Tips for LTL Shipping

Choose a provider with the expertise, technology and network to support your shipping needs and give you tools to manage shipments efficiently.

When evaluating providers, look for:

Centralized booking: Use a platform that lets you compare rates and book across carriers and modes (LTL, truckload, intermodal) in one place.

Single point of contact: Your provider should manage shipments end to end, so you don’t need to coordinate separately with carriers or terminals.

Proven expertise: Look for experience and industry knowledge to help prevent issues and maintain reliable service.

Operational efficiency: A strong provider reduces the time spent managing shipments, so you can focus on customers and business priorities.

Define your shipment details and value upfront to avoid delays, added costs or coverage gaps. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) number provides standardized details about your shipment to help ensure proper handling, so accurate documentation is key. You should also understand how your shipment is valued and whether additional coverage is needed.

To ensure accuracy:

Identify the correct freight class: Classification directly affects cost and coverage and is based on density, handling, stowability and liability.

Understand shipment value and liability: Confirm how much of your shipment’s value is covered and when additional protection may be needed.

Use the correct NMFC number: Provide standardized commodity information to help prevent misclassification and handling issues.

Use protective materials – such as foam, bubble wrap or slip sheets – to cushion and stabilize items. Place freight on a sturdy pallet and secure it to prevent shifting during handling and transit.

To reduce risk:

Use protective materials: Cushion and stabilize items to prevent movement and damage.

Palletize shipments when possible: Pallets improve handling, reduce damage risk and help keep multi-piece shipments together.

Secure freight to the pallet: Use straps, shrink wrap or banding to keep items in place.

Check pallet condition: Use strong, undamaged pallets that can support the load.

Accessorials are a common source of unexpected charges, but they’re often necessary to complete a delivery. Understanding your shipment’s specific requirements upfront helps avoid delays, added costs and service issues.

Common accessorials include liftgate service, residential delivery, limited access locations and delivery appointments.

To plan effectively:

Identify required accessorials early: Determine what equipment or special services are needed based on pickup and delivery locations.


Account for added costs: Accessorials can increase your total shipping cost if not planned for in advance.


Match services to delivery conditions: Ensure the carrier has the right equipment and instructions to complete delivery without issues.

LTL freight rates are driven by weight, dimensions, distance, freight class and accessorial services, with freight class – based on density, stowability, handling and liability – directly impacting both cost and carrier coverage. Liability is often tied to class and may range from $0.50 to $25 per pound.

Shipment configuration also affects cost. Standard pallets are typically 48" x 40", but oversized or irregular freight must be measured and listed accurately to ensure proper capacity and pricing. Non‑palletized options may be available for large or irregular items.

To improve cost accuracy:

Provide precise shipment details:
Include exact weight (with pallet) and accurate dimensions – avoid rounding.


Measure configuration correctly:
Ensure all freight is accurately sized, palletized or not.


Confirm freight class:
Misclassification can lead to reweigh/reclass charges and pricing adjustments.


Include accessorials in your estimate:
Services like liftgate or residential delivery affect total cost.

LTL shipments move through hub networks and may make multiple stops en route, so transit times are not guaranteed and usually exclude weekends and holidays. Most LTL carriers operate during standard business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), so pickups or deliveries outside these hours may result in additional accessorial fees. Pickup timing can also vary, as carriers often complete deliveries before starting pickups.

Delays can result from weather, mechanical issues or communication gaps. While not all are avoidable, shipment visibility and realistic expectations can help minimize impact.

To help keep shipments on track:

Set realistic transit expectations: Account for network stops, non-operating days and pickup timing.


Plan for disruptions: Use tracking and visibility tools to monitor shipments and communicate delays.


Align with carrier schedules: Match your shipping and receiving hours to standard operating times to avoid added fees.


Provide flexible time windows: Clear, reasonable availability helps prevent missed pickups or delivery delays.

Tracking tools provide visibility from pickup through delivery, with many providers offering real-time updates and status notifications.

Accurate documentation is equally important. The Bill of Lading (BOL) outlines key shipment details, including the carrier, freight description and NMFC number. Errors or missing information can lead to delays, reclassification or additional charges.

To manage shipments effectively:

Use tracking and visibility tools: Monitor shipment status and receive updates to stay informed throughout transit.

Ensure BOL accuracy: Verify details to avoid delays, billing adjustments or handling issues.

Centralize shipment management: Use a transportation management system (TMS) software or similar platform to book, track and manage shipments in one place.

Communicate updates proactively: Use tracking insights to set expectations and respond quickly to delays or changes.

Use shipment data and performance metrics to spot trends, uncover inefficiencies and make more informed decisions. Insights such as cost trends, transit times and service performance can highlight opportunities to improve both efficiency and reliability.

To drive improvement:

Track key performance metrics: Monitor costs, transit times and on-time delivery to measure performance. 

Analyze trends over time: Use historical data to identify patterns and areas for optimization.

Use data to guide decisions: Apply insights to refine routing, service selection and shipping strategies.