There are threecommon modes of shipping: Less-than-Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), andSmall Package shipping.When shipping freight it is important for a company to evaluate the best method for shipping their productsto its destination. In today’s blog post we examine the benefits of these threemodes of shipping.
3 Modes of Shipping Freight
1. Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
LTL shipping is when multiple companies ship their freight on the same truck. Typically, companies will use LTL shipping if their shipment contains less than 6 pallets and/or weighs between 150-10,000 lbs.
LTL shipping is beneficial for companies as it cost less than Truckload shipping. Companies are able to split shipping costs with other businesses shipping freight on the same truck making LTL shipping the more budget-friendly option. This method of shipping can take longer to reach itsfinal destination but skilled Transportation companies will work to pair shipments together on a truck based on destination.
2. Truckload (TL)
TL shipping is when an entire truck is dedicated to one company’s shipment. Typically a company will use TL shipping if they have 10 or more pallets, freight weighing over 10,000 lbs, high risk freight, or time-sensitive shipments.
While TL shipping is more expensive than LTL shipping it can be beneficial for companies as their shipment stays in the same truck from point A to point B therefore products that are in high demand can be delivered quickly.
3. Small Package Shipments
Small package shipments are used for freight weighing less than 150 lbs. Typically this method of shipment is used whenindividual packages are sent to different consumers located close to one another. UPS and FedEx are examples of Transportation companies that ship mainly small package shipments. Companies will send packages using these transport companies when they need to send a small package to a consumer quickly.
This method is mostly used for individual packages instead of pallets and can include a higher risk of damages since the transportation company is dealing with a high number of packages from multiple companies, all going to different destinations.
Sources:
http://www.jbttransport.com/what-are-the-differences-between-ltl-and-ftl-shipping/
http://cerasis.com/2016/05/18/ltl-shipping-best-practices
FAQs
There are different types of freight transportation. Freight, or goods and cargo for shipment, can be transported by air, sea, or land. Choosing the right type for your business is essential to ensure convenient, timely, and accurate delivery of your goods.
What is the difference between TL and LTL shipments? ›
Truckload and less than truckload are both excellent options for small business shipping. The transport of freight that doesn't require the entire space of a truck is also known as less than truckload (LTL) shipping, whereas full truckload (FTL) shipments take up the full space or weight limit of an entire trailer.
What is mode TL? ›
Truck Load Orders (TL)
TL Orders are “full” truckloads of A to B shipments from our dock to your destination.
What is TL and LTL in supply chain management? ›
It's about logistics. Truckload (TL) and less than truckload (LTL) are both excellent options. However, it primarily depends on what type of business and how large of a business you are when comparing. Depending on your specific freight requirements, one option is likely better suited than the other.
What is the 3 method in shipping? ›
There are three primary methods of shipping: ground, air, and maritime. Ground shipping is the most common, and typically the cheapest, method of shipping. It uses trucks and trains to transport goods over land.
What is 3 way shipping? ›
The names derives from the way they can send their shipment by either Land, Air or Ocean. The company was founded by Florencio Mario Simao Martins in May 2001. 3Way also works on Freight services, freight forwarding, and as a cargo agent.
What type of shipping is LTL? ›
Less than truckload (LTL) freight refers to the transportation of products or goods that do not require a full truckload.
What does TL stand for in freight? ›
A truckload (TL) refers to a quantity of freight that is large enough to fill an entire trailer. This typically translates to somewhere in the region of 24 to 30 pallets or 20k – 45K lbs. for standard equipment and 46K – 50K lbs.
Is TL or LTL more expensive? ›
Pros of LTL
It's less expensive than using the full truck because you share costs with shipping partners.
What are the different modes of freight? ›
The four main types of freight transportation are road (ground), rail, ocean, and air. Each mode offers unique processes and benefits, catering to different shipping needs and distances.
Generally speaking, LTL is for shipments that weigh more than 150 lbs. but less than 15,000 lbs., are no more than 10 pallets and no longer than 12 linear feet.
What is a TL carrier? ›
Truckload carriers are trucking companies that move full truckloads of freight directly from the point of origin to the destination. This type of carrier typically uses owner-operators, who are independent contractors that own and operate their own trucks.
What is LTL method? ›
Less than truckload freight shipping (LTL) is used for the transportation of small freight or when freight doesn't require the use of an entire trailer. This shipping method can be used when freight weighs between 150 and 15,000 pounds.
What is the difference between LTL and package? ›
LTL shipping, as contrast to parcel transportation, often handles bigger packages. This means that LTL shipping can work for large, occasionally oddly shaped freight. LTL shipments are often palletized and housed in a damage-free environment, making them a less dangerous choice for carriers.
Why is it called LTL? ›
“LTL” means “less than truckload.” Less than truckload LTL shipping refers to a truckload shipping method used for transporting a shipment which is larger than a parcel but light enough or small enough that it doesn't require a full truckload.
What are the shipment types? ›
Air freight via planes. Ocean freight via ships. Ground freight via trucks. Multimodal freight via a combination of vehicles.
What are the 3 groups of cargo? ›
Group A: Cargoes that may liquefy Solid bulk cargoes categorized into three distinct groups in the Code: Group B: Cargoes that possess chemical hazards Group C: Non- harzardous cargoes (cargoes that do not meet Group A or B)
Which are the 3 processes in a shipment lifecycle? ›
The three stages of the shipping process consists of receiving, processing, and fulfilling an order. These stages impact how quickly and accurately you can prepare a customer order and have it shipped directly to its end destination.
What are the three types of freight? ›
Water, earth, air – these are not only three of the four classical elements, but also the three physical fundamentals for the transport of goods: as sea freight, land freight, or air freight.
