FTL Shipping vs. LTL Shipping: Which Is Best for You?

If you ship items as part of your business, you need the right shipping method that makes sense for your goods and your budget. Depending on what you’re sending, you’ll have to decide whether FTL shipping or LTL shipping in Houston, TX is right for you. There are a few factors to keep in mind when making your decision: cost, weight, urgency and handling.

Full truckload (FTL) shipping describes shipments that take up a truck’s entire weight or space capacity. Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping applies to shipments whose goods do not meet the weight capacity or do not use the entire space capacity of the truck.

Unsure which is best for your business? Keep reading to learn more about FTL shipping and LTL shipping.

Considerations when choosing FTL shipping

If you have costly cargo, you may prefer FTL shipping in Houston, TX, as you will have a truck dedicated solely to your needs. Because your goods aren’t being handled at transit points to accommodate other loads, sensitive items are better protected.

If you’re in a rush, FTL shipping can be more efficient. Your delivery won’t be delayed by consolidating goods along the way at transit points. However, if the truck breaks down, your goods are stranded until the truck is rescued.

FTL shipping can be more cost effective depending on how much you need to ship. If you have more than six to eight pallets, you’ll find FTL shipping to be a better deal. FTL is also better if you are shipping more than 15,000 pounds. Carriers can provide more accurate and faster quotes because they’re more likely to have a predetermined rate for FTL shipping based on weight and location.

Although FTL shipping could ultimately be more cost effective, the service comes at a higher price.

Reasons to choose LTL shipping

Why pay for an entire truck to ship your goods? Join other businesses and split the cost of shipping. You can ship to numerous locations across North America along LTL shipping routes. The transit points allow you more opportunities to distribute your goods nationally and internationally. If other businesses are shipping to where you need to deliver, you can share resources.

Whether your business is big or small, LTL shipping in Houston, TX will meet your needs. LTL shipping is ideal for e-commerce operations that have smaller shipments. If you have fewer than six pallets or less than 15,000 pounds, LTL shipping is likely to be the best financial decision for your business. LTL shipping carriers offer the best rates because of the economy of scale working with so many other shippers.

Your goods will be safely secured on pallets or skids, ensuring they’re protected throughout their journey. If something were to happen to the truck, like a breakdown, there is much more flexibility with LTL shipping to put your goods on another carrier and get them back on track.

Cost, weight, urgency and handling each play an important role in making your decision on whether LTL shipping or FTL shipping in Houston, TX is right for your business. Reach out to Pro Delivery LLC to learn more about your options.

Categorised in: FTL Shipping, LTL Trucking Company

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