Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping

LTL companies offer cost and time advantages over traditional methods

Your business is growing, new orders are coming in and products are moving quickly out the door. You realize that running to the post office with an armful of boxes several times a day is a distant memory.

It may be time to look at a less-than-truckload model.

Less-than-truckload carriers allow you to:

1. Create a bulk shipment by shrink-wrapping lots of smaller boxes together or strapping them onto a palette
2. Arrange routes so the same driver will visit the same shipper about the same time every day
3. Have drivers who pick up goods from multiple shippers and consolidate freight into a single truckload
4. Track shipments through a centralized distribution network until products reach their final destination

Stick with

If your business already uses UPS for shipping, save yourself some time by checking out LTL services offered by UPS Freight.

Pick a shipping partner

While the big shippers offer these services, it may be worth shopping around and see how other vendors stack up.
Business.com for a comprehensive listing of LTL carriers and service vendors.

Bone up on LTL basics

Brush up on key differences between traditional shipping methods and less-than-truckload services.

Leverage technology

As your shipping volume increases, you'll likely be juggling more contract documents, shipping notices, invoices, price quotes and a host of other related documents. Take a look at how software tools and Web sites can help you get a handle on these activities.

Get schooled

Stay up to speed on the latest industry trends.

• Per-pound shipping prices are often cheaper than parcel post rates, but the amount of time between pickup and delivery is usually longer because packages make several stops along the way.
• Be sure to factor in possible insurance costs, which will increase shipping expenses.
• Set up a flexible program that addresses seasonality issues, relies on various transportation modes and takes into account customer requests for delivery.

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