LTL Carriers
Find the Best LTL Carriers
Compare top-rated LTL carriers in seconds and book the best rates with FreightCenter. Whether you're shipping a single pallet or multiple, our technology makes it easy to find cost-effective, reliable freight solutions. Get instant quotes, track your shipments in real time, and simplify your logistics—all in one place.
Understanding LTL Carriers & How They Work
What Are LTL Carriers?
A Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carrier is a freight company that specializes in transporting smaller shipments that do not require a full truckload (FTL). Instead of dedicating an entire truck to a single shipment, LTL carriers combine freight from multiple shippers into one truck, allowing businesses to share transportation costs while ensuring efficient deliveries.
How LTL Carriers Operate
LTL carriers operate using a hub-and-spoke model, where freight is collected from different customers and consolidated at local terminals. From there, shipments are strategically routed through distribution hubs before reaching their final destinations. This system allows LTL carriers to maximize truck capacity, reduce empty miles, and lower overall shipping costs.
Key Benefits of LTL Shipping
LTL shipping is an ideal choice for businesses that need affordable and flexible freight solutions. Some of the primary benefits include:
- Cost-Effective Shipping – Pay only for the space your freight occupies rather than a full truckload.
- Lower Freight Expenses – Sharing truck space with other shippers reduces transportation costs.
- Enhanced Tracking & Visibility – LTL carriers provide real-time shipment updates, so you always know where your freight is.
- Flexible Service Levels – Choose from expedited delivery, liftgate service, inside pickup/delivery, to meet your specific shipping needs.
Need to book an LTL shipment? Get instant rates from top LTL carriers and save with FreightCenter!
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Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
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- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
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- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Compare & Book LTL Carriers with FreightCenter
Choosing the right LTL carrier is essential for ensuring affordable, reliable, and efficient freight shipping. At FreightCenter, we partner with top-rated LTL carriers to provide competitive pricing, real-time tracking, and flexible shipping options tailored to your needs.
Top LTL Carriers Available Through FreightCenter
- FedEx Freight provides reliable nationwide service with fast transit times.
- XPO Logistics offers efficient regional and national coverage with a balance of speed and cost.
- Old Dominion Freight Line is a high-performance carrier known for on-time, damage-free shipping.
- SAIA LTL Freight delivers competitive pricing and fast transit times for cost-effective shipping.
- Southeastern Freight Lines is a trusted Southeastern U.S. carrier with consistent service.
- TForce Freight provides affordable LTL solutions with broad coverage and flexible options.
The FreightCenter Advantage: More Carriers, Better Rates
Finding the right LTL carrier shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. FreightCenter makes it easy by offering instant rate comparisons, exclusive discounts, and expert support, ensuring you get the best service at the best price.
With instant carrier rate comparison, you can view real-time pricing from multiple LTL carriers in one place, allowing you to quickly find the best option for your shipping needs. Our discounted freight rates come from exclusive partnerships with top carriers, helping businesses of all sizes save on shipping costs. Stay updated on your shipment’s progress with real-time tracking and visibility, ensuring on-time delivery and peace of mind. If you need assistance, our expert freight support team is available to help with complex shipments, cost-saving opportunities, and any challenges along the way. Plus, our easy online booking and management system allows you to book, manage, and track your LTL shipments effortlessly—all in one place.
Whether you’re a small business shipping a few pallets or a large company managing multiple shipments, FreightCenter helps you simplify logistics and reduce costs. Get a free quote today and start saving on your LTL shipping.
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses that don’t require a full truckload. By sharing truck space with other shipments, companies can reduce costs while still ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. If your business needs to ship palletized goods, large parcels, or heavy freight but doesn’t fill an entire truck, LTL shipping is the ideal choice.
Affordable shipping options without the expense of booking an entire truck. Perfect for businesses that need to ship smaller loads efficiently.
Reliable transportation for palletized goods and bulk shipments, ensuring supply chains run smoothly without excessive shipping costs.
