Why Is Shipping FTL Better For Business Versus LTL

Shipping via ground freight comes with its own specificities and methods. It becomes necessary to know how much cargo will be transported and which method is more suitable to your needs. Whether it’s a full-truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL), selecting the right method will come down to factors such as size, weight, classification, delivery times, and budget. However, keeping those factors in mind, you might find that FTL is a better deal overall. Next, we will cover what LTL and FTL is, the differences between the two, and why FTL may be better for your business. 

If you also want to dig deeper by learning about the truck types available for over-the-road freight, click here.

What is FTL and LTL?

Full-truckload, commonly known as FTL, refers to the mode of shipping where a truck carries only one dedicated shipment from one point to another. This will give you exclusive use of a truck, which is ideal for shipping large, delicate goods.

Less-than-truckload shipping, LTL, or less than load, refers to the transportation of relatively small freight that does not require a full truckload. This means that several LTLs from various shippers are combined into one truck.

Read more about the difference between FTL and LTL here.  

Why choose FTL?

Depending on your business size or priorities, it’s important to know the main characteristics of each method, and the reasons why FTL could be the wiser choice:

FTL:

• Larger shipments (more than 6 pallets)
• More direct and faster transit times
• Higher security and more visibility
• Better for fragile cargo

LTL:

• Limited weight (less than 6 pallets)
• Requires flexibility in pick up & delivery times
• Lower security (loading and unloading in several locations before destination)
• Costs pertaining only to space used

1. Grow your business with more inventory

Though smaller businesses that are starting out may not have the need for a full-truckload, medium to bigger companies that transport non-perishables can always benefit from having more goods and inventory to keep their business running, sell more, deliver fast, and grow. FTLs offer the capacity to move over 6 pallets, whilst LTLs are limited to less. Though investing more from the beginning may be complicated for some, having more will give room for business to flourish. If you need trade financing to move full truck loads and expand your business, check out the additional services Nuvocargo offers here.

2. Faster deliveries

Faster pick-up and delivery times is often a main priority for the supply chain industry. One of the main benefits from moving FTLs comes from ensuring you get the most direct shipment possible from origin to destination, without going through the additional stops that LTLs do. This means that with FTL, businesses have a higher guarantee of delivering an outstanding service to their customers based on speed and excellence.

3. More security, less risk

As previously mentioned, the additional stops a truck must make along the way with LTLs comes with its own set of risks. At every loading and unloading, goods can get damaged, lost, or stolen. FTLs minimize this risk and give higher security by keeping the truck closed and sealed for most of the trip. If you’re interested in insurance for your cargo, learn more about this service Nuvocargo offers here.

4. More visibility and operational efficiency 

By moving full-truckloads, you can have visibility over your cargo through technology. This will allow you to have centralized tracking, documentation, billing information, and more. Your business can then save time, become more efficient, and have faster operations- without the hassle of multiple communication channels or spreadsheets. If you’re interested in working with us and benefitting from the Nuvocargo platform, don’t hesitate to schedule a demo or book a shipment!

Happy Shipping!

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