Truckload Freight Shipping

Basics of Full Truckload Transportation

Spring is a significant time for freight shipping throughout the United States. With the thawing of the winter freeze, freight shipments have become increasingly vital to companies across all industries. Learning about the Basics of FTL Transportation is the primary means of transporting goods and supplies this season thanks to its cost efficiency and reliability. Full TL often referred to as FTL, is a shipping method where a single shipment occupies the entire space of a truck. Here are some basics of FTL transportation:

• Capacity: FTL shipments typically occupy the entire trailer space, which can vary in size depending on the type of truck. The most common trailer sizes are 48 and 53 feet.
• Cost: FTL transportation costs are generally lower than other shipping methods, such as LTL shipping, as there is no need to share space or pay for additional handling.
  Transit Time: FTL shipments often have faster transit times than LTL shipments since the truck goes directly from the pickup location to the delivery location without any stops.
• Volume: FTL shipments are best suited for larger loads that occupy the entire space of a truck, typically weighing 10,000 pounds or more. Smaller shipments can be more cost-effective to ship using LTL shipping.
• Flexibility: FTL transportation provides greater flexibility than LTL shipping since the entire truck is dedicated to the shipment. This allows for specific pickup and delivery times and reduces the risk of damage or loss due to multiple handling.
• Tracking: FTL transportation typically provides real-time tracking, allowing the shipper and recipient to know the exact location of the shipment and its estimated delivery time.

In summary, full truckload transportation is a shipping method best suited for larger shipments that require the entire truck space. It is a cost-effective and efficient way to transport goods over long distances, and it provides greater flexibility and faster transit times than other shipping methods.

Truckload Transportation Service

Truckload freight shipping involves one truck carrying a single freight shipment from point A to point B. This type of freight service is often more cost-effective than other freight services since only one shipment needs to be moved at a time, as opposed to multiple loads on different trucks. It also allows for faster transit times since fewer stops are required, and a single route can be planned.

One glaring difference between LTL and FTL shipments is dependable pickup and delivery times. Full-truckload services offer strict pickup and delivery dates for freight shipments, ensuring your load makes it from its pickup point to its final destination on time. In addition, FTL freight shipping offers more safety and security than other freight options, as each piece of cargo gets its dedicated truck.

This helps reduce the risk of damage or theft, which can occur when multiple shipments are loaded onto one truck. Additionally, truckload freight makes it easier for companies to track their shipments while in transit, providing visibility into the location of their goods throughout the journey. The reliability and security offered by TL freight make it an ideal choice for companies shipping large volumes of goods during springtime.

For example, manufacturers may transport parts or raw materials long distances to meet production deadlines or restock their inventory after a lull in activity due to winter weather conditions. Similarly, retailers may need additional supplies for peak shopping seasons such as Easter or Mother’s Day, which require quick delivery times and careful handling of fragile merchandise.

For all these reasons, freight shipping continues to be an essential part of logistics operations throughout the United States during springtime — providing customers with cost-efficient transportation solutions and ensuring goods arrive safely at their destination on schedule. Companies looking for reliable freight solutions this season should consider partnering with FreightCenter when shipping FTL.

FreightCenter Simplifies Truckload Freight Services

Since its inception, FreightCenter has successfully transported over 400,000 full loads We combine our innovative transportation management system (TMS) technology to streamline and centralize the shipping process. In addition, our shippers have a dedicated freight account manager who works with them every step to handle even the most unique shipping needs.

Expert shipping agents know the logistics industry inside and out. They can help you find affordable shipping freight rates suitable freight carriers for your cargo, choose the best accessorials or specialized Flatbed Freight Services, and more. Partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) takes the guesswork and stress out of shipping Services.

Types of Truckload Services Offered

• Standard Trailer 48ft or 53ft
• Trade Show Shipping
• Oversize or Heavy Haul Shipping
• Refrigerated Shipping
• Rail Service
• Heavy Haul Shipping
• Expedited Freight Shipping
• Air-Ride Services
• Drayage Port Services

What To Use LTL or FTL?

