LTL, Less truck load, and FTL, full truck load, what are the differences and how do I use each one?
Richard A Shepard from GCI – Great Circle International discusses the different modes of trucking, less truckload, and full truckload Find out what the different types are and how you can use them to connect with your clients and grow your business.
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Hello, welcome to today’s video.
Todays topic is more detail about shipping by truck, also known as over the road and some of the options that you have while shipping by this method.
Lets get started!
In a previous video we discussed that when it comes to shipping freight around the world, often everything gets put into three major baskets. Air Freight, Ocean Freight, and Trucking.
Today, we are going to be focusing on the different types of trucking shipments.
In road shipments, there are 2 main categories, less truck load and full truck load
In less truck load or LTL you are putting one pallet, a couple of pallets, or up to a half truck worth on a consolidated truck with other peoples freight.
In full truck load or FTL, you are hiring the entire truck to move your freight.
The type of truck that is used is determined by the goods you are looking to ship.
In full truck load or FTL, you are hiring the entire truck to move your freight.
Sometimes Full Truckload shipments are called exclusive use.
When you book the entire truck you can set the pick up and delivery times with the carrier to match your production times or the delivery requirements of the consignee. When there are strict pickup or delivery times it is much easier to accommodate them with a full truckload.
If you have booked the entire truck and you only put a few pallets on the truck, that is all that is going to be shipped. Since you have booked the entire truck, that is what is reserved for you.
Ideally you want to maximize the use of the truck that you are paying for. 53’ trucks can typically hold 26 standard pallets and up to around 44,000lbs. The amount of weight in the truck varies with the season and the areas your are driving through. Each country has different requirements and many States or Provinces have their own requirements so you have to be aware of that when you are shipping near the maximum.
In less truck load or LTL you are putting one pallet, a couple of pallets, or up to half a truck worth on a consolidated truck with other peoples freight.
After you have more than a half truck worth of freight it is not economical to ship by LTL, it is usually cheaper to ship by Full truck load.
The pick up and delivery schedule is determined by the owner of the truck or the carrier. They can usually offer some flexibility to accommodate you, often it depends when the truck is in the area.
Strict pick-up and delivery times can usually be accommodated. Often there will be a charge for this extra service from the carrier.
Most LTL carriers schedule their deliveries for the morning and the pick ups for the afternoon. This is not a hard rule, just a guideline.
This has been Richard Shepard from Great Circle International. Thank you for watching, we hope you have found it insightful.
If you have any questions or if you would like any help with your freight, please email us, call us, or connect with us on social media.
As always, have a great day!
