Volume LTL is the more common way to say Volume Less-than-Truckload. The freight mode allows shippers to utilize less-than-truckload carriers for shipments outside of normal contracted rates. Keep reading for a larger explanation and things to consider when routing Volume LTL freight.
Standard LTL Shipping
LTL stands for “Less Than Truckload,” and it refers to a type of freight shipment. An LTL shipment is a shipment of goods that does not require the use of an entire truck or trailer. Instead, multiple LTL shipments from different shippers are consolidated onto a single truck. This is a cost-effective way to transport smaller quantities of goods because shippers only pay for the space their goods occupy within the truck, rather than renting an entire truck.
Fundamentals of Volume LTL
A “volume LTL shipment” typically refers to an LTL shipment that is larger and heavier than the average LTL shipment but still doesn’t require a full truckload. A good rule of thumb is a shipment over 6 pallets, 6000lbs, takes up 12 linear feet.
The pricing for shipments can be different from standard LTL shipments and may be based on factors like the amount of space the shipment occupies, its weight, and other characteristics. This option is commonly used for businesses that have moderately sized shipments but don’t need to fill an entire truck. It’s a flexible and cost-effective way to transport goods, especially for businesses with varying shipping needs.
Key Points for Volume LTL
- Volume LTL shares all of the characteristics, language and accessorial types as LTL. This service is provided through the same LTL carriers such as R&L Carriers and SAIA Freight.
- A shipper should consider this type of quote when a shipment hits a certain threshold. A good rule of thumb is a shipment with more than 6 standard pallets, more than 6,000 lbs, or occupies more than 12 feet or a trailer.
- Each carrier implements cubic capacity rules that outlines the amount of space a standard LTL shipment can take up. Carriers determine Cubic Capacity Rules by multiple factors such as cubic feet, shipment density, and total linear feet. Carriers outlines how to calculate the rule in carrier contracts.
- Requesting a Volume LTL quote is urgent if a shipment weighing less than 6 pounds per cubic foot occupies more than 750 cubic feet of a trailer – shipping a shipment via standard LTL that meets these criteria results in a Cubic Capacity penalty.
- Shipping Volume LTL may affect the cargo liability coverage for the shipment. Standard liability for a Volume LTL shipment is $1.25 per pound. Take this into consideration when routing high-value freight and purchase additional if you need more.
- Shippers must retrieve Volume rates from a carrier differently from Standard LTL quotes. Unlike standard rates, volume LTL rates are not retrieved through contracted lane pricing. A carrier must provide today’s rate since Volume Rates can change daily, based on pickup date. Partnering with a company that has a TMS system with automatic rate retrieval is vital to save time and energy.