What Is Ups Freight Less-Than-Truckload?
What is LTL Shipping?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping refers to the transportation of relatively small freight quantities, usually between 150 and 15,000 pounds. Unlike full truckload (FTL) shipping that requires an entire trailer, LTL shipments from multiple customers are consolidated into a single trailer to reduce costs.
With LTL shipping, multiple LTL shipments from various businesses are transported together on one truck. The LTL carrier transports the consolidated shipment to a distribution hub, where freight is unloaded and sorted by destination. Each shipment is then reloaded and sent to its final destination.
Some key benefits of LTL shipping include:
- Lower costs – Shippers only pay for the space actually used rather than an entire truckload
- Efficiency – The carrier can consolidate multiple LTL shipments going to similar destinations
- Flexibility – LTL accommodates shipments that may be too large for parcel but too small for FTL
- Tracking – Shipments can be tracked door-to-door from origin to destination
LTL shipping works very well for businesses that need to regularly ship freight that does not require a full 48- or 53-foot trailer. It provides an affordable middle ground shipping solution.
UPS Freight LTL Services
UPS Freight offers a variety of less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping services to meet the needs of businesses across many industries UPS Freight LTL Service. LTL shipping involves consolidating multiple shippers’ freight into partial loads that are transported together in the same truck. This makes LTL an affordable shipping solution for businesses that don’t have enough freight to fill an entire truckload.
UPS Freight operates one of the largest LTL networks in North America with over 200 service centers and 35,000 trailers UPS Freight LTL Info. Key LTL services offered include:
- Standard LTL for reliable transit times at economical rates
- Guaranteed Priority LTL for time-critical shipments
- Temperature-controlled LTL utilizing insulated trailers for shipments requiring refrigeration or freezing
- LTL Freight Forwarding to and from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico
- Residential LTL with liftgate delivery and inside delivery options
UPS Freight also provides freight tracking, proof of delivery, claims, and billing services to support LTL shipping. Customers can easily get LTL quotes, schedule pickups, and manage shipments online.
Industries that Use LTL
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is commonly used across many industries that need to transport smaller shipments efficiently. Here are some of the main industries that utilize LTL services:
Manufacturing – LTL is heavily used in the manufacturing industry to transport parts, components, and finished products between suppliers, production facilities, and distribution centers. For example, an automotive manufacturer may use LTL to ship seats, dashboards and other components from parts suppliers to their assembly plants.
Retail – Retailers rely on LTL to move merchandise from vendors and distribution centers to retail stores in less than truckload quantities. For instance, a clothing retailer may use LTL to ship new apparel to stores in time for the new fashion season.[1]
Food and Beverage – LTL is commonly used to transport ingredients, packaged foods, and beverages to production facilities, warehouses, and retail locations. For example, a bakery may have flour, sugar, and other baking ingredients delivered via LTL.
Healthcare – Medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals are often shipped LTL between healthcare product vendors, distribution centers, and hospitals/clinics. Things like medical devices, testing kits, and PPE can be transported efficiently via LTL.[2]
Determining if LTL is Right for You
There are several factors to consider when deciding between LTL shipping and other shipping options like full truckload (FTL) or parcel shipping:
Shipment size – LTL is optimal for shipments that are larger than a parcel but too small to require an entire truckload. A common threshold is anything between 150 to 15,000 pounds. For full truckload, shipments are typically over 10,000 pounds (Source).
Number of stops – LTL allows for multiple stops and consolidation, whereas FTL is point-to-point from origin to destination. LTL is better for deliveries to multiple locations (Source).
Timeframe – LTL shipments usually take 1-5 days for transit since they may be loaded/unloaded at multiple stops. FTL is faster at 1-3 days. LTL has more variability whereas FTL is more consistent (Source).
Type of freight – LTL works for dry goods, non-hazardous materials, and items stacked on pallets or in boxes. FTL is better for loose bulk, liquids, or hazardous materials that require a dedicated truck (Source).
Cost – LTL offers lower base rates but charges extra for each stop and accessorial fees. FTL has higher base rates but fewer additional fees. LTL costs less for smaller loads going to multiple destinations (Source).
How the LTL Shipping Process Works
The LTL shipping process involves coordination between the shipper, carrier, and recipient from start to finish. Here are the typical steps:
1. Request a Quote
To get started, you’ll request a free LTL quote from a carrier like UPS Freight. Be ready to provide details like shipment weight, distance, pickup/delivery times, and any special requirements.
2. Schedule your Shipment
Once you accept a quote, book and schedule your LTL pickup. Confirm the pickup/delivery times and locations with the carrier. Have shipments palletized, banded, shrinkwrapped and labeled.
3. Carrier Pickup
On the scheduled date, the trucker will arrive to pick up your palletized LTL freight using a box truck, flatbed or other specialized equipment.
4. LTL Consolidation
Your freight will be transported to a carrier hub facility where it will be unloaded, inspected and consolidated with other LTL freight heading in the same direction.
5. Linehaul Transport
Consolidated freight will be loaded onto a linehaul truck for transport within the carrier’s regional or long-haul network. Your freight may be reloaded onto several linehaul trucks during transit.
