NATIONWIDE LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING & QUOTES
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Quick Snapshot: LTL vs FTL vs Parcel
| Mode | Weight Range | Best For | Typical Transit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parcel | ≤ 150 lbs | Small boxes | 1-3 days | $ |
| LTL | 150 – 10 000 lbs | Palletized freight | 2-5 days | $$ |
| FTL | 10 000 lbs + | Full trailer, fragile or urgent loads | Direct / 1-4 days | $$$ |
Need help deciding? ➜ Ask an LTL Specialist
The Practical Guide to Less-Than-Truckload Freight
1. What Exactly Is LTL Freight?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) sits between parcel and full truckload. Multiple shippers share trailer space; you pay only for the portion you use. Benefits: budget-friendly, daily departures, à-la-carte accessorials. Trade-offs: extra handling, longer transit, exposure to re-class fees.
2. How LTL Pricing Really Works
| Ingredient | Measures | Control Lever |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Total lbs per shipment | Consolidate shipping days |
| Dimensions / Density | Cubic ft & lbs/ft³ | Reduce empty air; shorter pallets |
| NMFC Class | Density, handling, liability | Verify class before pickup |
| Lane Distance | Zip-to-zip miles | Use regional carriers on short hauls |
| Accessorials | Extras like liftgate, appointment | Pre-plan and disclose upfront |
Density Formula:Density (lbs/ft³) = Weight ÷ (L × W × H ÷ 1 728)
Example – Four pallets 48×40×45 in, 2 000 lbs:
Volume per pallet = 48×40×45 in³ = 86 400 → ÷1 728 = 50 ft³
Density = 2 000 lbs ÷ (50 ft³ × 4) = 10 lbs/ft³ ⇒ NMFC Class 92.5
3. Eight Hidden Charges to Watch For
Liftgate Service – $35-$150 each side
Residential / Limited Access – $40-$150
Inside Pickup / Delivery – $75-$150
Appointment Window – $20-$45
Re-weigh / Re-class – Cost diff + $25 admin
Oversize / Linear-Foot Rule – $150-$400
Detention (>30 min) – $25-$60 per ¼ hr
Hazmat Surcharge – $30-$60
Pro Tip: Declare accurate weight & class—carriers audit over 50 % of shipments.
4. Pallet Prep & Damage-Prevention Checklist
Grade-A pallet, no broken boards.
Freight flush to pallet edges—no overhang.
Three+ layers of stretch-wrap, 50 % overlap.
Top-cap sheet & corner posts for fragile goods.
“Do Not Stack” cones if needed.
Labels on two sides and top.
NMFC class & PRO on the BOL.
5. NMFC Classification Quick Reference
| Commodity | Typical Class | Density Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Books / paper (boxed) | 55 | > 35 lbs/ft³ |
| Canned food | 70 | 15-22 lbs/ft³ |
| Machinery parts | 85 | 12-15 lbs/ft³ |
| Plastic products | 125 | 6-8 lbs/ft³ |
| KD furniture | 175 | 4-6 lbs/ft³ |
NMFC updates quarterly—ask us if you’re unsure.
6. Transit-Time Benchmarks
Los Angeles → Dallas: 4 days standard | 2 days guaranteed
Chicago → Atlanta: 3 days | 1-2 days guaranteed
Newark → Miami: 4-5 days | 2 days guaranteed
Seattle → Salt Lake City: 2 days | 1 day guaranteed
7. When to Switch from LTL to Other Modes
Upgrade triggers
LTL quote > $1 450 on one load – compare FTL.
2 % damage claims – consider dedicated.
6+ pallets daily on same lane – lock contract FTL.
Must-arrive-exact-date – use guaranteed or air.
8. LTL Accessorial Cheat Sheet (H3)
| # | Charge | Typical Fee | Avoid / Reduce |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liftgate | $35-$80 | Ship dock-to-dock |
| 2 | Residential / Limited Access | $40-$150 | Ship to business dock |
| 3 | Inside Delivery | $75-$150 | Stage freight at door |
| 4 | Appointment | $20-$45 | Accept call-ahead window |
| 5 | Re-weigh / Re-class | Varies +$25 | Weigh & class accurately |
| 6 | Oversize / Linear-Foot | $150-$400 | Break into smaller pallets |
| 7 | Detention | $25-$60 /¼ hr | Have freight & paperwork ready |
| 8 | Hazmat | $30-$60 | Consolidate hazmat loads |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
How is LTL pricing calculated?
Weight, dimensions, NMFC class, distance, fuel surcharge, and any accessorials.
Do I need to know my NMFC class?
Give us an accurate description; we’ll classify it correctly to avoid re-class charges.
Can I ship hazardous materials via LTL?
Yes—if the carrier is hazmat-certified and paperwork/packaging are correct.
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