Less than truckload, more commonly referred to simply as LTL freight shipping is a very effective and economical shipping option when a shipment doesn’t require a full trailer. Businesses of all shapes and sizes and in all industries can benefit from LTL shipments; however, small businesses, in particular, tend to use this method to ship their products the most. LTL shipping is a highly efficient way for business owners to transport cargo to distributors, retailers, and directly to customers located throughout the country. But, do LTL shipments have to be on a pallet?
Do LTL Shipments Have to Be on a Pallet?
If you’re planning on using LTL, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the shipping requirements to ensure that your products arrive safely at their final destination. Specifically, you might be wondering if less than truckload shipping requires pallets like full truckloads (FTL) freight shipments require. Below, we’ll take a look at this requirement and more so that you can ensure your cargo is successfully transported.
What is LTL Shipping?
For those who are not familiar with less-than-truckload shipping, let’s define what LTL shipping is. Less-than-truckload shipping, as the name suggests, refers to shipments of freight that don’t take up the entire space in a trailer. LTL shipments can vary in weight, ranging from 150 pounds up to 15,000 pounds, on average.
Because these shipments are on the smaller side and don’t require all of the space that a 48-foot or 53-foot trailer provides, typically, they’re combined with other shipments that a carrier is shipping from other customers. With LTL freight services you would only pay for the amount of space that your cargo requires in the trailer.
What are the Benefits of LTL Shipping?
Less than truckload shipping service options offer several benefits for merchants that can prove to be beneficial to their bottom line. From lower shipping costs to more rapid delivery, and even increased security, here’s a look at some of the benefits that LTL shipping can provide:
Cost-Effective
Because the cargo takes up less space rather than an entire trailer, you only have to pay for the amount of space that you use. The remainder of the cost is covered by the other merchants that your products will be in the trailer with. In other words, the cost is divided by the occupants of the trailer, and each occupant only pays for the amount of space that their products take up. As such, the cost of LTL shipping is highly cost-effective.
Greater Security
Before goods are loaded onto a trailer, most LTL shipments are packed onto pallets. A single pallet that is properly packaged will remain more secure during the duration of the shipment. The use of pallets is best for shipments that are comprised of several small handling units.
Faster Shipping
With LTL shipping, you won’t need to wait until you have a load of cargo that is large enough to comprise a full trailer before you can ship inventory to customers, retailers, and distributors. Because LTL shipping involves smaller volumes that can be sent out immediately, your rate of shipping and turnaround times will be much faster.
Do LTL Shipments Require a Pallet?
As mentioned above, LTL shipments are usually packaged and transported on pallets; however, this may not be a requirement with all freight companies. If you’re planning on using LTL shipping to transport goods to distributors, retailers, and/or customers, it is a good idea to inquire about their shipping requirements, including whether or not pallets are required.
It is important to note that even if it isn’t a requirement, using pallets to ship LTL shipments will ensure they’re secure during the shipping process.
LTL Shipments
If you have smaller shipments that need to be sent out that don’t require the space of a full trailer, LTL shipping is a great shipping option to consider. If you plan on using LTL shipping services, check with your provider beforehand to find out the packaging requirements to determine whether or not a pallet will be required.
Ship Fortress LLC | Best Reefer Truckload | 3PL Warehouse Facility & Logistics in Milwaukee
Ship Fortress in Milwaukee understands every business has its own specific requirements. We customize and create solutions to meet each business’s unique needs. We truly do provide our clients with
- cost-effective delivery services
- flexible
- high-quality logistics solutions & LTL services
As a seamless extension of our client’s business, we have a passion for exceptional customer service. Our experience and expertise allow us to provide multiple layers of client support services to propel businesses forward. Contact us for a FREE Quote.
