LTL vs. FTL Shipping: Which Makes the Most Sense for Your Project?

If you need to ship cargo for any reason, you might be wondering whether less than truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) shipping is the best for your individual needs. Let’s take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of FTL and LTL shipping in Houston, TX so you can make an informed choice for your situation.

LTL shipping

With LTL shipping, you’re able to save a lot of money, as you don’t have to pay for a full truck. Instead, you share the vehicle (and the space) with one or more shippers. Shipping with this method is possible just about anywhere in the United States and Canada, and there are hundreds of carriers you’ll find that provide this surface. It’s particularly cost-effective if you have less than six pallets of goods, but in any case, you’ll benefit from safe and secure transportation. No matter the size of your company, LTL shipping makes sense if you have limited amounts of goods to ship.

That being said, there are some drawbacks. LTL freight might not have as many route options as FTL shipping, and it might not be an ideal option if you have particularly sensitive or fragile cargo, because there will be multiple handling points along the route. The freight must be transported to and from multiple terminals, since multiple companies share the same truck. It also might not be the best choice if you have time-sensitive cargo needs, because your freight will need to wait for carriers to consolidate cargo along the route. And with more than six to eight pallets, you might find it actually less cost effective than you’d find FTL shipping.

FTL shipping

FTL shipping is the best option you have for high-value cargo, because you have a dedicated truck that won’t have the frequent stops you get with LTL shipping. This also means it’s a better option if you have time-sensitive deliveries, because you don’t have to wait for cargo consolidation and will be able to take a more direct route to your final destination. It’s very cost effective when you have more than six to eight pallets of goods, and you’ll be able to get faster and more accurate quotes from carriers because they frequently base their quotes on FTL weight and locations.

Keep in mind, though, that FTL shipments will likely cost much more than LTL shipments, which is why it’s important to use them only if you have the right amount of cargo to make it worthwhile. LTL carriers might not offer as much in terms of value-added services like handling services at pickup and delivery spots, and there may not be as much flexibility in terms of cargo movement if the truck breaks down.

These are just a few issues for you to consider when looking at the pros and cons of FTL and LTL shipping in Houston, TX. For more information about how we can help with your organization’s shipping needs, contact the team at Pro Delivery LLC today.

Categorised in: FTL Shipping, LTL Trucking Company

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