What Are the Key Differences Between LTL and Full Truckload Shipping?

LTL Shipping Services:

• Flexibility in Volume: LTL shipping allows for the transportation of smaller shipment sizes that do not require the full space of a truck. Businesses that need to send out shipments ranging from one to six pallets can contact LTL shipping companies.
• Cost Efficiency: Since LTL shipping services involve sharing space with other shipments, costs are typically lower as you only pay for the truck space your cargo occupies.
• Enhanced Security and Handling: Although LTL shipments involve more handling due to multiple stops, many LTL trucking companies have refined their handling processes to ensure minimal risk of damage.

Full Truckload Shipping:

• Best for Large Shipments: FTL shipping is preferred when the cargo is sufficient to fill an entire truck. This method is ideal for large, bulky shipments or when shipment security is a paramount concern.
• Speed of Delivery: With FTL, the truck goes directly from the pick-up point to the destination without stops, making it faster than LTL for long distances.
• Less Handling Involved: Less handling reduces the risk of damage, making FTL suitable for fragile or high-value goods.

How to Choose Between LTL and Full Truckload Shipping

Selecting the appropriate shipping method is a critical decision for businesses aiming to optimize their logistics operations. The choice between LTL and FTL shipping hinges on various factors that align with specific business needs and operational goals.

Factors to Consider:

• Quantity and Size of Shipment: Assessing the volume of your cargo is the first step. For smaller shipments that do not require the full space of a truck, LTL is an ideal choice. It allows for cost savings as you pay only for the space used. In contrast, FTL is better suited for larger loads that can fill an entire truck, which makes it more straightforward and often more secure.
• Budget Considerations: Budget is a major consideration when choosing between LTL and FTL. LTL shipping can be more budget-friendly for smaller businesses or those looking to cut costs because it involves sharing transportation costs with other shipments headed in the same direction.
• Delivery Timelines: If the timing of your shipment is critical and you require faster delivery, FTL is typically the faster option since it involves direct delivery without stopovers. LTL may take longer as goods may be offloaded and reloaded at various hubs.

Partner with MGA International Logistics for Your Shipping Needs!

When looking for reliable LTL shipping services or full truckload solutions, partnering with a seasoned provider like MGA International Logistics ensures your cargo is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Our extensive network and deep industry knowledge enable us to offer customized solutions whether you opt for LTL or FTL shipping. As one of the leading LTL transportation companies, we are committed to providing you with flexible and efficient service options. Contact us today to discuss how we can help streamline your transportation requirements and enhance your supply chain efficiency.

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Fuel Efficiency Is Crucial

Truckers put a lot of miles on the vehicles they drive. This is unavoidable given the distances they must travel. However, there are ways that local LTL freight truckers can efficiently limit their fuel usage. The benefits of this are good for the environment and can help companies save on costs. There are a few ways to improve fuel efficiency.

A good beginning is to ensure effective route planning is taken into consideration. This may mean selecting more linear routes – not necessarily those that may be easier or faster. A good transportation partner should also employ transportation management systems and other technological tools. These resources can look at transportation times and rates to allow for sensible pricing options. Customers awaiting their goods can monitor arrival times and be ready for the trucks when they reach their destination. This reduces the amount of time trucks are idling at loading areas waiting to unload, and can help cut down on vehicle emissions.

Less-Than-Truckload Shipping Should Cut Down on Waste

Altering packaging practices can go a long way in reducing unnecessary waste. Reducing the number of boxes and incorporating recyclable packing materials can help limit environmental impacts.

When companies move away from paper materials (e.g. invoices, packing slips, bills of lading) and embrace digital formats, not only does it save on paper (and trees), but it makes processes faster and more efficient.

Work to Get Rid of Empty Miles

One of the biggest challenges LTL trucking companies face is filling those empty miles incurred by deadheading and backhauls. Making trips without a full load is inefficient. To assist in finding freight on their given routes, operators can turn to load boards where shippers and carriers can connect. This puts fewer trucks on the road, resulting in fewer emissions and less harm to the environment.

Doing Their Part for the Environment

Utilizing local LTL freight companies for your transportation needs demonstrates a commitment to the environment. Upping your green efforts begins with a call to the professionals at MGA International Logistics. Contact our expert team for further information, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote.

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National LTL Carriers

National LTL carriers provide shipping services throughout the entire country. They use a combination of terminals, drivers, and third-party subcontractors to ship to and from virtually any location in the contiguous nation. National LTL carriers are a good choice for companies that want to minimize the number of shipping partners they hire and for companies who seek lower shipping prices.

Multi-Regional LTL Carriers

Multi-regional LTL carriers operate in several areas as opposed to the entire nation. Multi-regional LTL carriers are a good option for companies whose target audience is a small group of connected states or provinces.

