What is consolidated LTL shipping? All you need to know

In this post we will explain what consolidated LTL shipping is. its advantages and disadvantages and everything you need to know about it. Basically, the term refers to the shipment of consolidated cargo, that is, the volume of the cargo is not capable of filling the means of transport, usually a truck.

It is possible that in an LTL cargo shipment different shippers share the space on a truck, as long as they all have low volume loads. In this case, they only pay for the volume that their merchandise occupies and not the entire space.

There is also the option to ship via FTL shipping. It can be said that it is the counterpart of LTL transportation, that is, a single shipper occupies the entire space of the truck with his cargo.

Reasons to choose consolidated LTL shipping

LTL shipping is the best alternative in specific situations, including those explained below:

• If your cargo weight is less than 6,800 kg or the equivalent of 15,000 pounds, it is a good idea to choose LTL cargo.
• If the load you intend to send does not occupy more than 10 pallets.

• Also if the merchandise that makes up the cargo is not sensitive to the environment.
• It is the best option if the merchandise is not sensitive to the passage of time.

It should be noted that these considerations are general. It is important for you to know that all service providers determine their considerations regarding the weight or quantity of pallets.

Now, if the cargo to be shipped does not meet the criteria explained above, consider sending your shipment using FTL transport.

An important aspect that we cannot ignore is that consolidated LTL transport is generally cheaper, that is, it is a good alternative if you want to significantly reduce logistics costs.

Discover the advantages that LTL transport offers you

The option has a large number of advantages that you should take advantage of, for example, the costs are lower. And, as a shipper, you only have to pay for the space your cargo occupies on the means of transport.

On the other hand, your shipment will be safer. Each LTL load is palletized before loading onto the truck to make the journey safer, taking into account that the merchandise is as compact as it is protected.

The carbon footprint is significantly reduced with LTL transportation, therefore it also generates benefits for the environment. Remember that these loads share the space of the same truck, an efficient way to reduce carbon emissions.

Most companies that provide this transport service also offer additional associated services, for example, collection and delivery of parcels to speed up the logistics involved in sending consolidated cargo.

To finish this list of advantages of LTL transport it is necessary to know that they offer the possibility of including lifting platforms. These structures are installed at the rear of the truck as an attachment.

Basically, they are used to facilitate the loading and unloading of your merchandise. It is worth noting that this type of accessory is usually offered mainly for shipments of consolidated cargo.

What are the disadvantages of LTL shipping?

It is worth highlighting the not so positive part of consolidated LTL transportation. Firstly, there are risks of cargo being damaged or contaminated, as cargo shares space and increases the possibility of contamination when coming into contact with other goods.

The risk of theft is also greater. LTL cargo typically passes through many warehouses and terminals, and merchandise is loaded and unloaded multiple times.

This means the risk of theft increases, especially if your cargo is easy to steal and resell.

Transit times are longer. Compared to FTL freight shipments, LTL freight generally takes longer to reach its final destination.

Mainly due to the multiple stops that a truck must make for its scheduled loading and unloading and the remaining orders that share the space of the means of transport.

Among other details that should be highlighted, we have the factors that affect the price of consolidated cargo. From paying attention to every little detail so that your shipment is insured, for example, that it is packaged, documented and sent correctly.

What factors affect the price of consolidated cargo?

If everything you read in this post makes you consider shipping with LTL shipping, also analyze the different factors that directly affect the price of the service.

The volume and weight of your cargo directly affect the price

Remember that you only assume the price of the space your cargo occupies on the truck, in general the costs depend on both the weight and the volume of the merchandise.

In other words, the greater the volume and weight of what you intend to send in this modality, the higher the price you will have to assume.

Price depends on distance

Generally, in the cargo transportation business, the longer the route, the higher the cost of consolidated LTL transportation or any modality, be it land, air or sea.

The types of goods and types of shipments also affect the price

In the case of goods, they are classified according to the product. The classification determines the tariffs that will be applied to the shipper when their merchandise arrives at customs in the destination country.

However, there are some IMO goods that can be imported through consolidated freight transport. These are previously rigorously analyzed, using the safety data sheet provided by the customer.

In this case, if the shipping company authorizes the cargo to be made viable, otherwise it must be sent by air.

In summary, we have already given you enough reasons to consider the consolidated LTL transport option, we have developed the advantages, but we have also talked about the negative aspects of this freight transport methodology. The idea is that you analyze with this information whether it is better for you to opt for this type of shipping.