Skip Navigation
J. B. Hunt
Get a Quote
Load Board
Track Shipment

Home Delivery

Track a delivery to your home

Business

Track a B2B shipment

Contact Us
J. B. Hunt
Load Board
Get a Quote
Contact Us
Track Shipment

Home Delivery

Track a delivery to your home

Business

Track a B2B shipment

LTL Shipping for Your Small Business

Let us help you find the most efficient, cost-effective way to meet the less than truckload (LTL) freight needs of your small or medium-sized business. Shipper 360™ by J.B. Hunt is your one-stop solution for your shipping needs - log in now to explore how we can help keep your freight moving.

LOG IN
 
Click Here for a Free LTL Freight Quote
GET QUOTE
 

What is LTL Freight?

Less than Truckload (LTL) shipments usually weigh more than 100 pounds. They are too heavy to be transported by a small parcel carrier but not large enough to require a full truckload. LTL freight companies consolidate freight shipments and provide an economical way to ship freight. 

This LTL shipment is done through a hub-and-spoke distribution method in which one LTL trailer moves freight from multiple shippers to the hub, a single receiving location or terminal. Goods are then transferred to other trucks and delivered to the next ‘spoke’ until the products reach their final destination.

Characteristics of LTL freight include:
 
  • One trailer ships multiple businesses’ freight
  • Commodities are often arranged on pallets
  • Items are classified using a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) code
  • Pricing is determined based on density, stowability, handling and liability
Learn More
 

Streamline Your LTL Shipments with Shipper 360

Shipper 360° by J.B. Hunt delivers a self-service platform with everything you need in one place. Compare rates, book shipments and track online with an industry leader that gives you a competitive edge. Use Shipper 360 to:

  • Get multiple LTL shipment quotes
  • Choose the price and schedule that works best for your LTL shipments
  • Book online and arrange pickup and delivery times
  • Track your LTL shipments in transit
CREATE ACCOUNT

How to Ship LTL Freight

Are you new to the shipping industry? Maybe you’re a small business who just expanded their distribution reach. Perhaps you’re looking to ship a small amount of freight to a new branch. No matter your situation, if you’re new to less than truckload, these tips will come in handy to help your company maximize the value of LTL freight shipping.

  • Step 1 - Quote the correct size: Although there is a standard pallet dimension (48"x40"x48"), some pallets or freight will be classified as oversized. In these cases, it's necessary to list the correct size of the freight – whether palletized or not – to ensure your LTL freight is matched with a trailer that has capacity for your shipment. 
  • Step 2 - Define the right class: The National Motor Freight Carrier (NMFC) number provides integral information about the items in an LTL shipment. In order to properly load the trailer and keep cargo safe, a driver must understand which items are included on each pallet. 
  • Step 3 - Manage your shipment with a transportation management system (TMS): Business practices evolve constantly, and along with it new technologies and platforms are developed to help improve efficiency. Shipper 360 by J.B. Hunt is no exception. The extensive platform allows shippers to quote and book LTL shipments, track the progress of each load and view analytics for cost, on-time delivery and more. 
LOG IN
 

Frequently Asked Questions about Less Than Truckload

 

What are the basic differences in LTL shipments versus other modes of transport?

Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments are those usually weighing more than 100 pounds. They are too heavy to be transported by a small parcel carrier, but not large enough to require a full truckload. LTL shipping consolidates freight shipments and provides an economical way to ship freight.

How does pricing for LTL freight compare with truckload (TL) shipping?

LTL pricing is based on the space your freight occupies on the truck, its weight, its freight class and lane (pickup and delivery destinations). LTL is generally a more economical alternative compared to Truckload (TL) because the shipper only pays for the space their shipment occupies.

There are multiple, convenient ways to book LTL shipments and save. With Shipper 360, shippers can compare rates, book shipments and track them online 24/7 all without having to pay a monthly or platform fee and without having to pick up the phone or send an email. Shipper 360 connects you with reliable carriers to match every load with the right truck at the right price and the right time so you don’t have to.

However, if you need a human touch for pricing your LTL freight, a sales representative can provide you with a reliable shipping quote, or you can request an online quote for your shipment.

How Do I Book LTL Freight?

J.B. Hunt’s Shipper 360 platform reduces your workload by taking care of every less than truckload shipment in one place. Stay on budget when choosing a carrier by getting comprehensive, market-relevant rates for LTL. When you’re ready to ship, optimize every delivery by choosing from one of the highly rated carriers accessible through the Shipper 360 platform. Finally, once you have shipped, use the Shipper 360 app to track shipments and check info 24/7.

Need more help getting started with less than truckload shipping? Our sales representatives can be a good resource for questions about how to book LTL freight and are always happy to assist you with any of your less than truckload needs.

Related articles

 
No Results
Smarter LTL shipping for your whole supply chain.
Get Quote