6. Delivery to Final Destination
Once at the final hub nearest your delivery address, your freight will be reloaded and trucked to the recipient’s location on a box truck.
7. Proof of Delivery
The recipient will inspect the shipment and sign a Proof of Delivery acknowledging successful receipt. You’ll receive a copy for your records.
LTL Transit Times
LTL transit times can range from 1-5 days for shorter distances up to 7-10 days for cross-country shipments. However, estimated transit times vary by carrier, location, and other factors. Typically, shipments traveling under 500 miles can expect 1-2 day transit times while shipments traveling over 1,000 miles across multiple states may take 5 or more days in transit.
Major LTL carriers like UPS Freight provide transit time calculators to estimate shipping times based on origin, destination, and weight. For example, according to the UPS Freight Transit Time Calculator, a 150 lb shipment from Los Angeles to Phoenix would take approximately 1 day in transit. However, that same shipment from Los Angeles to Boston would take roughly 6 days in transit. Other carriers like Old Dominion, Estes, FedEx Freight, also provide similar LTL transit time estimation tools online.
It’s important to note LTL transit times are not guaranteed and may be affected by weather, traffic, equipment issues, and other unforeseen factors. Shippers should build a buffer into time sensitive delivery requirements when estimating LTL shipping times.
LTL Rates and Pricing
LTL rates are based on the weight of the shipment and the distance it will travel. LTL carriers divide the country into different zones, and LTL rates are calculated based on the number of zones the shipment will cross.
The main factors that determine LTL pricing are:
- Weight – LTL shipments are priced on a per hundredweight (CWT) basis. One CWT equals 100 pounds. The more a shipment weighs, the more it will cost to ship.
- Distance – The further a shipment is traveling, the more zones it will cross and the higher the rate will be.
- Freight class – NMFC freight classes are assigned based on product density and ease of handling. Higher class shipments have higher rates.
- Additional services – Services like liftgate delivery, residential delivery, or guaranteed delivery times add surcharges and increase the total LTL price.
- Fuel surcharges – Due to frequent fuel price fluctuations, LTL carriers add a fuel surcharge percentage to the base rate.
Shippers receive discounted LTL rates based on their annual shipping volume and negotiated contracts with carriers. Online LTL pricing tools can provide estimates, but shippers need to obtain firm rates from their carrier representatives.
Comparing LTL rates between different carriers is key to finding the best price. Rates will vary between LTL providers based on regional network density and lane costs.
LTL Shipping Restrictions
LTL carriers have restrictions on the dimensions, weight, and types of items that can be shipped using their services. Understanding these limitations is key to determining if LTL is the right shipping method for your cargo.
In terms of size, individual pieces typically cannot exceed 12 feet in length or exceed 8 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet in dimension. Pieces above 6 feet in height often incur special handling fees as well. Most LTL carriers have a maximum weight of 15,000 pounds per shipment, with some allowing up to 20,000 pounds. The maximum weight per piece is usually around 5,000 pounds. Shipments are also subject to a minimum weight requirement, typically around 150 pounds.
There are limitations on the types of goods that can be shipped via LTL as well. Hazardous materials, high value goods, perishables, and fragile items often cannot be shipped or require special approval. Carriers also prohibit shipping certain commodities like firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and living plants and animals. Prohibited items vary by carrier so it’s important to check restrictions.
Exceeding size or weight restrictions can result in additional fees, delays, or refusal of the shipment. Knowing the limitations for your chosen LTL carrier is crucial to avoid issues.
Sources:
https://www.freightpros.com/blog/less-than-truckload/
LTL Tracking and Proof of Delivery
LTL shipments can be tracked to monitor the progress and verify delivery. Shippers are provided a PRO tracking number that can be entered on carrier websites like XPO and Old Dominion to view real-time updates.
Tracking typically includes origin scan, in transit scans, and destination scans. Once the shipment reaches the destination terminal, the final scan provides proof of delivery. Carriers like XPO allow shippers to get email or text alerts for status changes.
The delivery receipt records key details like recipient name, delivery location address, date, time, and signature. Shippers can access proof of delivery documents on the carrier website or request copies. Having proof of delivery is important for records and ensures the carrier completed delivery as expected.
LTL Claims Process
The LTL claims process for dealing with damage and disputes typically involves the following steps:
Filing a Claim – The process starts by inspecting the shipment upon delivery and noting any visible damage or shortage. A claim should be filed with the carrier immediately, ideally within 5 days. Complete paperwork is required such as the delivery receipt, photos, repair estimates, etc. There are time limits for filing claims, usually between 6-9 months from delivery.
Carrier Acknowledgement – The carrier has 30 days to acknowledge the claim and begin an investigation. They will assign a claim number and may request additional documents.
Investigation – The carrier investigates the cause of damage and validity of the claim. This may involve contacting shippers, inspecting packaging, reviewing evidence, etc. The investigation aims to determine liability.
Settlement or Denial – If found liable, the carrier should make a fair settlement offer covering repair/replacement costs and claim filing fees. If denying, they must provide clear reasons in writing. Disputes can be appealed.
According to this source, key tips for successful claims include proper documentation, immediate reporting, diligent follow-up, and knowing regulations.