Regional LTL Carriers

Regional LTL carriers operate in a limited area, though they typically compensate for their small area of coverage with a more comprehensive operating network. Companies with a limited targeted customer base and customers seeking low costs and high quality of service should consider hiring a regional LTL carrier.

Sub-regional LTL Carriers

Sub-regional LTL carriers operate in a specific geographical area within a region. Sub-regional LTL carriers work well for cargo that does not need to travel long distances and for highly-competitive pricing.

Asset-Light LTL Carriers

Asset-Light LTL carriers are companies with a small workforce and vehicular fleet. Asset-Light LTL carriers rent or borrow terminals from larger LTL companies and sub-contract parts of their routes to smaller LTL companies. Companies with low shipping budgets and cargo that is not time-intensive might consider asset-light LTL carriers due to their low costs.

Load-to-Ride LTL Carriers

Load-to-Ride LTL carriers transport cargo from multiple customers on each truck. Load-to-Ride LTL carriers are a potential option for customers who require cheap long-distance shipping in the absence of time restraints.

Reefer LTL Carriers

Reefer LTL carriers are a subset of load-to-ride LTL carriers that specialize in temperature-sensitive freight. Reefer LTL carriers ship cargo from multiple customers on each vehicle if their acceptable temperature ranges have adequate overlap. Customers seeking budget-friendly temperature-regulated shipments could consider hiring a Reefer LTL carrier.

MGA International partners with multiple reliable LTL trucking companies to complement our shipping coverage and services. In addition to our third-party partners, our company operates its own local Less-than-Truck-Load shipping fleet and a warehouse to supplement our shipping efforts. We pride ourselves on inexpensive, quick, professional deliveries. Please feel free to contact us by filling out our online form or calling us at (844) 334-0039.

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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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About Freight Density

This is the weight of a shipment compared to its size. If you have a low-density shipment, it usually has a higher classification. For a denser shipment, you will have a lower classification. Once a company has determined your shipment’s class, you can factor that into the shipment’s total cost. Sometimes, it is more important to know the density than the shipment’s weight, so accurate calculations are important.

Calculating the Density

When looking at your shipment’s class, density is one of the most important factors. It can set the classification range. You will divide the item’s total weight by the cubic feet. You can also use a density calculator to simplify the process.

You need to have accurate measurements and a reliable scale when you are calculating the density. This includes packaging. Measure from the largest points on the package. It is likely that the density before packing your freight does not equal the final shipment.

Once you have assigned a freight class to the shipment, you can then place this on your bill of lading (BOL). When you have an accurate less than truckload shipping density, you can use the BOL with a higher degree of confidence. That way, you can avoid any fines that might result from inaccurate measurements.

Why This Matters to LTL Trucking Companies?

The density of your shipment is not only important to a shipper. It is also important for regional carriers. And for LTL carriers, the density is critical. They often have to travel longer routes, which means they want to maximize the space on their vehicles. They need to know the density in order to do this. Any wasted space means that they are losing money.

Where Can I Find LTL Trucking Companies Near Me?

The density of your shipment is vital when it comes to LTL carriers. We have been a trusted provider for less than truckload shipping for over two decades. We specialize in this area, and our experienced team can easily manage your items to ensure that they arrive on time.

You can stop searching “LTL trucking companies near me.” We offer a strong carrier partnership and prioritise tracking your items to ensure they do not get lost. We can also consolidate your shipments if you need and if it is a practical solution. Feel free to reach out to MGA International Logistics today to learn more about our services.

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Benefits of LTL

Any business owner will likely tell you that shipping costs are a significant drain on their resources. That’s especially true if you have a small or medium-sized business, which is likely facing a tight budget already. Luckily, there are reliable local trucking companies to help your company meet its financial goals.

One of the benefits of LTL shipping is lower costs. You are not paying for an entire truckload, which means you do not need to pay as much money. Other sellers whose items are going in a similar direction also have cargo in the same truck.

Most LTL trucking companies offer easy tracking, just like with any other method of shipping. No matter the stage of delivery, you can see shipping updates and an estimate of when your item will be delivered.

How to Use LTL Shipping

Once you have decided that LTL shipping is right for you, there are some steps you should take. You have to learn about industry regulations and service rates. That is especially true if you are sending shipments across the border. Traffic regulations, speed limits, and driving rules are just a few things that might get affected.

Make sure that you stay updated about the load’s arrival time and pass on this information to your vendors. If you did not package the goods properly or give them good information, your vendors might need to spend extra time and money. Keeping them informed can help you develop a better
relationship, especially if you will be working with them for a long time.
Remember that LTL shipping usually involves one to 10 pallets. If you have more than this, then you might want to look into other methods of shipping.

