The purpose of Less than Truckload (LTL) shipping is to save costs. This mode of transportation helps manufacturers get their products to their consumers at the lowest possible prices.

LTL carriers use multiple trucks within several terminals. They build a balanced network to run a sophisticated system of transportation. LTL carriers can vary in size. Some provide national coverage, while others are limited to only dedicated areas. This article will discuss seven types of LTL carriers and when to use them.

Types Of LTL Carriers And When To Use Them:

Although the LTL market is smaller compared to FTL, there are still different business models that opt for it.  

National LTL Carriers: These carriers provide a border to border coverage. They operate complex freight networks that use hub-and-spoke models. These are the most common types of LTL carriers. 

National LTL carriers have large publicly traded companies that deliver sophisticated operations.

When to use them: We recommend keeping one National carrier in your carrier mix. You can benefit from their density and scale, which will give you competitive pricing and broader coverage. These carriers consolidate and streamline your shipping operations.

Multi-Regional LTL Carriers:

This category falls between regional and national carriers. They offer their services in large areas which consist of two or more regions.

When to use them: Having them on your block is an excellent way to split the difference between regional and national LTL carriers. You can take advantage of their focused services and comprehensive coverage. If you deal with shipments focused on a few states, then multi-regional transporters are ideal for you.

Regional LTL Carriers:

They service a particular group of states in a set area. They have a dense network in that specific region. Outside this region, they don’t offer any services. These are also common types of LTL carriers.

When to use: Working with them will give you competitive pricing and better services if your business operates within a regional carrier’s coverage area. Regional carriers are a great option if you deliver on set routes within a fixed region.  

Sub-Regional Carriers:

They provide services in a distinct region.

When to use: They are a great option when making LTL shipments within a small region. These carriers do not offer services over long distances. Because of their small size, you can get reasonable pricing and better services. 

Asset-Light LTL Carriers:

These carriers have a minimum number of trucks, drivers, and terminals. They try to maximize their assets over a fixed coverage area. Their operations rely on smaller LTL providers.

Asset-light carriers mix up long haul transfers with full truckload shippers and make the final mile deliveries themselves. They do sometimes offer delayed delivery times because of a complex system.

When to use them: If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly carrier, you should choose asset-light carriers. They help you operate over a wide area, with a few vehicles, and save you the most money.  

Load-to-Ride LTL Carriers:

These carriers haul long-range shipments that are easy to load and handle. For instance, a driver will pick up multiple shippers’ cargo and deliver it straight to their destination.

When to use: When you have long-range shipments and can accommodate the flexible schedule of the carrier, you should opt for them. 

Reefer LTL Carriers:

They operate similarly to load-to-ride pages. They make shipments over long distances and don’t allow product transfers in between.

When to use them: Apply the same logic as load-to-ride carriers but cater to the load’s exact temperature-sensitive goods.

FAQs 

Q-When would you use an LTL carrier?

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a cost-effective and efficient way to move orders that do not take up an entire truck’s worth of space. If you’re shipping six pallets or less and up to roughly 10,000 lbs., LTL is a great option for your freight.

Q- How to track LTL carrier shipments?

You can track a shipment directly from the PRO number. This number is the nine-digit number that identifies a freight bill corresponding to a shipment. It is in the form of a scan-able barcode sticker. 

Conclusion:

LTL carriers have different types, and each is ideal for businesses with specific needs. We hope this guide will be helpful for you.

Also Read: Top 6 Advantages Of Regional Carriers