This may be a question you have asked yourself more than once. Generally speaking, LTL shipping is the most popular shipping form. However, if you are shipping cargo weighing 5,000 pounds or more, you should compare the benefits and costs of both FTL and LTL shipping. Here are some guidelines to help you choose between LTL and FTL shipping:

Shipment size: LTL shipping is typically used for smaller shipments than a full truckload, weighing between 150 and 15,000 pounds. If your load exceeds 15,000 pounds or requires an entire truck, FTL shipping is likely the better option.
Transit time: If your shipment requires expedited delivery, FTL shipping is generally faster than LTL shipping since there are no additional stops or transfers. However, if your load is not time-sensitive, LTL shipping may be a more cost-effective.
Cost: LTL shipping is generally less expensive than FTL shipping since the price is shared among multiple shippers. If you have a smaller shipment and want to save money, LTL shipping may be the better option. However, if you have a larger load, FTL shipping may be more cost-effective since the entire truck is dedicated to your shipment.
Fragility: If your shipment is fragile or requires special handling, FTL shipping may be a better option since there is less risk of damage due to multiple handling. LTL shipments are typically transferred various times between carriers, which can increase the risk of damage.
Destination: If your shipment goes to a remote or hard-to-reach location, FTL shipping may be the better option since LTL carriers may not provide service to those areas. FTL carriers typically have a broader coverage area and can deliver to more locations.

In summary, choosing between LTL and FTL shipping depends on the shipment size, transit time requirements, budget, fragility of the goods, and the destination. Evaluating these factors carefully is essential to choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping option for your specific needs.

The most common equipment used for shipping freight is dry vans. Full truckload freight shipping makes use of a variety of equipment, including:

–Dry vans
–Refrigerated vans
–Flatbed trucks
–Step decks
–Removable gooseneck

When is Truckload Freight Better Than LTL?

Shipments exceeding 10,000 pounds often are better shipped as a truckload. However, it depends on the commodity being transported. Shipping a full loada is not the least expensive transportation option, but it can be much faster than LTL freight because it requires no truck transfers (e.g., unloading and reloading your load). This service is also ideal for unpackaged things requiring refrigeration, climate control, flatbeds, or other special accommodations for oversized or overweight shipments. Truckload freight is better than LTL (less-than-truckload) in several situations, including:

FTL is better for larger shipments if you have a shipment large enough to fill an entire truck or close to it, FTL (full-truckload) shipping is a better option than LTL. Shipping a large volume of goods using LTL can be expensive and time-consuming since it requires multiple pickups and deliveries. Shipping Costs are also an advantage for FTL or LT if you have a shipment weighing over 10,000 pounds, FTL shipping can be more cost-effective than LTL. FTL shipping rates are typically lower per mile than LTL rates, and you can avoid the additional charges that LTL carriers charge for multiple pickups and deliveries.

The security and safety of your shipment is better for truckload if your shipment is fragile, hazardous, or valuable. Since FTL shipments are not consolidated with other loads, there is less risk of damage or theft during transit.
Transit Time: FTL shipping is generally faster than LTL shipping since there are no additional stops or transfers along the way. If your shipment requires expedited delivery or has strict transit time requirements, FTL shipping may be the better option. Finally the convenience of FTL shipping can be more convenient than LTL since you only need to coordinate with one carrier for the entire shipment rather than coordinating with multiple carriers for LTL shipping.

In summary, FTL shipping is better than LTL for larger shipments, cost savings, security and safety, transit time, and convenience. Evaluating these factors carefully is essential to choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping option for your specific needs.

Shipments exceeding 10,000 pounds often are better shipped as a truckload. However, it depends on the commodity being transported. Truckload freight shipping is not the least expensive transportation option, but it can be much faster than LTL freight because it requires no truck transfers (e.g., unloading and reloading your load). This service is also ideal for unpackaged things requiring refrigeration, climate control, flatbeds, or other special accommodations for oversized or overweight shipments.

• Freight weighing more than 5000 pounds.
• Large, dense, or bulky items that are outside of the LTL Scope
• Time Sensitive or Expedited Freight Shipping Needs
• Business shippers and individuals who want affordable TL Freight Services.

Compare Truck Freight Rates

When you complete a FreightCenter quote, you’ll instantly receive a list of carriers to choose from. These carriers each have their own set of services, estimated transit time and price. You get to choose the one that works best for your shipping needs.

Getting a quote is easy. You can complete one online using our quote form. We even have one in the top right corner of this page. Or, you can get a quote here. You can also request one over the phone by calling 800.716.7608.

