Less Than Truckload

Ohio less than truckload

On Time Delivery & Warehouse is proud to be Ohio’s premier solution for freight transportation – particularly for less than truckload shipping. 

Businesses today require flexible, cost effective solutions to meet their supply chain demands. As one of the top  third party logistics and trucking companies in Cleveland, we specialize in providing less than truckload (LTL) shipping services throughout the Midwest and beyond. Whether your goods are destined for neighboring states or need to travel across the country, our comprehensive LTL services are designed to deliver unmatched efficiency and reliability.

What is Less Than Truckload Shipping?

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping refers to the transportation of freight that doesn’t require a full truckload. Typically, LTL shipments range from 150 to 15,000 pounds and consist of multiple smaller shipments consolidated into a single truck. By sharing trailer space with other shippers, businesses can significantly reduce their transportation costs while still benefiting from timely and secure delivery.

In the U.S., LTL shipping accounts for a substantial portion of freight transportation. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the LTL market generated nearly $80 billion in revenue in 2023, clearly demonstrating it as a vital segment of the logistics industry. 

Those who keep up with less-than-truckload shipping news can tell you its growing prominence coincides with the increasing role of technology. We saw it first with the huge demand uptick that coincided with the rapid rise in e-commerce starting in early 2020. We expect it will continue as innovations such as artificial intelligence, predictive analysis and IoT-enabled tracking systems become more central in enhancement of efficiency and reliability of LTL services. In fact, a recent study published in the Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board found implementation of these technologies has reduced transit times as much as 15 percent. 

Beyond that, we’re seeing government initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will likely give the LTL sector an even greater boost. Several of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) recent programs intended to ensure safer, more efficient freight transportation directly benefit the LTL market. 

Industries That Count on LTL Shipping

Several industries depend on less than truckload shipping to streamline their supply chains and optimize operations.

Some sectors where LTL shipping has proven indispensable:

  1. Retail and E-commerce.
    • Retailers and online stores often require frequent shipments of smaller quantities to restock shelves or fulfill customer orders. LTL shipping enables them to transport inventory efficiently without the need for a full truckload.
  2. Manufacturing.
    • Manufacturers often need to transport raw materials or finished goods to multiple destinations. LTL shipping allows them to coordinate complex supply chain networks effectively.
  3. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.
    • The healthcare industry depends on LTL services to ship medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Timely and secure delivery is critical to maintaining patient care and safety.
  4. Food and Beverage.
    • Perishable and non-perishable food items frequently require specialized LTL transportation. Temperature-controlled shipping options ensure these goods remain fresh and comply with industry regulations.
  5. Automotive.
    • Automotive suppliers and manufacturers rely on LTL shipping to distribute parts and components to assembly plants and repair facilities.

Get More With Less-Than-Truckload Shipping

Cleveland less than truckload

The type of trucking service that’s right for your operation will depend on the specifics of your supply chain. 

For some clients, LTL shipping offers several advantages over full truckload (FTL) shipping and other methods of transportation. 

For instance, companies that rely heavily on e-commerce sales may choose LTL because those orders tend to require delivery of smaller, more frequent orders to diverse locations. A full-truckload delivery for orders that won’t fill the truck aren’t going to be cost-effective. In fact, because transportation costs can account for roughly 60+% of total logistics expenses, some organizations might lose money on small-volume orders if they had to use a full truckload. Less-than-truckload is a delivery solution that keeps costs reasonable. 

LTL is also generally greener. Anytime we can consolidate multiple smaller shipments into one shipment on a single truck, we’re reducing the total number of trucks on the road. Multiply that by many thousands of trucks every day, and that collectively goes a long way toward lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions. 

Scalability is also an attractive feature of LTL, particularly if your demand fluctuates throughout the year. LTL allows the freedom to scale up or down on your shipments space as-needed. It’s also good for companies just starting out, as shipping needs may change as your operation grows and evolves. 

Whether you choose FTL or LTL, On Time Delivery & Warehouse offers advanced tracking and visibility, offering our customers peace of mind through greater transparency. 

Partnering With Ohio Less-Than-Truckload Transportation Company

While some businesses find value in managing their own fleet and drivers, the vast majority find outsourcing well worth the investment. 

Partnering with a 3PL less-than-truckload transportation company offers the advantage of a turnkey experience, with an extensive network of routes through key markets for seamless delivery. With industry expertise and regional experience, we also offer customized solutions to meet the specific requirements of each client’s industry, whether that’s temperature-controlled shipping or expedited delivery. 

On Time Delivery & Warehouse is also proud of our cost-effective pricing model, which ensures our customers receive premium service without exceeding their budget. Request a less than truckload quote today to learn more.

Less-than-truckload shipping can be a game-changer for businesses seeking transportation solutions that are cost-effective, flexible, and reliable. Together with On Time Delivery & Warehouse, we’ll have the assurance that your goods will get where they need to go – intact, on time, every time. 

Need more information about our Ohio Trucking and Delivery Services? Contact us today!