When Are Full Truckload Services the Right Choice?

Choosing the right shipping service for your goods is a critical business decision with far-reaching implications. Full truckload (FTL) services can offer a practical solution, but are they always the right choice?

This guide provides insights into the operation of truckload shipping, some differences between full and less-than-truckload shipping, and the advantages and disadvantages of this shipping method. Additionally, we’ll delve into the key factors often influencing the decision to choose full truckload services and how these services can impact your business operations.

Side view of a semi-truck driving down the road

What Is Full Truckload Shipping?

FTL freight shipping refers to transporting large goods that can fill an entire truck, or at least a portion. Most full truckload shipments utilize a 53-foot dry van or a flatbed trailer. Other equipment types, like refrigerated, drop-deck, or detachable trailers, may also be used depending on the shipment’s requirements.

The full truckload shipping process starts from the planning phase, where a freight service provider or freight broker gets a quote for the shipment. After choosing a truckload freight service, the shipper needs to prepare the shipment for pick-up. The truckload carrier will then pick up the goods, offering a quicker, more direct transit time as the goods are transported alone, without other smaller loads to drop off along the way.

Understanding delivery times, truck freight capacity, and shipping seasons can help shippers plan for smoother operations and faster transit times. This is also where the relationships shippers create with their chosen full truckload broker and service provider make a difference.

The Difference Between Full Truckload and Less-Than-Truckload Shipping

When choosing between full truckload (FTL) shipping and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, the main distinction lies in the amount of space the goods occupy on a truck. FTL shipping means that the entire truck is dedicated to one shipment, while in LTL shipping, several shippers share the space on one truck for their smaller loads or parcels.

In LTL shipments, parcels can be unloaded and reloaded onto different trucks at several freight centers along the delivery route before finally reaching their destination. This allows for the consolidation of goods, leading to better efficiency and cost savings. However, it may also increase the transit time and the risk of the goods being damaged or lost due to frequent handling.

On the other hand, full truckload shipments generally allow for faster delivery times and lower risk of damage, as the goods stay on the same truck from origin to destination. They are also more cost-effective for larger quantities that can fill up an entire truck or demand dedicated space.

The Advantages of Truck Transportation

Truckload shipping offers several advantages, including:

Faster Transit Times – Less frequent stops and handling allow for greater time sensitivity and efficiency.
Reduced Risk of Damage – If you are transporting high-value or fragile goods, using a full truckload can reduce the handling and risk of damage compared to LTL shipments, where goods may be transferred between multiple trucks.
Cost-Effectiveness – Consolidating your cargo into a full truckload can be more cost-effective than using multiple smaller shipments. Additionally, a truckload carrier will provide more competitive rates via a flat fee per truck instead of a per-pound rate like in LTL shipping.
Improved Risk Reduction– In full truckload freight shipping, your cargo is the only one on the truck, reducing the risk of theft or loss.

LTL shipping rates can be tricky to figure out. With transportation management software like ours, you can compare carriers and quickly get the best rate.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Full Truckload Services

When you have enough raw materials or finished goods to fill an entire truck and transport them, full truckload services offer a highly effective solution. Yet, as with any logistics decision, it’s essential to take a careful, informed approach. There are many more critical factors you should consider when investing in a full truckload carrier or freight service, including the size and weight of your shipment, the urgency of delivery, and the nature and value of your goods.

Size and Weight of Shipment
First and foremost, the size and weight of your shipment determine if full truckload services are the best fit. This type of truckload freight shipping generally involves large quantities that can fill an entire truck. Employing a full truckload broker helps streamline this process by identifying capacity options and securing competitive rates. So whether you’re shipping your goods in a box trailer, dry van, or drop trailer, remember that the dedicated space of a full truckload shipment allows for safer transport of your goods over large distances. It’s also worth noting that various truckload capacity options cater to different weight limits, so ensure your goods align with the truck’s capacity, whether it’s a detachable deck, flatbed trailer, drop deck, or any other type of vehicle.
Urgency of Delivery
FTL shipments are a quicker mode of transportation than LTL shipments. With no stops to pick up or drop off other smaller loads, full truckload freight offers faster transit times that become crucial when sending urgent deliveries.

Furthermore, the truckload shipping season can also affect your delivery times. During peak shipping seasons, capacity can be tight, and the demand for truckload services can lead to delays. Therefore, well-planned full truckload shipments that align with shipping seasons can ensure smoother, more reliable delivery time.
The Nature and Value of Goods
Another vital component when deciding on the type of freight service to employ is the nature and value of the goods being transported. Highly valuable goods often require dedicated space that a full truckload offers, thereby lowering the risk of damage, theft, and misplacement.

If you’re shipping perishable or sensitive items, full truckload services translate into less handling and, therefore, reduced risks compared to a partial truckload, LTL shipping, or working through a freight center. Along these lines, an experienced full truckload broker or carrier well-connected to an extensive carrier network can further optimize your freight shipment while ensuring your goods are handled carefully and efficiently.

Close up photo of the front of a semi-truck

Key Takeaways

As you look to maximize the effectiveness of your supply chain, it’s beneficial to consider these factors when choosing your freight and shipping services. Armed with this knowledge, you are better positioned to work effectively with a freight broker and understand the nuances of FTL shipments and how to make the right choice for your shipment.

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Choose a logistics company that stands out from the rest with Noble Choice Logistics. We focus on empowering our customers by using cutting-edge technology to simplify and optimize their shipping operations.

By leveraging our state-of-the-art Internet-based software, we offer innovative tools that streamline the logistics process and save time and money. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that we deliver significant cost savings and exceptional customer service.

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