LTL or less than truckload freight transports relatively small freights. It offers the much-needed solution for small companies and businesses to quickly ship their product when they don’t have a full truckload to ship. It is also cost-effective and offers companies a chance to remain competitive and meet their business needs. LTL is a viable option because it doesn’t involve freight brokers and third parties, making it different from the traditional shipping methods. These differences are the ones you should accustom yourself to before choosing an LTL carrier. Many people get attracted to lower shipping rates and completely overlook other factors about the carrier. Here is how to choose an LTL carrier.
Determine your freight class
Many people find it challenging to determine what freight class their goods fall under when choosing an LTL carrier. When you decide to use an LTL carrier such as https://www.mactrans.ca/our-services-toronto-montreal/less-than-truckload-ltl/, you have different freight classes to choose from. You can determine based on the type of material or goods you are shipping or using the weight range per cubic foot. Note that if you choose the freight class wrongly, you may end up paying higher rates. However, some carriers will reclassify the goods to the correct category. When choosing an LTL carrier, take time to understand the freight classes and where your shipment falls.
Check the carrier’s reputation.
Note that with LTL, your shipment is going to pass through so many hands before it reaches its final destination. The more hands your shipment goes through, the more damage risks increase. When such happens in a vast supply chain and at fast rates, it can be challenging to know who to blame or sue. That is why you need to choose a very reputable LTL carrier. They should have a good reputation with all the members they are working with. Choose an LTL provider who can effectively track and report on the state of your shipment. Some reputable LTL carriers will work with a limited number of contacts to minimize the risks of damages.
Consider their delivery time.
Whether you are sending or receiving a shipment, consider the carrier’s transit duration. For instance, if an LTL carrier has long overhauls, then it may take longer than usual to deliver the shipment when compared to a regional carrier. Note that an LTL carrier utilizes different methods to get a shipment from one point to another. When shipping goods locally, it is the best way to have them delivered within only a short time.
Look beyond the freight rates.
Even as you are looking to save more on the shipment, low freight rates can be dangerous. You don’t want to start dealing with damaged freight, frustrated customers, or delayed goods. Therefore, you should look beyond the freight rates and ensure that the company is reputable. Otherwise, you may ultimately lose more than you spent with the low rate and time. Before you choose an LTL carrier, confirm their delivery and processing.
Freight liability
Freight carriers usually cover some freight liability amount, but it doesn’t cover the declared value of your goods in the event of damage. So, ensure you know how much liability the carrier covers.
The bottom line
Since you want to ship your goods in the most secure, effective, and fast way, ensure you pay attention to detail when choosing an LTL carrier.
