Continue reading to explore the most common LTL shipping challenges and break down simple, effective solutions to overcome them.
LTL shipping is used when you have freight that doesn’t require a full trailer. Instead, your shipment is combined with others to fill the space. This makes it more affordable, especially when you don’t ship in large volumes.
Less-than-truckload logistics offers a flexible solution for buying groups that need to deliver restaurant equipment, ingredients, or kitchen supplies in smaller batches. But flexibility comes with trade-offs, and knowing what to expect can help avoid common pitfalls.
Let’s start with one of the most frustrating issues: unexpected charges. These often come from freight classification mistakes.
Freight classes determine shipping costs based on weight, size, and type of item. If you choose the wrong class or misjudge the weight, the carrier will correct it and charge you extra for the difference. This problem is especially common in industries like restaurant supply, where shipments vary widely in size and weight.
To avoid surprise charges, make sure you:
Getting the details right is the best way to avoid reclassification fees and improve shipping performance.
Now that we’ve covered freight classes, let’s talk about timing. LTL shipments often take longer than full truckload shipments because they make multiple stops. The risk of delay increases each time a shipment is handled, loaded, unloaded, or transferred.
Delays can be a big problem for restaurant supply chains. A missed delivery might mean a kitchen can’t open on time or key supplies don’t arrive before a busy weekend.
Working with a strong logistics partner helps avoid unnecessary stops. LTL freight solutions that use smart routing and experienced carriers can shave days off delivery timelines.
Here’s what to look for:
Planning—and choosing the right routes—can keep your shipments moving efficiently.
Delays aren’t the only risk with too many handling points. Another major concern? Damage.
LTL shipments are often loaded and unloaded several times. This means more chances for goods to be dropped, bumped, or packed poorly alongside incompatible freight. For restaurant supply shipments—especially fragile equipment or sensitive goods—this can lead to returns, refunds, and lost revenue.
To reduce damage risks:
Choose a 3PL (third-party logistics) partner who can coordinate these steps for you. They can also help ensure carriers follow best practices during transfers.
Well-packed shipments are less likely to suffer damage, even with multiple transfers. That means fewer headaches—and happier customers.
Another common roadblock is finding the right carrier for the route you need. Not all LTL carriers go everywhere; some may only cover limited regions. Your options may be limited if you’re trying to deliver restaurant supplies to more rural or specialized destinations, like nursing homes or small-town eateries.
When you rely on just one or two carriers, you’re more likely to face delays or get stuck with higher rates.
Here’s how to fix that:
A flexible, well-connected shipping partner opens up more options and helps keep delivery times on track.
Now, let’s talk about visibility. With LTL shipping, knowing where your shipment is at any given time can be tough. Since the freight may change trucks or sit at terminals, tracking updates can lag or be unclear.
This creates stress for you and your customers, especially if you can’t answer the simple question: “When will it arrive?” Luckily, new tracking tools are making this problem easier to solve. Many LTL freight solutions now include real-time shipment tracking, delivery notifications, and detailed route data.
To improve visibility:
The more you know, the better you can plan. And better planning leads to smoother deliveries and fewer surprises.
Improve your shipping strategy with TMS technology from Noble Choice Logistics.
Not all carriers are created equal. The carrier you choose can greatly impact your experience, from how quickly your goods arrive to how well they’re treated along the way.
That’s why LTL carrier selection is more than picking the lowest price.
Here’s what sets great carriers apart:
When you work with a logistics provider who understands your industry, they can help you choose carriers that meet your specific needs.
At Noble Choice Logistics, we partner with restaurant supply buying groups to move goods safely, affordably, and on time. We offer real-time tracking, automated booking, accurate freight classification, and a single point of contact. Our powerful TMS platform and vast carrier network help you avoid hidden costs, reduce delays and damage, improve visibility, and ensure deliveries arrive intact, whether headed to a local kitchen or senior living facility. Contact us today to discover how our logistics solutions can simplify your shipments!
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