It doesn’t matter whether you are an owner of a small online store or of a large conglomerate, you are definitely interested in fast and top-quality freight forwarding services. Any business (no matter how large it is) has its own supply chain. To ensure its smooth functioning, it’s of prime importance to cooperate with reliable carriers. The next crucial aspect is the right choice of freight forwarding services.
The modern logistics industry seems to be able to please even the most demanding customers. There are copious solutions. They are able to meet the needs of a company of any type and size. However, many entrepreneurs tend to find not only the best shipping solutions but also the most profitable ones. No wonder, the popularity of LTL freight delivery is growing every day. LTL stands for less than truckload delivery and implies the transportation of small cargo. This option is an ideal solution for e-commerce and firms with scarce orders. If you are interested in this service, you should get to know everything about available rates. It helps you to select the winning variant for your business.
There are several factors that influence the rates of less than truckload shipping. The most essential of them are the following:
- Cargo dimensions.
There are definite limits you should consider when ordering this service. LTL refers to individual shipments of between 150 and 15,000 pounds. They occupy less than 24 feet of a truck’s trailer and consist of up to six pallets. The more your parcels are, the more you pay. What is more, when it comes to non-standard items, extra fees may be charged.
- Location.
Some companies need to transport their goods and products from one city to the next one. Others are interested in international transportation. Yet, it’s clear the longer distance is, the large your final bill will be. You should keep in mind that different forwarders apply different methods to calculate the price of transportation. Some firms charge per mile while others charge per order. You are to clarify this aspect.
- The mode of transportation.
Truck shipping is one of the most popular and affordable modes of transportation. Yet, sometimes it’s necessary to deliver cargo via trains or even planes. By the way, air delivery is the most expensive variant, though the fastest one.
- The type of cargo.
If your cargo requires special handling or the use of extra equipment, it can’t but affect the rates. Shipping of perishables, hazardous, or fragile items is more expensive than the transportation of standard items.
- Deadlines.
You should be ready to pay more for extra fast delivery. It’s also necessary to take into account that some delays are quite common for LTL shipping. In order to get your items on time, it’s necessary to place an order as early as possible. To sum it up, it’s worth highlighting that LTL shipping is one of the most popular logistics services. It has both pluses and minuses. Yet, before you decide to order it, you should better consult with your freight forwarder. Competent specialists help you to select solutions that meet the needs of the very your business and budget.