Standard LTL vs. Volume LTL: Choosing the Right Freight LTL Shipping Service

Learn the key differences between standard LTL and volume LTL freight shipping, including size limits, cost, insurance, and transit times.

Choosing the right Less Than Truckload (LTL) service can significantly impact your costs and delivery times when shipping freight. This article outlines the key differences between standard LTL and volume LTL to help you make informed shipping decisions.

What are the differences?

Standard LTL and Volume LTL differ primarily in four key areas:

1. Shipment Size:

Standard LTL is best suited for smaller shipments, typically ranging from 1 to 5 non-stackable pallets with a maximum weight of 5,000 lbs.
Volume LTL: Designed for larger LTL shipments, usually between 6 and 12 non-stackable pallets with a maximum weight of 20,000 lbs.

Important: exceeding these limits may result in cubic capacity upcharges. For larger shipments, consider partial truckload or dedicated truckload options.

2. Insurance Coverage:

Standard LTL: Includes higher insurance coverage, generally ranging from $5 to $25 per pound.
Volume LTL: Offers lower insurance coverage, sometimes as low as $1 per pound. You may need to purchase additional insurance to adequately protect your goods.

3. Transit Times:

Standard LTL: Generally adheres to published transit times, providing more predictable delivery schedules.
Volume LTL: Operates at capacity, meaning it may have lower priority at terminals compared to standard LTL. This can potentially lead to longer and less predictable transit times.

4. Cost:

Volume LTL: Often more cost-effective than standard LTL due to its capacity-based operation. This makes it a preferred choice when shipping larger quantities within the LTL range.

Freightzy Specific Requirements:

When shipping LTL with Freightzy, remember to use our provided bill of lading. This document contains a special quote ID and specific verbiage required for accurate LTL processing. Failure to use the correct bill of lading may result in your shipment being processed as standard LTL, potentially leading to higher-than-expected costs.

By understanding these differences, you can optimize your LTL shipping strategy and choose the service that best suits your needs and budget. If you have further questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the support team via email at cs@freightzy.com or by phone or live chat.