To Get An Accurate Truckload Rate, this information must be correct.

• Origin address. Is it a commercial or residential location? Is it a limited access area? Is there a lift gate or loading dock available?
• Destination address. Is it a commercial or residential location? Is it a limited access area? Is there a lift gate or loading dock available? Does the consignor require a call before delivery?
• Packaging. Is the item packaged securely in a box, crate, or barrel? Is it secured on a pallet?
• Size and weight. What are the total dimensions of the item(s), including packaging? How about the total weight?
• Freight class. The density and commodity of your shipment determine its freight class. If you’re unsure what class to use, our quote form will select one according to the density. Sometimes, the determined class could be wrong because of the commodity type. A freight expert will review your quote before booking to ensure it is correct.

Truckload shipping rates and (LTL) shipping rates will vary. While LTL shipping can accommodate many shippers’ needs, it might not match your needs. If your freight is large or oversized, exceeds 5,000 to 10,000 pounds (depending on commodity), requires the entire trailer space, or needs climate control, refrigeration, or special equipment, such as flatbeds, you may need FTL shipping.

Truckload shipping is best for small to medium-sized businesses moving large shipments, requiring minor handling and speedy transit. But TL shipping is different in how rates are determined. Understanding the critical elements of FTL rates will help you optimize your shipping strategy. Here’s what you need to know about TL shipping rates.

Truckload Shipping Rates

Unlike LTL shipping rates, FTL rates aren’t determined by freight class. However, there are a few things to know to help you source the best TL shipping rate for your freight. What goes into figuring out shipping rates? What do you need to know before you talk to your third-party logistics provider (3PL) about shipping? Here are some key factors that affect your truckload freight rate:

Distance. Shipping rates change (sometimes dramatically) depending on the distance between the zip codes from the sender to the receiver. The farther your shipment is traveling, the higher your rate will go. However, calculating distance ahead helps you get a more accurate quote and can help you plan for the cost.

Shipping and handling. When you choose truckload shipping, you also select less handling since your freight is the only one in the trailer. That means less loading and unloading, which reduces the chances of damage in transit and helps decrease potential costs for you.

Delivery. Is your shipment time sensitive? Does it need to arrive at its destination quickly? These are essential questions to answer ahead of time because the more discreet your shipment is, the sooner your freight must be delivered, and the higher your rate will be.

Capacity: If you’re shipping during certain peak truckload shipping seasons, your shipping rate is likely to be higher than if you are shipping during a quieter time of year. The holidays, produce season, and public health needs, such as vaccine distribution, can cause capacity issues and drive up shipping costs.

Transportation and equipment type. With TL shipping, you get options for types of transportation equipment. Because there are a few transportation options, you can bet each choice has a different cost. Here are some common shipping transportation and equipment options to consider when deciding what your freight shipment requires.

Dry van: Using a dry van carrier is best when transporting typically packaged freight that doesn’t have specific instructions, special requirements, or needs temperature control. This enclosed trailer protects your shipment from the elements. It’s like your essential car for truckloads.

Flatbed: When shipping more extensive manufacturing and construction equipment, choosing a flatbed carrier will often provide the best solution with its flat, open-bed trailer. You would select this transport method for overlength and oversized shipments. Due to the types of cargo being shipped via the flatbed method, rates for flatbed shipping may be higher because handling each load requires special attention.

Refrigerated: When you need t ship refrigerated, frozen, or temperature-sensitive items, you will need a refrigerated container (or reefer container). Since this is a particular type of equipment, refrigerated truckload freight rates are often higher than regular dry van shipments. This is because of the extra fuel needed to control the temperature during transit.

Step deck: Step decks or drop deck trailers are the best equipment for the job when your load needs to be closer to the ground to accommodate forklift loading and unloading.

Removable gooseneck: Removable gooseneck or RGN refers to trailers with very low decks that can be used for hauling freight that can be driven onto a trailer (cars, construction vehicles, etc.).

4 Advantages of Full Truckload Freight Shipping

Great news, we have got the solution for you, and let’s face it, you are short on time and looking for ways to decrease your freight spending. If you are a small to medium-sized business owner or manager, you may be interested in our four advantages of full truckload freight shipping.

You can make your customers happy, reduce transit times and improve your shipping strategy. Depending on the type, size, or amount of freight you’re shipping, the advantages of FTL shipping could be precisely what you need.

