Less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (TL or FTL) are two terms that businesses should be familiar with if they handle product storage and shipment.

Both modes of transportation have advantages and disadvantages and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. For quotes, availability, and more information, it is always best to contact a reputable transportation and logistics company.

LTL Benefits

LTL is ideal for businesses with small shipping requirements. LTL loads are typically between 100 pounds (the limit for most parcel carriers) and 10,000 pounds (when a full truckload is more appropriate).

To fill a single trailer, the shipping company will combine shipments from multiple businesses. This means you will only pay a portion of the truckload’s cost. If your shipment fills one-quarter of the truck, you only pay for that (ignoring weight considerations).

The flexibility of LTL shipping can benefit small and medium-sized businesses. Orders can be placed on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the need. When preparing shipments for LTL transport, goods should be well packaged and consolidated because they will most likely be handled multiple times during transportation.

Full Truckload (FTL or TL) Benefits

Truckload shipping is ideal for businesses with high volume shipping needs or who require expedited delivery because it is faster and eliminates the need for multiple stops.

LTL trucks must accommodate the needs of all businesses because they have more destinations and pick-up locations. TL means that all of your products will be delivered together, giving you peace of mind that there will be little chance of delay or damage.

When shipping a large quantity of goods, TL is unquestionably the more cost-effective shipping method.

ProConnect Integrated Logistics – Your Warehousing & Freight Forwarding Partner

A third-party logistics firm can help shippers mitigate a variety of risks throughout the supply chain by outsourcing certain logistics functions. By partnering with a 3PL, a shipper can free up time to concentrate on his or her core competencies without suffering from the ever-shifting logistics landscape.

If you are looking for a partner to take care of all your logistics hassles, talk to us.