LTL Freight Shipping

Less than truckload freight (LTL), is a type of freight shipping where the cargo does not use up the entire space of a truck. Instead, the truck carries shipments from multiple customers, with each customer’s goods often weighing between 150 and 15,000 pounds. Each shipper’s cargo may take up a few pallets, crates, or large parcels, and they only pay for the portion of the truck space that their freight occupies. The rest of the truck is filled with other customers’ freight.

LTL freight shipments combine partial loads to create full multi-stop truckloads to promote efficiency. Shipping costs are based on space used, the class of items being shipped, and pickup and destination locations. LTL freight can be shipped standard, expedited, or guaranteed. LTL freight can also be shipped with special services added. Some of these services include lift gate pickup/delivery, inside pickup/delivery, residential pickup/delivery, and reweighing/reclassification. These services require additional fees called accessorial fees.

LTL rates are typically calculated based on several factors such as: weight, distance, freight class, base rate, accessorial charges (e.g. lift gate), fuel surcharges, and minimum charges. Freight class is based on the shipment’s density, stowability, handling, and liability, also known as NMFC. Uber Freight’s density calculator can help you calculate freight density and estimate the NMFC freight class.

You’ll get an estimate of your freight class when booking directly on the platform.

• Cost-effective: LTL shipping is an economical option for those who don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire truck. As the transportation cost is shared among different shippers, smaller businesses can afford to ship their goods without worrying about filling an entire truckload.
• Flexibility: LTL freight offers flexibility that is often lacking in other types of shipping. You can send smaller quantities of goods more frequently, which can help manage inventory more effectively.
• Additional services: LTL carriers often provide value-added services like liftgate service at pickup and delivery, residential service, inside pickup and delivery, and notification options. These services, while available with FTL, often come at a premium cost.
• Environmentally friendly: By consolidating shipments from multiple customers into one truck, LTL shipping can reduce the number of trucks on the road and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The decision between LTL and full truckload (FTL) shipping depends on the specific needs of the shipper. FTL shipping is typically faster and less likely to result in damaged goods, as the shipment remains in the same truck throughout the entire journey. However, it is also more expensive, particularly for shippers who do not have enough goods to fill an entire truck.

On the other hand, LTL is more cost-effective for smaller shipments, though it may take longer and carry a slightly higher risk of damage due to the frequent handling of goods.

Uber Freight quotes LTL rates with full transparency to help minimize input errors. We provide accurate quotes from the start, unlike some providers that show fees after the shipment is sent. That means no hidden fees.

Uber Freight’s LTL solution equips shippers of all sizes with visibility into shipment status through an accessible tracking dashboard, an easy-to-use payments portal, and a streamlined tendering experience, all under one unified platform. Many businesses struggle with gaining consistent live updates with their LTL shipments—Uber Freight’s dedicated support team takes the guesswork out by contacting terminals directly and relaying accurate shipment details.