Top 5 Advantages of Leveraging Less-Than-Truckload Freight Services

With rising transportation costs and growing customer demands, companies are under increasing pressure to deliver cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions. The days of relying on a single carrier or accepting high transportation fees without question are over. Now, shippers must evaluate quotes from multiple vendors and consider various options, including modal shifts. Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services stand out as a practical choice for reducing transportation spend.  Let’s explore the advantages it brings to your supply chain. 

What Is Less-Than-Truckload Freight?

Less-than-truckload freight is a shipping option ideal for businesses with shipments that don’t require an entire truck. Instead of utilizing a full truck for a single load, LTL freight services consolidate multiple smaller shipments from different companies onto one truck. Each business pays only for the portion of truck space their goods occupy, making it an economical solution for small- to mid-sized shipments. It’s an especially valuable option for freight forwarders and shippers managing diverse shipments on tight budgets.

LTL freight shipments can weigh between 150 and 15,000 pounds and they can be transported using a network of terminals, hubs, and trucks. Freight is sometimes unloaded, sorted, and reloaded at various stops along its route to ensure efficient delivery to multiple destinations. Some LTL providers, including S-2, provide value-add services like tracking, support of special handling, and customized delivery options to meet your unique needs.

When to Consider LTL Freight Services

Choosing the right transportation method depends on the unique needs of your shippers and carriers. Here are some scenarios where you should consider LTL freight services.

Small or Medium-Sized Shipments

If your shipment is too large for parcel services but doesn’t justify the cost of a full truckload, less-than-truckload freight is the middle ground you need. Rather than paying for unused space, you only cover the portion you occupy as mentioned before, enhancing your cost management.

Flexible Transit Requirements

Shipments that are small to mid-sized and don’t have strict time requirements for pick up or delivery can be a good fit for LTL.  While guaranteed delivery options are available, typically transit is an estimate, based on origin and destination, and carrier selected.  If time specific or time critical is not a need, LTL should be considered.

Frequent Deliveries

For businesses that ship regularly to many customers or locations, LTL freight services can simplify your logistics. It allows you to consolidate shipments and coordinate frequent deliveries while saving on costs.

Budget-Conscious Operations

LTL is a cost-effective shipping option that allows additional control over freight costs. If you choose a reputable LTL management company, such as S-2, you can lower costs without sacrificing service quality—confidently meeting shipper and carrier expectations.

No Special Handling Needs

Less-than-truckload freight is not always suitable for specialized shipping needs, depending on the specific requirements. As touched on previously, LTL shipments are often moved between multiple terminals during transit, increasing the risk of damage for sensitive goods. Plus, since LTL involves sharing truck space with other shipments, there’s a possibility of exposure to incompatible freight—such as heavy or hazardous materials near fragile items. 

S-2 does offer supplemental shipment insurance for LTL freight services upon request, available at an affordable rate. However, our logistics experts recommend white glove delivery or other specialized shipping options for extremely fragile, high-value, or time-sensitive goods.

The Main Benefits of Less-Than-Truckload Freight

The advantages of leveraging LTL freight go far beyond cost savings. Let’s explore some of the key benefits.

#1. Cost Savings

One of the most significant advantages of LTL freight is its cost-effectiveness. Consolidating smaller shipments into a shared truck reduces the overall cost per mile, making it an excellent choice for shippers focused on maintaining a lean budget.

#2. Shipment Size Flexibility

Less-than-truckload freight accommodates shipments of various sizes and weights, including small shipments, offering unparalleled flexibility compared to other methods. This is especially beneficial for businesses with fluctuating shipping volumes or seasonal demand spikes. And, for larger shipments, volume pricing is available.

#3. Convenience for Frequent Deliveries

For companies shipping regularly to multiple destinations, LTL freight services provide unmatched convenience. You can schedule recurring shipments without the hassle of coordinating separate trucks, ensuring your goods are consistently delivered on time.

#4. Faster Transit Times for Specific Routes

In regions or lanes with high LTL activity, carriers often operate direct routes with frequent departures, enabling faster delivery times. LTL management companies with a large network of carriers, including S-2, can provide you with competitive options on a regular basis.

#5. Reduced Environmental Impact

By consolidating multiple shipments onto one truck, less-than-truckload freight reduces the number of vehicles on the road. This decreases fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option that aligns with sustainability goals.

Why Choose a Single-solution LTL Management Company

Partnering with an experienced LTL management company can support the success of you and your customers. Here are some of the biggest advantages:

• Proactive Tracking: S-2 monitors shipments from origin to destination, offering real-time updates and quick resolutions to any issues. More than 98.7% of S-2’s shipments arrive on time.
• Competitive Pricing: S-2 leverages volume rates across a vast carrier network, securing cost-effective solutions for your less-than-truckload freight shipments.
• Comprehensive Coverage: With full coverage across the U.S. and Canada, S-2 ensures your goods reach their destination, regardless of location.
• Low Claim Rates: Rigorous carrier vetting processes, combined with alternative routings for sensitive freight, can minimize risks of damage or loss, providing peace of mind for your business. In fact, less than 0.0003% of S-2’s shipments have claims.
• Exceptional Service: S-2’s dedicated representatives act as advocates for your business, assisting when claims arise, resolving disputes, and ensuring smooth logistics operations.

In contrast, working with a single carrier often limits your geographic coverage, increases costs due to a lack of competitive pricing, and reduces flexibility. Additionally, a single carrier may struggle to handle specialized shipping needs or growth in your business—forcing you to seek additional providers, complicating your logistics and increasing your workload. S-2’s expansive network and services ensures you always have the right resources at your disposal—whether you’re shipping a single pallet via LTL freight services or managing a surge in orders.

The Power of Leveraging a Reputable LTL Platform

A robust logistics platform further enhances the benefits of LTL freight services. At S-2, our proprietary TOP platform is a cutting-edge tool that simplifies freight management, while delivering advanced capabilities you need to stay competitive.

TOP’s features include:

• Access to Leveraged Volume Rates: Secure the best rates from a network of reputable carriers and major 3PLS.
• Effortless Load Management: Organize multiple shipments within a single platform for maximum efficiency.
• Real-time Tracking and Insights: Maintain full visibility of your shipments with detailed tracking and reporting tools.
• Carrier Options in One Place: Choose from a curated list of reliable less-than-truckload freight carriers and 3 PLS that meet stringent service standards.
• Special Handling Services: Quickly find options for other unique shipment needs, including temperature-controlled or oversized loads.  

Supported by a team of logistics experts, TOP provides both the technology and human expertise needed to ensure seamless operations.

Looking for Less-Than-Truckload Freight Services?

Choosing the right less-than-truckload freight management company is critical to maintaining an efficient and cost-effective supply chain. Satisfy your customers and carriers with S-2’s comprehensive shipping options, including dependable LTL freight services. Get in touch with the S-2 team to request a customized quote for your shipping needs.