Whether you need recurring supply chain management or one-time relocation assistance, LTL logistics can be a very good solution.
This option can be used by both residential and business customers, and it can often be more convenient and logical to use than typical movers or options like pod containers.
Here are six facts about LTL logistics that you may not have previously been aware of.
1) LTL is an Acronym
The letters “LTL” stand for less than truckload. It means that a vehicle smaller than 48-53 feet in length can accommodate a particular shipment.
2) Van Trailers Vary Widely Depending on Your Needs
Although enclosed/covered trailers are what businesses often use to get their items from point A to point B, there are a lot of different ways to meet the needs of various customers, depending on what they need transported.
Sometimes tandem trailers are used (in which two pup trailers are hitched together for additional space). You can also get vehicles that are refrigerated or otherwise temperature controlled. This can be really convenient if you have perishable items like plants or food that must stay at a certain temperature in order to be fresh.
3) Rates Are Determined By a Number of Factors
If you are interested in pricing out your shipping job, there are multiple things that go into obtaining quotes.
Just as with the United States Post Office or UPS shipping for smaller goods, zip codes for pick up/final drop off destinations play a part. Another factor is the weight of your freight. Finally, the classes of the items are considered.
4) Fuel Surcharges Vary
From one week to another, the cost of logistics and supply chain companies’ transportation services can change due to one big factor: fuel costs.
The price that you are charged for fuel is additional, and it is based on average national fuel prices in a given week.
5) Additional Services Are Often Available
Sometimes you don’t have equipment or the right conditions (like a warehouse) available to receive a large shipment at a given time. When this is the case, it can be wise to pay for auxiliary services to make shipments easier for you to deal with.
Some things you can get may include: call-ahead notification, residential pick up, job site delivery/pick up and lift gate delivery options.
6) Proper Packaging is Important
Often with LTL logistics, it pays to look into packaging your items carefully. This is because many carriers prefer to shrink wrap small shipments into one parcel that can be loaded on a pallet. Doing this can help decrease the chance of damage and also requires less handling.
Go online now to learn more about supply chain services, international moves and other reasons to seek LTL logistics.
Brian really enjoys writing about shipping. If you’d like more information regarding supply chain management, please visit http://www.unigrouplogistics.com/