Turn to a Trusted Company

Saving money and staying efficient are important goals for any e-commerce business. Working with reliable LTL trucking companies can help you save a lot of money. MGA International Logistics offers free quotes for our LTL shipping services. Contact us today to learn more.

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One mistake that far too many consumers make is not taking the necessary time to conduct the proper research. With both desktop and mobile access to high-speed internet, customers can identify potential issues ahead of time.

Customers also should know that identifying a local dedicated truck company is not as difficult as what some people make it out to be. Considering that people throughout the country have full access to a nationwide list of trucking companies, they can quickly and easily identify those that offer the type of services they need that are located within their geographical location. In fact, this list is typically broken down by those two factors, as well as others, such as years in business, areas of expertise, pricing, and more.

This same information is available by reading a trucking magazine. Today, there is a host of magazines published specifically to help consumers make good decisions. In fact, some companies publish their own magazines. Therefore, a customer interested in hiring a local dedicated truck company can subscribe to a magazine or borrow one as a way of gaining insight.

Regardless of the source, the ultimate goal is to get as much information about different trucking companies as possible. That helps people narrow their choices down to just one outstanding company.

Along with that, it is common for a trucking magazine to provide customers with informative articles that cover various topics, such as “top 10” lists, “how to avoid being scammed,” “cutting-edge technology and equipment used today by professional trucking companies,” and a bunch of others.

Regardless whether you need local or long-distance trucking services, MGA International can help. We are a well-respected and trusted source for all types of transportation needs. To learn more about our services, we invite you to visit our website. If you are ready to get your hauling scheduled or you have questions, please contact us by phone at your earliest convenience.

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Although both of these businesses are associated with the same industry, they go about conducting business in a somewhat unique way. LTL, the acronym for “less than load”, involves LTL transportation companies that ship loads of smaller sizes. In comparison, hot shot trucking companies are comprised of drivers that specialize in making fast deliveries that are a less than usual load.

Because of the volume of goods shipped, more people are relying on the expertise of shipping companies. However, not all customers have a full load. For that reason, it is more beneficial for them to take advantage of LTL shipping opposed to full load services. However, when a load needs to be expedited, customers turn to hot shot trucking.

The increase in people using LTL shipping companies for small loads has had a direct impact on the hot shot market. For regular loads, LTL shipping is the right choice, but in situations of urgency, customers depend on hot shot drivers. As an example, if a major part at a generator plant breaks, there is no time to wait on standard shipping. Without hot shot services, the plant could experience a partial or total shutdown.

Most people think that because hot shot trucking expedites the shipping process, the cost is extremely high. In reality, hot shot services are quite affordable. With LTL shipping, customers pay less than if using full load trucking services. This means that when shipping a smaller amount of goods, LTL is of great value.

Most hot shot drivers use four-wheel drive vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and sprinter vans. Even though goods are moved quickly, due to the lower cost of equipment and operations, these services are a cost-efficient solution. The bottom line is that both hot shot and LTL trucking are vital to all kinds of businesses.

Regardless if you need to move goods quickly or at normal speed, we can help. Based on your specific requirements, we will help find LTL or local hot shot loads available for moving your goods. At MGA International, we take both shipping solutions seriously, therefore ensuring the satisfaction of every customer. To learn more or get a quote for your upcoming need, please contact us today.

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Because of growing popularity, the LTL trucking industry is highly competitive. To get the best deal, it is essential to choose the right company. Even after selecting one company among many LTL transportation companies, there are a few ways to save money.

Tips for Saving Money

To ensure that you get the best deal possible, start by researching several LTL trucking companies. That way, you can determine the price based on your specific shipment. Knowing what different companies offer gives you a huge advantage. Once you focus in on one company but discover its rates are higher than a competitor’s, there is a good chance of talking them down. After all, the company you choose does not want to lose you as a customer. More than likely, it will go out of its way to accommodate you.

Ask different LTL transportation companies if they have had any last-minute cancellations for an outgoing load. In this case, they may have some available space. Typically, the LTL trucking industry does an excellent job with logistics. However, on occasion, something might change that leaves a company with open space. If you can be ready to move quickly, a company might offer that space to you at a discounted price.

Even staging your shipment is an excellent way to save money. Instead of having things scattered about and disorganized, LTL shipping companies move faster and more efficiently when everything is properly staged. This includes organization as well as not filling boxes to overcapacity and having appropriate items already shrink-wrapped.

Make sure that any quotes from LTL carriers are conclusive, meaning they include any and all fees and taxes charged by the company. Unfortunately, some questionable LTL shipping companies will offer a quote that excludes these charges. Although you will have to pay the fees and taxes regardless, this prevents you from getting an unwanted surprise when the total amount comes due.

Among the best LTL carriers, MGA International has earned a reputation for being highly respected and trusted. For your upcoming shipment, we can help keep your costs down. Please give us a call today to learn more.

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