LTL Freight
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
LTL refers to freight shipments that don't completely occupy a freight trailer. Carriers load several LTL shipments into a single truck to service multiple customers and destinations at a time. LTL freight shipments typically weigh between 200 and 10,000 lbs.
LTL freight is most often palletized or crated. The freight needs be packaged so that it's easily moved with a forklift or pallet jack as it will likely be moved several times throughout the duration of the shipment. LTL freight must be packaged in a way that protects it from damage, and mitigates the risk of it causing damage to other freight.
Please Note: LTL freight may be booked through the uShip Marketplace or LTL Instant Rate Platform. These are two entirely different processes and methods of booking your LTL freight through uShip. This article pertains mainly to LTL Instant Rates and LTL Instant Rate carriers.
Carrier rates take hundreds of factors into consideration including:
- Freight class
- Shipment density
- Shipment weight
- Travel distance
- Travel speed
- Fuel costs
- Lane balances
- Handling costs
Our LTL Instant Rates platform is optimized for business-to-business, dock-to-dock shipments requiring no accessorials or accommodations. If your shipment does require additional services, be sure to select them during the booking process or contact our support team for further assistance.
Individual carriers have their own ways of determining pricing. Two similar shipments may receive two wildly different quotes based on which carriers quote on it and how well that shipment aligns with the carrier’s usual routes.
LTL Instant Rates shipments are paid for up front upon booking. The cost of shipping is entirely based on the information the customer enters during the quoting process. That information is used to instantly pull flat-rate quotes from all LTL carriers on the platform who meet the service requirements.
Carriers may be very specific with the types, sizes, weights, and units of freight they will carry. It is wise to always check ahead to avoid fees and misunderstandings.
The basic timeline for an LTL Instant Rate shipment is as follows:
1. Inventory your shipment
2. Properly package your shipment
3. Weigh & measure your shipment
4. Get Instant Instant Rates on uShip
5. Select & book an LTL freight carrier
6. Receive/send a Bill of Lading
7. Carrier Completes Pickup
8. Track your shipment
9. Confirm receipt and delivery
If you have any questions, please feel free to continue perusing our Help Center or contact our Commercial Support team by clicking here.
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