Less Than Truckload Shipping
Cost-effective shared-trailer shipping for palletized freight
Overview
When LTL Is the Right Choice
Less Than Truckload shipping is designed for freight that does not require an entire trailer. Your shipment shares space with other shippers' freight, which keeps costs proportional to the space and weight you actually use. LTL is one of the most common freight shipping modes for businesses that move palletized goods regularly.
LTL typically works best for shipments between 150 and 10,000 pounds, especially when the freight is properly palletized and can be handled with standard equipment. If your shipment can be loaded and unloaded at a dock, fits on standard pallets, and does not require exclusive use of a truck, LTL is likely a good fit.
Weight & Pallets
Pallet and Weight Considerations
Accurate Weight Matters
LTL rates are calculated in part by weight. Inaccurate weights can lead to re-weighs at the carrier terminal, resulting in adjusted invoices. Always weigh your freight before booking, including the weight of pallets, packaging, and any dunnage.
Pallet Count
The number of pallets or handling units affects both pricing and carrier capacity. Standard LTL carriers handle shipments from a single pallet up to six or more, depending on weight and volume. Beyond that threshold, partial freight may provide better economics.
Stackability
If your freight cannot be stacked or if other freight cannot be placed on top of it, the carrier may charge for the full vertical space above your pallet. Mark non-stackable freight clearly and communicate this at booking.
Dimensions
Why Dimensions Matter
LTL carriers use dimensions to calculate density, which directly influences freight class and pricing. Providing accurate length, width, and height measurements for each handling unit helps avoid billing adjustments after the shipment has been picked up.
Measure each pallet at its widest, longest, and tallest points, including any overhang or irregular shapes. For shipments with multiple handling units of different sizes, provide dimensions for each. Carriers increasingly use dimensioning equipment at their terminals, so the measurements will be verified.
Classification
Understanding Freight Class
Freight class is a standardized classification system that categorizes commodities for LTL shipping. Classes range from 50 to 500, with lower classes generally representing denser, more easily handled freight that costs less to ship. The classification is based on four characteristics:
- Density — weight per cubic foot of the shipment
- Stowability — how easily the freight can be arranged with other shipments
- Handling — the effort and equipment required to load and transport
- Liability — the value and fragility of the commodity
Freight classification is determined by NMFC standards. Rounding Third Logistics can assist with classification questions but is not the final authority on freight class assignments.
Accessorials
Accessorial Requirements
Additional services that may apply to your LTL shipment. Identifying these upfront avoids unexpected charges.
Liftgate Service
Required when the pickup or delivery location does not have a loading dock. A hydraulic liftgate on the truck raises or lowers freight to ground level.
Inside Delivery
When freight must be moved beyond the tailgate or dock to an interior room or specific area within the building. Must be requested at the time of booking.
Limited Access
Applies to locations that are difficult for standard trucks to access, such as construction sites, farms, storage facilities, or locations without paved roads.
Residential Delivery
Deliveries to a home address or a location in a residential area. LTL carriers classify these differently from commercial deliveries and they carry additional fees.
FAQ
LTL Shipping Questions
Request an LTL Quote
Provide your shipment details — commodity, weight, dimensions, and locations — and we will return competitive LTL rates.
Ready to Ship?
Get a free quote in minutes. Our team is ready to move your freight.