Parcel Shipping

Parcels are typically small, lightweight shipments that generally weigh less than 100lbs. Boxes can sometimes be categorized as parcels if their combined girth and length do not exceed 165 inches. Parcels are labeled and shipped individually and usually require little assistance to transport. They will often contain protective materials inside, such as bubble wrap or Styrofoam.

The manual handling means that the boxes are more susceptible to damage or being misplaced. Nonetheless, with many checkpoints and transfers, parcels are generally easier to track when compared to other pallet shipping options. Furthermore, parcel delivery trucks have a calculated route that remains static, making parcel shipping perfect for time-sensitive shipments.

Pallet Shipping (LTL)

If your freight is bulky and weighs more than 100lbs, LTL trucking services may provide a better shipping option. Pallet shipments have a significantly lower risk of getting damaged as there is less manual handling and fewer checkpoints. LTL trucking companies will move freight by using forklifts, which is safer when compared to conveyor belts often used in parcel shipments. Pallet shipping allows for multiple packages to be transported to the same location. Transporting freight pallets to a fulfillment or distribution center – where it is consolidated with other cargo pallets going to the same region – allows for cost-savings on these types of shipments.

Differences between Parcel and Pallet Shipping

Listed below are some of the key differences that exist between parcel and LTL trucking services.

• Tracking: As parcel shipping often involves many checkpoints it may provide more regular updates on the shipment’s current location.
• Cost: Pallets are heavier and larger than parcels and therefore more expensive. Nonetheless, they are an affordable option if you are shipping large amounts of cargo to the same location.
• Safety: Parcels are lighter and more fragile than pallets and because they are shipped in greater volumes, they tend to get manually handled at the numerous checkpoints involved in the transportation process. This makes them more vulnerable to damage and/or loss.

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What If You Don’t Know the Freight Details?

A driver arrived at a shipper’s location and expected to get a 600-pound shipment with three pallet positions. Instead, the shipment weighed 2,000 pounds and required 10 pallet positions. If there is an empty truck, the driver can still take this load. But that means the truck will fill up sooner than necessary, and another shipment might get delayed.

The carrier could send another truck to pick up the rest, but that will prevent the shipments from getting delivered on time. No matter how the carrier does it, it will cost more money. That extra cost will get passed on to the person who had a larger shipment than stated.

Disclose any special requirements with your carrier, so you can communicate your expectations. Learn about any specific prerequisites so you can avoid delaying your shipment.

Having Good Expectations

You should base your expectations on the published transit days from the less than truckload shipping carrier. Stay aware that the published transit days are only the best-case scenario. Sometimes, it might require more time, which can cause poor performance. Transit times are not the same amount of time from pickup to delivery since there are still scheduling requirements. Consider choosing a carrier located closer to your facility to reduce variables caused by traffic and other factors.

You should choose the right logistic provider to ensure on-time performance. If the chosen carrier has a pattern of high performance, you can expect a good working relationship. Regional and national carriers have higher levels of performance. Segment the customers and supply chain based on the requirements. Consider using the best LTL trucking companies that focus more on the level of service than costs. A logistics provider can help with this.

Access the Best Less Than Truckload Shipping Services

By working with the right logistics provider, you can access high-performing suppliers to create a more efficient route. By combining the best brokers and asset carriers, your logistics provider can create an approach that meets your shipping goals. Let us help you save money and time when it comes to supply chain management. Contact MGA International Logistics today to learn more.

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