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LTL Shipping Basics

January 26, 2012 in Cheap Shipping, LTL Freight Shipping with 0 Comments

cheap shipping

To begin with, LTL shipping simply means Less Than Truckload, or a respectively small amount of cargo. The amount to be shipped does not fill the truck, so there is space available to be used by other companies shipping goods to the same general location. This space is sold through shipping companies, or their intermediaries, at a lower rate simply to use up all available space whenever possible.

The theory works the same as the discounts given to otherwise unused space in hotels, cruise ships and hotel rooms. The space does no good for the shipper unless it can be sold to someone with a smaller amount of goods to be shipped. That way they can maximize their income, and pass the savings on to shipping brokers, who then pass it on to their customers looking for cheap shipping.

In order to use LTL shipping for your cargo you will need to take a few steps that will save you time and money in the long run.

  • Find a shipping company that offers a wide variety of services and options to their customers.
  • Have a list of general shipping requirements for your company, both immediate and potential needs in the future.
  • Make a list of all providers you are considering shipping with.
  • Speak with an account manager at each one.
  • Get and check references. And be sure the companies you are considering have licensing to handle all you will need shipped.

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How To Find An LTL Carrier

January 9, 2012 in LTL Freight Shipping with 1 Comment

ltl shipping to various states

An LTL carrier is a shipper that handles Less Than Truckload cargo, hence the name. They are generally able to negotiate with a variety of shipping providers to find the best rate and the most efficient route for your cargo to take.

When a carrier has a load that still has room for more cargo, the excess space can be purchased by another company needing to send out goods at a much lower rate. There are intermediaries that can negotiate for you, and their services can be invaluable in the time and money they can save your business.

What’s so good about LTL carriers?

• LTL carrier companies will have access to multiple shipping options to find the best one for your cargo.
• They will handle all the necessary pickup and delivery issues for your shipment.
• Instant quotes from a variety of shipping companies are available for you to choose from.
• They have a relationship with all available carriers and can help you in all aspects of shipping, whether for partial or full loads.

The company you choose to work with can be one of the more important decisions you make regarding your business. You will want simple, easy to understand information, as well as hassle free shipping. The right company will be able to provide simple, click and ship options at your fingertips night or day.

You have enough to do just running, and potentially expanding, your business. Taking away some of the work and headaches involved with shipping can help you to concentrate on growing your company. The right carriers can act as a back office application, virtually running your shipping department for you.

Outsourcing enables business owners to work on getting more orders and expanding their customer base, so finding the right LTL carrier to have at your disposal can be yet another weapon in your expansion arsenal. Ideally, the company you choose to work with will be able to handle any and all of your shipping needs and be able to keep up with your growth while maintaining the level of service your company requires.

While the money saving aspects of an LTL carrier should be taken into account, there are other factors that come into play. Transit time for your goods may be more important than the money saved, so your carrier should be able to give you time frames as well as cost analysis when it comes to handling your cargo. Other factors that may come into play:

• Tracking for your shipments, for both you and the recipient
• Travel and warehouse system used
• Insurance against damage and any other unforeseen events
• Reliability of the carrier being used
• Licensing and adherence to all regulations and laws regarding shipments sent
• Ease of use, such as door to door service
• Type of cargo to be shipped, and is the carrier familiar with the handling requirements

Experienced LTL carrier companies will be able to answer all your questions, and provide references as well as proof of any licensing required. If they are unable to do so, or you are unsure, continue searching until you find the right company that will be a good fit for your needs.