Volume LTL Freight

Volume LTL (Less Than Truckload) Freight or simply, Volume Freight, refers to a shipment larger and heavier than a typical LTL shipment but is still not enough to fill an entire truck.

Usually, product shippers have to choose between the two more widely known freight methods: either Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL). Volume LTL is a lesser known method that is somewhere in between.

Volume LTL Freight can be more complex compared to LTL and FTL when it comes to measurements and pricing, but it can also be the most cost efficient and practical solution to your larger shipments.

Typically, shipments are measured and priced depending on how many pallets they occupy, aside from volume and weight. If your shipment is 5,000 lbs or more, takes up 6 pallets or more and uses up between 12 to 24 linear feet of cargo space--but is less than 30 pallets (or a full truckload), it qualifies as Volume LTL Freight.

Volume LTL shipment has a distinct size requirement and the goods have to be in crates or on pallets. Ultimately, if your shipment will occupy upwards of 20% of the truck’s cargo space, Volume LTL may be the best choice for you.

There are many benefits when using Volume LTL. 

Firstly, it’s cheaper. Transporting larger shipments that qualify under Volume LTL is usually less costly compared to traditional LTL or FTL because it maximizes efficiency for intricate LTL network operations.

When it comes to larger cargo, it can be a logistical challenge for carriers to know exactly when they will have enough space for 12 pallets. But, these larger shipments are ideal for empty ‘backhauls’ or the carrier’s return trip. In order to maximize their cargo space utilization, LTL carriers offer lower price rates in exchange.

In addition, the shipping price you have to pay for the amount of space and the cargo’s total weight is calculated and presented to you upfront. This means no unexpected additional fees upon your product’s delivery.

Another benefit of Volume LTL Freight is increased safety for your goods. Volume LTL shipments, more often than not, will stay on the same trailer or container from pick-up point to delivery destination. Since your shipment is not usually handled directly as much as in traditional LTL Freight during transport, it can decrease the risk of damage to your shipment significantly.

Besides increased safety and security, another advantage of reduced handling is time efficiency. In general, Volume LTL shipment transfers are done quicker than typical LTL transfers. This is because Volume LTL freight goes from dock to dock, and unlike usual LTL freight, carriers do not unpack it at each terminal.

Lastly, Volume LTL Freight can ultimately be a win-win solution for both customer and shipping company when it comes to flexibility.

Customers can avoid long transit times, density-based pricing and long negotiation procedures, among other things that traditional LTL often involves. Also Volume LTL freight is usually easier to track and arrange, and at the same time, gives visibility and clarity in the transportation process.

For shipping companies, providing Volume LTL Freight services gives them more business, and faster. By offering lower prices, they no longer have to turn away larger shipments that don’t qualify as FTL freight. Plus, it gives carriers access to additional capacity by taking advantage of their empty backhauls. As a result, Volume LTL Freight allows shipping companies to increase profitability on every freight transport.

Besides the apparent complexity in pricing, one more consideration for shippers when opting to use Volume LTL Freight is its lower cargo liability limit. Typically, the liability limit for Volume LTL cargo damage or loss is approximately AU$1 for every kilogram. In comparison, the liability limit for standard LTL ranges from approximately AU$3 up to AU$17 per kilogram. Important note: these figures are of general nature only and are based on current rates as of article’s publishing date.

If you would like to find out more details about Volume LTL Freight or would like to compare with other freight forwarding methods, Fast Courier is here to provide expert freighting solutions. With Fast Courier’s quick quote tool, freight forwarding comparison has never been easier and faster!

Contact Fast Courier for quick and easy freight service comparison right at your fingertips!