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5 Questions about LTL Shipping Every Business Owner Should Ask

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping involves the transportation of relatively small freight. LTL trucking companies group small amounts of freight from multiple businesses, and transport it together, sharing space on the same semi-trailer. This transport mode is ideal for businesses because when they chose to ship LTL, they only pay for the portion of the semi-trailer that their freight occupies. As a result, this economical mode of transportation is extremely beneficial to businesses. To help you get started, we have comprised a list of questions you should be asking about this popular shipping method.

1. Am I Using the Proper Packaging?

When it comes to LTL shipping, proper packaging is critical. Your goods will be sharing space with other goods, and the last thing you want is for damage to occur. Prevent broken or damaged freight by following the proper protocol. Ensure that your packaging is sturdy and will provide necessary protection for your goods, and make sure your packages are as compact and dense as possible when preparing them for shipment. It’s also important to consider whether or not your shipment can handle being stacked as you prepare for shipment. If it can, it’s all the more important to make sure you chose the proper boxes and packing materials that will withstand the weight. If you have questions, your LTL trucking company can guide you through this process. Or better yet, let Comet handle this for you.

2. Am I Able to Track My Shipment?

One of the benefits of LTL shipping is that tracking is usually easier when compared to other methods of transport. It’s important, however, to make sure you partner with an LTL trucking company that has tracking technology. This is because being aware of your load’s location will prevent wasted time and money, helping your small business to stay organized and efficient. A good trucking company will provide real-time tracking updates through bill of lading numbers, pick up date ranges, or other shipment reference numbers.

 

3. Is My Freight Classification Right?

Making sure your load has the right freight classification is critical to ensuring your small business gets a fair LTL shipping rate with the carrier you select. Generally speaking, the lower your class, the lower your cost. This means that if you are in the incorrect class (with the incorrect dimensions or weight, for example), unnecessary costs could be tacked on to your load, and your budget will take a hit. Speak with your LTL trucking company to understand how they are going to classify your shipment.

4. Do I Understand How My LTL Shipping Rates Are Being Determined?

A wide variety of factors contribute to the calculation of shipment costs, including distance, freight class, or special characteristics of your freight. It’s important to make sure you understand how your LTL trucking company determines shipping rates so that you can ensure you are getting the best deal for your business.

5. Do I Have the Right Carrier for the Job?

It's important to select a trucking company that has LTL experience, and that offers scalable solutions that will fit the needs of your small business. Be sure they can accommodate your business volume at a fair price. It’s also important to make sure they offer the technology and software resources that will help you stay organized as the needs of your business grow.

Comet Delivery: Reliable LTL Shipping Services for Your Business

Discovering the right trucking company for your LTL shipping is not always easy, but the savings offered by this popular shipment mode make the search well worthwhile. At Comet Delivery Services, we understand the importance of providing reliable LTL shipping services. Through our interstate and intrastate trucking operations, we continue to help businesses around the country successfully transport their goods within their desired timeframe. We offer shipping options and transportation solutions that will help you achieve your goals, while providing the flexibility and timeliness you need. Whether you are in need of less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), or flatbed transportation options, our team of drivers has the experience and professionalism needed to get the job done. Contact us to learn more about how our trucking services can help your business with its transport needs today!