Types of LTL Carriers and When to Use Them
Whether you’re new to LTL freight shipping or just looking to expand your supply chain’s carrier reach, knowing the different types of LTL carriers and how and when to use them is important. And not all carriers are the same! We’re guiding you through the different types of LTL carriers and when to use them so you can optimize your supply chain.
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Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
What is LTL Shipping?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient method for shipping freight. It’s essentially a rideshare for your freight cargo, where your cargo shares the space in the back of a freight truck with other shippers’ shipments. That makes LTL shipping the most affordable and popular mode of freight transportation.
Shippers might choose LTL shipping for:
–Cargo weighing more than 150 pounds.
–Large, bulky items.
–Palletized or crated shipments.
–Shipments that don’t require the use of the entire trailer.
–Shipping cargo through local terminals and distribution centers.
–Business shippers and individuals who want affordable freight rates.
Types of LTL Carriers and When to Use Them
The type of LTL carrier you use is entirely dependent on your shipping needs and the scale at which your business is growing. Geography and freight distance also plays a huge role in deciding the right type of LTL carrier and when to use them. Let’s discuss the 4 main types of LTL carriers that are most commonly known and used in the LTL shipping industry.
National Carriers
National LTL carriers service shipments across the country. These carriers maximize your coverage and, in a sense, streamline your supply chain, since you’d only need to ship with one carrier to complete your shipment. These carriers are great for businesses that are expanding to a national scale and are shipping large amounts of cargo regularly.
Multi-Regional Carriers
There are LTL carriers out there who serve multiple regions of the country, but not the entire country. These are known as multi-regional LTL carriers. If you don’t need national shipping coverage but still need to move a high volume of cargo across states, look into multi-regional LTL carriers for securing capacity.
Regional LTL Carriers
Regional carriers are the most well-known alongside national carriers. They only serve specific regions of the country; some in the Northeast, others in the Southwest, etc. If you’re shipping across states but not on a national scale, for example Florida to Georgia, regional LTL carriers will work better for you.
Sub-Regional Carriers
If you’re shipping locally or within state lines, sub-regional LTL carriers are your best bet. Although they have a smaller coverage area, these carriers offer more competitive rates than you’d find at the national and multi-national levels, and you will most likely be able to find capacity much easier as well.
Expand Your Supply Chain with FreightCenter
Utilizing the right types of LTL carriers and knowing when to use them is an important part of your supply chain strategy. Depending on what your business needs, you can incorporate different types of LTL carriers into your network so you can operate at scale and continue to deliver outstanding customer service.
FreightCenter can help simplify this whole process for you! Leverage our large network of fully vetted LTL carriers with discounted rates. Easily compare all the options that work for your personalized shipment details in our powerful transportation management system (TMS) software and find the right LTL carrier on the most efficient lane. Combine that with our expert logistics agents who are available to assist and answer any questions – it’s a combo you can’t beat!
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To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Rail shipping is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation method that utilizes trains to move goods over long distances. It's known for its efficiency in handling large volumes of cargo, making it a sustainable and economical choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transport options.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the different types of LTL carriers?
LTL carriers are typically categorized into several types, including:
- Regional Carriers: Operate within a specific geographic area.
- National Carriers: Provide coverage across the entire country.
- Asset-Based Carriers: Own and operate their trucks and equipment.
- Non-Asset-Based Carriers (3PLs): Work as brokers connecting shippers with carriers.
- Expedited LTL Carriers: Specialize in time-sensitive deliveries.
- Specialty Carriers: Handle unique freight like hazardous materials or temperature-controlled goods.
Q. What is the difference between asset-based and non-asset-based LTL carriers?
- Asset-Based Carriers: Own the trucks and equipment, offering better control and consistency.
- Non-Asset-Based Carriers (3PLs): Act as intermediaries, using networks of multiple carriers to find cost-effective solutions. They provide flexibility and a wider range of options but may have less direct control over the freight.
Q. How do I choose the right type of LTL carrier for my shipment?
To select the right carrier:
- Consider the distance (regional vs. national).
- Assess the urgency (standard vs. expedited carriers).
- Evaluate the type of freight (specialty carriers for unique cargo).
- Determine shipment size and weight (volume LTL carriers for large loads).
- Review your budget and service needs (asset-based for reliability, non-asset-based for cost savings).
Q. Can LTL carriers handle fragile or high-value goods?
Yes, some LTL carriers specialize in handling fragile or high-value goods. These carriers often provide additional services like padded van transport, specialized packaging, or enhanced tracking and security measures. Always confirm the carrier’s capability to handle your specific freight type before booking.
Q. How can I compare rates between different types of LTL carriers?
Freight brokers or 3PLs can help you compare rates and services across various LTL carriers. They consider factors like shipment weight, size, destination, and additional requirements (e.g., liftgate or residential delivery) to find the most cost-effective carrier that meets your needs.
Choose FreightCenter and You Get
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your small business for the intricate world of logistics.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer you tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs, no matter what kind of small business you are.