Secure and efficient freight transport for heavy, oversized, or specialized shipments, ensuring they arrive safely at their destination.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Simple Steps to Find the Best LTL Carrier for Your Freight
Booking an LTL carrier with FreightCenter is a straightforward process designed to help you find the best shipping option quickly and efficiently. It starts with entering your shipment details, including weight, dimensions, pickup location, and delivery destination. This information ensures accurate pricing and service recommendations. Once the details are entered, you can compare carrier rates in real time. Our platform provides pricing and estimated transit times from top-rated LTL carriers, allowing you to choose the most affordable or fastest option based on your needs.
After reviewing your options, select the best carrier that fits your budget, timeline, and service requirements. Whether you prioritize lower costs or faster delivery, FreightCenter makes it easy to compare and choose. Finally, once you’ve made your selection, book and track your shipment with just a few clicks. You’ll receive a confirmation along with tracking updates, so you can monitor your freight every step of the way until it reaches its destination.
With FreightCenter, LTL shipping is simple, cost-effective, and reliable. Get started today and find the right carrier for your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About LTL Carriers
Q. What is an LTL carrier?
An LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) carrier is a freight company that transports smaller shipments that don’t require a full truckload, consolidating multiple shipments into one truck to reduce costs.
Q. How do LTL freight carriers operate?
LTL freight carriers pick up shipments from multiple businesses, transport them through a network of terminals, and deliver them to their destinations using a hub-and-spoke system. This method optimizes routes and minimizes empty truck space.
Q. What are the advantages of using LTL freight carriers?
LTL freight carriers offer cost savings, shared truck space, real-time tracking, and flexible service options such as liftgate service, inside delivery, and expedited shipping.
Q. How are shipping rates determined by LTL freight carriers?
LTL freight carriers calculate rates based on factors such as shipment weight, dimensions, freight class, distance, and any additional services requested by the shipper.
Q. What is freight class, and why is it important for LTL freight carriers?
Freight class is a standardized classification system that helps LTL freight carriers determine pricing. It is based on factors like density, stowability, handling, and liability of the shipment.
Q. Do LTL freight carriers provide shipment tracking?
Yes, most LTL freight carriers offer real-time tracking and shipment visibility, allowing shippers to monitor their freight from pickup to final delivery
Q. What types of businesses benefit from using LTL freight carriers?
LTL freight carriers are ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, manufacturers, distributors, eCommerce retailers, and industrial suppliers that need cost-effective freight shipping solutions.
Q. How do LTL freight carriers handle multiple shipments on one truck?
LTL freight carriers use freight consolidation techniques to group shipments heading in the same direction, ensuring efficient routing and minimizing costs for shippers.
Q. What’s the difference between LTL freight carriers and full truckload (FTL) carriers?
LTL freight carriers combine multiple shipments on one truck, while FTL carriers transport a single shipment that fills an entire truck, typically resulting in faster transit times but higher costs.
Q. Do LTL freight carriers offer insurance for shipments?
Most LTL freight carriers provide limited liability coverage, but shippers can purchase additional freight insurance for greater protection against loss or damage.
Q. How long does shipping take with LTL freight carriers?
Transit times with LTL freight carriers vary based on distance and carrier, but most shipments take 2 to 7 business days. Expedited shipping options are available for faster delivery.
Q. How can I book a shipment with an LTL freight carrier?
Advantages of LTL Carriers
Cost Savings Through Shared Truck Space
LTL carriers consolidate multiple shipments onto a single truck, allowing businesses to pay only for the portion of the trailer they use. This cost-sharing model significantly reduces freight expenses compared to booking a full truckload, making it an ideal choice for small and mid-sized shipments.
Enhanced Tracking & Visibility
With LTL shipping, businesses benefit from real-time tracking and shipment visibility. Many LTL carriers provide GPS-enabled tracking, allowing shippers to monitor their freight's progress from pickup to delivery. This added transparency helps businesses manage inventory and plan logistics more efficiently.
Flexible Service Options
LTL carriers offer a range of additional services tailored to meet specific shipping needs, including liftgate service, inside delivery, and expedited shipping. These options provide greater flexibility, making it easier to transport freight to locations that require special handling or faster transit times.
