For small businesses, a reliable transportation partner is key to successfully scaling operations.

LTL shipping refers to “less than truckload,” meaning the shipment doesn’t require an entire full-sized trailer. Cleveland’s On Time Delivery & Warehouse offers both FTL (full truck load) and LTL shipping, with local pickup and delivery at competitive prices. By moving goods from several different customers on the same truck, LTL shipping options provide a cost-effective method for customers who don’t need an entire rig to fulfill each order. LTL shipping rates are generally determined by class, weight and distance needs.

Beyond lower costs, LTL shipping also helps reduce your carbon footprint and give you a greater variety of services (local pickup and delivery, liftgate deliveries, Haz-Mat certified transport and same-day/ next-day deliveries).

More than 70 percent of all freight (commercial goods transported via air, sea or land) moved in the U.S. goes on trucks, which carry more than 10.4 billions of tons of freight annually, according to the American Trucking Associations. In the coming months and years, the Journal of Commerce reports demand for these services is expected to climb, as the federal electronic logging device (ELD) mandate that went into effect in December is raising the bar for loading and unloading speed requirements and necessitating better routing guides. Plus, many large corporations are ramping up “America first” efforts, pushing expansion of U.S. manufacturing activity.  Meanwhile, online retailers are striving to keep pace with faster, cheaper delivery expectations of consumers.

While it’s important for business leaders to understand the challenges and evolving dynamics of LTL shipping in Northeast Ohio, they need not compromise on high expectations for service, quality and pricing.

It may be time to examine your need for LTL shipping (or a switch of LTL carriers) if:

• Your firm has recently experienced significant growth (mergers/ acquisitions, introduction of new products/ services);
• Your firm has seen a sizable shift in shipping volumes (declines or upticks) and you need a more flexible LTL carrier;
• You’ve experienced a geographic relocation of your business needs.

In looking for the best Cleveland LTL trucking services to meet your fulfillment and distribution needs, some factors to consider include:

• Transit times. Examine how fast your shipments must be delivered to your customer or received from your vendors. Ask any potential LTL shipping services about anticipated transit times.
• Consistency. You need an LTL shipping service that will get it right every time. The same way it’s not good enough for a surgeon to get it right “most of the time,” you need an LTL shipping provider that does better than “most of the time.” Ask about the company’s organizational structure, network breadth and safety record.
• Service. A good LTL shipping company invests in its customers and provides top-quality service. Inquire about day-to-day communications, responsiveness and the type of support the company provides. Also ask about transparency with account details and billing accuracy, as well as investment in the latest 3PL software to help manage your account.

The intact and on-time delivery of your products is vital to your customers – and your reputation. At On Time Delivery & Warehouse, we are committed to being the best LTL shipping service in your network.

If you have questions about Cleveland LTL shipping services, contact On Time Delivery & Warehouse by calling (440) 826-4630 or sending us an email.

Additional Resources:

Why US shippers must rethink transportation practices, Feb. 18, 2018, By Satish Jindel, JOC.com

More Blog Entries:

ATA 2018 Forecast Projects Continued Freight Shipping Growth, Jan. 30, 2018, Cleveland LTL Trucking Services Blog