As a trusted Ohio third-party logistics (3PL) and trucking company, On Time Delivery & Warehouse specializes in providing both interstate and intrastate LTL freight services to businesses of all sizes. If you’ve been searching for cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions, understanding LTL freight shipping could revolutionize the way you manage your supply chain.

What Is LTL Freight?

LTL freight, or less-than-truckload freight, refers to a shipping method where multiple shipments from various customers share space on the same truck. This approach is ideal for businesses that don’t need a full trailer to transport their goods. Instead of paying for unused truck space, you’ll share costs with other businesses shipping items along a similar route.

The LTL freight meaning is straightforward: It’s about efficiency. For smaller shipments ranging from 150 to 15,000 pounds, LTL freight optimizes transportation by consolidating goods, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact compared to sending multiple smaller trucks.

While LTL freight and LTL trucking are often used interchangeably, the latter specifically refers to the actual transport of these shared loads by trucking companies like ours. The term “freight” encompasses the broader logistics process, including coordination, consolidation, and delivery.

Many industries benefit from LTL freight services, particularly those in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage, and e-commerce. Many of these operations require just the right amount of materials to be delivered – to avoid overstocks and/or reduce loss of perishable goods. 

LTL Freight Shipping vs. FTL Freight Shipping

If you’re unsure whether you’ll need LTL freight or FTL freight – or some other transportation method entirely – it’s a good idea to understand the key differences. 

FTL freight is going to be your best bet for large shipments that require a full trailer. Full truckload freight has the advantage of much faster transit times because there’s no need to consolidate or make as many stops. On the flip side, it’s typically more expensive than LTL freight and there’s less flexibility to adjust if you suddenly have unexpected dips or surges in demand. 

LTL freight, meanwhile, is perfect for smaller loads. Customers share truck space, but they also split the costs. Transit times are going to be slightly longer because of the stops involved for each customer, but these are often outweighed by the financial savings and the reputation-booster of being more environmentally-friendly. 

Research published in peer-reviewed logistics journals has concluded that consolidation of smaller shipments into fewer trucks can reduce greenhouse gases by up to 30% compared to individual parcel shipping methods. That can be major for companies looking to meet sustainability goals. 

Plus, some Ohio LTL freight providers like On Time Delivery & Warehouse offer a range of value-added services, such as liftgate delivery, inside pickup, and tracking tools that keep customers informed about shipment status. It’s a great option for operations without urgent, high-volume shipments that will consistently fill an entire trailer. 

Getting an Accurate LTL Freight Quote