Shipping freight is a complicated and confusing process that is comprised of multiple details and different aspects for each transportation solution. One of the most common transportation options is full truckload shipping, also well known as FTL shipping, the opposite of less than load shipping, LTL. So, what is full truckload and how can it be beneficial to you?
What is Full Truckload Freight?
FTL freight is a shipment ranging all the way from 24 to 30 pallets and up. The weight of the shipment typically goes anywhere between 10,000 lbs. to 45,000 lbs. but can be higher on specific trucks. Unlike in LTL Shipping, the space on the trailer and milage is more important than weight and density in FTL Shipping.
How Does it Work?
First, you want to assess your shipment.
- Create a list of all the items you plan to ship – all should be listed on the bill of lading (BOL)
- Account for all your items and their values and record them – value is important for your broker and insurance needs
Next, you want to package your shipment up.
- It is the shipper’s responsibility to pack the freight and not the carrier’s job
- Pack inside to the outside and use pallets, straps, and boxes to make the packaging strong and durable
- Don’t rush packing your freight and use quality materials!
Finally, get your freight ready to ship!
- Calculate the weight and dimensions of your freight
- Pick your origin, destination, and type of transport
- Send to your 3PL provider to cover or negotiate with carriers to have it covered!
Questions You Need to Ask When Shipping Full Truckload
- How is your shipment packaged and how will it be packed for pickup?
- Does it need to be weather-proof or weather-resistant?
- Does it need to be loaded/unloaded in a specific way?
- How fast does it need to get to the destination? Single vs team drivers?
FTL Shipping Truck and Trailer Types
- Dry Van
- Most common
- Enclosed and weather resistant
- Box trailers created to carry pallets or boxes
- As long as 53 feet
- Up to 45,000 lbs. of cargo
- Reefer
- Common for perishable freight
- Refrigerated trailer
- Temperature sensitive cargo
- Can haul frozen, refrigerated, and heated goods
- Typically 48-53 feet
- Cargo weight maximum of 44,000 lbs.
- Flatbed
- Very Common
- Flat and level bed with no sides or roof
- Freight is loaded from the front, sides, or the rear
- Designed for heavy and large freight and abnormal loads that need more space than a closed truck
- Open to the elements so cargo must be weather resistant or packaged as such
- 48 to 53 feet long
- Up to 48,000 lbs. of cargo
- Step Deck
- Less common
- Flatbed variant
- Has bottom and top deck
- Transports shipments that a regular flatbed is not able to, typically due to height limitations
- 48 to 53 feet, with the upper deck being 11 feet
- Up to 46,500 lbs. of cargo
- Conestoga
- Not as common
- Curtain side trailer
- Has a sliding tarp that protects your shipment by covering the freight
- Can load cargo on three different sides when open
- Variety of lengths between 48 and 53 feet
- Maximum weight is between 42,000 to 45,000 lbs.
Advantages of FTL Shipping
Assortment of Trucks
- A great thing about FTL Shipping is the wide variety of truck options and the way they are shipped. This allows all types of freight in different shapes, sizes, and how they are packaged.
Freight is Handled less
- When shipping FTL your freight is the only cargo on the truck and the only two stops are pickup and delivery. Nothing needs to be moved around or taken off the truck, which makes for less opportunities for damage. Also, without any stops your freight will get to its destination quicker.
Carrier Network
- The carrier options for FTL Shipping are significantly larger than the carriers for LTL. While the large asset based carriers are still a choice, there are thousands of independent small and medium operations. The wide array opens up opportunities for different varieties of trucks, routes, and other advantages.
Negotiating Prices
- Prices typically depend on the marketplace at the time and can range from company to company. However, the rates are not always set and stone and can be negotiated. When preparing to negotiate with a carrier to get a preferrable rate be sure to research the market and compare. Because you can negotiate, it can be a big payoff for lower shipping costs.
- Pricing is usually based off of capacity demands and a rate per mile (RPM) plus fuel surcharges (FSC).
- If you use a 3rd party logistics company, they are experts on the market and negotiating, and they practice those skills every day. They will be able to get you a great price for your FTL shipping needs.
Challenges
There are many advantages for using FTL Shipping, however, there are going to be challenges as well. More recently, when COVID took over the world, manufacturers and shipping routes went down, and it created a chaotic logistics and transportation industry. As a result, trucking costs have been high, and rates have increased in 2021. There is currently a shortage on trucks, and it has been more difficult to book them especially ones that are needed last minute. It is important to have a good understanding of the business to be able to navigate the tight market. However, working with a third-party logistics company would help as the logistics coordinators are experts and navigate the industry on a daily basis.
If you think FTL is right for your shipping needs, our team of FTL Shipping coordinators can help cover any loads you may have with the best service in the industry. Contact ATS Logistics or check out more about our services!
Independent and one person carrier operations are pretty much the same thing just worded different. I would say large/corporate operations. [RB1]