LTL shipping (less than truckload) is used by countless businesses for a host of different reasons. But if this isn’t something that you need to deal with on a daily basis, then you may find that you lack a lot of crucial information about the process. You may, therefore, find yourself on the back foot in negotiations, and not knowing precisely how to get the best deal or what you should expect from the services you work with.
There are a lot of common LTL truckload myths that it pays for companies to perpetuate. Therefore, in this post, we will take a look at some of these LTL Shipping myths and what the truth behind them is.
Top LTL Truckload Myths
Transit times are guaranteed
This is something you need to be aware of when reading the marketing of any business offering LTL services. Companies will often claim they can guarantee a certain time, but you should be very wary of these claims! In reality, there are countless different factors that could derail an expected delivery time. Instead, then, you should look for companies that offer a timeframe. This is a more realistic offer, but even then your shipment might end up arriving sooner or later than planned.
Shipping classes stay the same
The shipping class will partly determine what you can expect to pay for your freight. If you have been shipping the precise same thing to the same place for years, then you might expect that this cost would be set in stone. In fact, though, the National Motor Freight Classification meets twice a year to determine freight classes for various commodities. This means that the charge can change at any time. Don’t get too comfortable, and don’t be surprised if this happens!
You should always opt for discounts
When shipping, you might find yourself tempted by impressive discounts. Of course, this can be a great way to save money on a one-off shipment. But if you are intending on making lots of shipments and using the same company for recurring services, then you should pay more attention to the base rate. This is ultimately what will end up costing you the most in the long term!
Accessorial fees are constant
Just as freight fees can vary, so too can accessorial fees. These are calculated by the carrier and they can vary from one company to another by 50%. This is where the difference in price really lies in many cases.
Cheaper services are just as good
As with many services, you get what you pay for to an extent. Or as the old saying goes: “If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys!” In other words, the cheaper services often aren’t as good as the more expensive ones. You need to look at this in terms of investment: an eCommerce business can be extremely lucrative but only if your customers are impressed with your service and they want to keep shopping with you. If you decide to “cheap out,” then you might ultimately limit the long-term viability of your business. This will cost you a lot more over the years!
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 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 clients’ 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.
