s correct dimensions, weight, pickup and delivery ZIP codes, and any specialized handling requirements. You can get an accurate shipping quote using FreightCenter’s online shipping quote tool or speak with an expert at (800) 716-7608.
Advantages of STL Shipping
Cost-Effectiveness
Using Small Truckload shipping helps save you not just time, but also money. Instead of paying for the entire space of a semi-truck and not using it, you’re paying for a smaller truck with space that will be used entirely. These smaller trucks also have lower maintenance costs and fuel consumption, leading to a cheaper option for consumers.
Handling & Care
When shipping fragile or high-value items, there’s always the worry of damage occurring. STL minimizes the risk of damage occurring to freight while on the road. With minimal handling and a dedicated route, your freight will be safe and secure on its journey.
Time Sensitivity
If your freight needs to be delivered to its destination quickly, STL is the way to go. With STL, there’s no stopping at multiple terminals or moving the freight from the truck. Without multiple stops, your freight will be delivered faster than if using LTL or TL.
