LTL Packaging Essentials: What You Need to Know Now

Got a package that’s over 150 pounds? Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping may be the way to go; it requires less space than FTL shipping and can cost less than using a parcel carrier. Here are some guidelines you need to know to make sure your shipment gets there on time, in one piece.

Shipments may be palletized or non-palletized.

If using pallets, there must be pallet-jack entry on two sides of the base. Don’t pack shipments on pallets so that they hang over the sides; this increases risks of tears and punctures and overall damage.

Use wood pallets with bottom boards or plastic pallets.

Corrugated pallets are susceptible to degradation when exposed to moisture.

Wood block or brace large singular items that can’t be boxed or crated.

Use a minimum of two fasteners to secure it to a wooden blocking material to prevent movement during transport. Items that may roll (spools and reels) during transport should be braced against a forklift-compatible wood pallet. The heavier the item, the thicker and sturdier the wood pallet. Banding is encouraged on all items, and it’s even required by some carriers.

To cushion fragile items, use foam or other approved packaging.

Use band and stretchwrap to secure shipments to pallets to prevent damage to shipments transported in corrugated cartons.

Large shipments need to be secured on all sides with banding and wrapped (starting from the bottom) in 70-gauge self-sticking stretchwrap with at least 50% overlap.

When shipping drums, use solid-bottom pallets.

Stack no more than three drums, and band and wrap drums the same way you would cartons and boxes.

Label shipments on each side that can be assessed by forklift.

Use labels such as “Fragile.” “This Side Up” and “Do Not Stack” to specify shipping accommodations. However, shippers may have to stack shipments, so make sure you package your shipment accordingly in case that happens.

Want to know how PPLUS Global Logisitcs can help with your Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping needs? Contact us today or get a free quote.