All shipping methods have their benefits, depending on the type and quantity of freight you are shipping. Below are some of the most common advantages of full truckload freight shipping:

Negotiable Rates: The rates quoted by carriers for LTL shipments are not negotiable. You have your choice of carriers, but your 3PL (freight broker) doesn’t have the opportunity to negotiate the already-discounted rate. With a full truckload, the rates are set in real-time by what the market will bear. That means your 3PL has more opportunities to negotiate a better rate.

A carrier might be willing to negotiate their rate because they need a backhaul load for their return trip. Or, they might consider the city where your load will be a preferred destination. For whatever reason, you save money.

Time Savings: TL shipping can shave two days off your transit time by eliminating the extra handling involved with LTL shipments involving at least three trucks and two freight terminals. Full truckload shipments are picked up and delivered by the same truck with no extra stops between the pickup and delivery locations.

There is no other cargo to pick up, no terminal to go to, and no need to transfer the shipment to a delivery vehicle. This is because FTL shipping means your cargo requires the entire trailer space and won’t share space with other shippers’ freight like it would when shipping via LTL. If your shipment is time sensitive and requires the use of the entire trailer space, then a whole truckload is likely your best option.

Fewer Hassles: Less than truckload shipping revolves around accuracy. Every shipping unit (pallet, crate, etc.) Carriers audit the shipment and re-weight and re-measure. Knowing the freight class and density of your shipment, along with the requirement of certain accessorials and options like liftgates and oversized freight, can make LTL shipping more cumbersome.

Booking a TL shipment, you pay for the exclusive use of the vehicle and driver, not the shipment details, which determine LTL rates.

Reduced Risks: When your shipment has the entire truck to itself, you don’t have to worry about another shipper’s cargo damaging yours. Or vice versa, where another shipper may blame you for damage to their shipment. While additional 3rd party cargo insurance is still advisable in case of an unavoidable circumstance caused by weather, accident, or unforeseen delay, FTL shipping reduces some risks by eliminating shared trailer space.

Book Your Full Truckload Freight Shipping with FreightCenter

Overall, no matter the commodity being shipped, ensure you take advantage of FTL freight services during your springtime shipping strategy., ensure you take advantage of truckload freight services during your springtime shipping strategy, regardless of the commodity being shipped; these services can provide fast, secure, and cost-effective delivery solutions when transporting large quantities or items that may not fit in an LTL shipment.

With its many benefits, TL freight shipping can be invaluable for meeting production deadlines and restocking inventory quickly. Companies seeking reliable freight services this time of year should consider utilizing truckload freight as an ideal solution for all their freight needs.

FreightCenter has over 20-plus years of experience shipping truckload freight from sea to shining sea and beyond. From shingles to farm equipment or a pair of used excavators, FreightCenter’s carriers are equipped to ship any commodities! By partnering with us, you can guarantee your shipment arrives safely and on time.

Where to start when it comes to shipping large freight? Let FreightCenter help you with your truckload freight shipments. Get a free online quote today, or contact our trained freight agents at 800.716.7608 for more assistance in adequately packing and safely shipping your freight.

Full truckload may be a better shipping option for some types of shipments. However, it’s worth looking into whenever your shipment weighs more than 5,000 pounds or requires the use of the entire trailer space.

The freight shipping and logistics industry is complex, and it can be overwhelming to figure it out. FreightCenter can help you get your full TL shipment booked from California to Massachusetts and everywhere. You’ll get expert shipping help and access to tools, resources, and our transportation management system (TMS). We can help you streamline your operations and shipping process, saving you time to focus on growing your business.

Excellent Customer Service, On-time Delivery

Our team takes the time to listen and understand your needs. We ask questions to help know and understand what’s being shipped. We then use those details to share the best overall fit options. This process takes attention to the point and planning to get it right every time.

We’re transportation specialists who help you navigate details to get your freight moving. Locally, regionally or nationally, we think you’ll agree that FreightCenter is the best solution for freight shipping.

We’re Winners

• Been shipping truckload freight since 1998
• Financially strong & stable
• 99.5% on-time delivery
• Multilingual
• Exceptional proprietary tracking management software
• Flexible enough to meet most needs

Ready to discuss your options? Give our truckload experts a call today at 8007167608.