LTL shipping or less than truckload shipping is transportation of small sized freight. The alternatives of LTL shipping are full truckload or parcel carriers.
The greatest advantage that LTL shippers provide is the transport of unusual items like perishable food, exhibits for trade shows, and chemical waste that require special services and attention.
The following are the major 5 types of special LTL shipping:
White Glove: These are shipments of fragile or sensitive items that need special handling. This is where a majority of LTL shipping companies offer “white glove” services to ensure that your “Fragile” and “handle-with-care” items reach their destination undamaged and unbroken. Ideal for glass and crystal shippers and jewelers.
LTL Shipping & Retail: Retailers too, benefit from LTL shipping because the latter understands clearly how a retailer’s supply chain works. These LTL shipping agencies only make the retailer’s job easier by promptly meeting delivery and time deadlines, particularly on high-traffic days during the annual holidays.
Trade Shows & Exhibitions: Shipping comes in really handy for event managers hosting trades shows and exhibitions and are looking for reliable carriers to carry their stall and other exhibition materials. They guarantee delivery for the day such exhibits are needed and engage a separate a team of their staff to monitor the shipment so that it arrives damage free and on time. They may also arrange for on-site set-up and dismantling.
Hazardous Materials: This is one of the greatest advantages of LTL shipping because most shippers don’t want to risk it. Unsafe transportation of hazardous chemicals and wastes could get your business into serious trouble with the law. Moreover, it could also be potentially dangerous to all involved in the transportation procedure.
Those shipping companies that specialize in moving hazardous materials comply strictly with all regulations of the DTHS or Department of Transportation and Homeland Security and have the necessary equipment also to handle them.
Freeze Protection: Freeze protection facilities provided by shipping companies are ideal for handling cold-sensitive ad perishable items like food and/or medicine. These have special trucks and vessels where items can be frozen below 32 ̊ F or 0 ̊ C temperature.
They also monitor weather conditions and ensure that such delicate products remain frozen. Freeze protection is a must-have for the chemical products, candy, food and beverage, cosmetic, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals industries.