What is Less-than-Truckload Shipping?
Ever need to ship just a few pallets—nothing that fills an entire truck? That’s where LTL shipping, or Less-Than-Truckload, comes into play. It’s perfect for lighter freight—typically between 150 and 15,000 pounds or up to about 10 pallets—where multiple shippers share space on the same truck.
LTL works on a hub-and-spoke model: local carriers pick up your load, send it to a regional hub, and it’s then transferred to another truck for the next leg.
LTL vs. Full Truckload (FTL)
With FTL, you rent the entire trailer—ideal for bulk or high-volume loads. It’s faster, simpler, and often less handling—great for large or time-critical shipments.
But if you’re shipping smaller loads, LTL saves money and space by sharing capacity with other shippers—kind of like carpooling for freight.
Why LTL Makes Sense for Your Business
Though specific limits vary by jurisdiction, the general thresholds includes:
Cost-Effective
You only pay for the space you use—no need to foot the bill for an entire truck on lean loads.
Environmental Edge
Consolidating shipments on one truck means fewer trucks on the road, lower emissions, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Flexible and Accessible
LTL supports various service add-ons—like liftgate, inside delivery, residential pickup, or notification services—often available at a small extra cost.
👀 What to Watch Out For
Slower transit times: Since your shipment may travel through multiple hubs, delivery can take longer than a direct truckload.
More handling = more risk: Frequent transfers increase exposure to potential damage. Proper packaging (pallets or crates) is essential.
Complex pricing: Costs depend on weight, dimensions, freight class, origin/destination, and any extra services requested.
Who Should Consider LTL Shipping?
- Ship smaller volumes—multiple times per week or month.
- Want to cut transportation costs without sacrificing reliability.
- Value customizable services like liftgates or scheduled delivery.
- Run a business where sustainability matters.
How Lync Logistics Makes LTL Shipping Simple
Lync Logistics offers expert LTL freight brokerage services designed to reduce headaches and costs:
Final Thoughts
Less-Than-Truckload shipping is your best option when you’ve got smaller loads that don’t justify a full trailer. It’s cost-effective, sustainable, and versatile—but also layered and requires care to manage.
Partnering with Lync Logistics means getting a streamlined experience: an experienced pro in your corner, carriers at your fingertips, and smart solutions for your LTL freight—no guesswork required.
If LTL sounds like your next move, get a quote from Lync today and let us do the heavy lifting.