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Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Shipping

Optimize your shipping operations with Traction Transport’s LTL services, leveraging our tier 1 discounted pricing, 50+ regional and nationwide carriers, state-of-the-art Transportation Management System (TMS), and our dedicated claims and tracking team for seamless quoting, booking, and financial management. Everything you need, all in one place. 

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What is Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping

?

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping is a cost-effective method for transporting freight that doesn't require a full truckload. By consolidating shipments from multiple customers, LTL carriers maximize trailer space, resulting in reduced shipping costs and increased efficiency.

Key Components of LTL Shipping Every Shipper Should Know

Freight Classification and Density Calculation

The NMFC system categorizes freight into classes ranging from 50 to 500, with lower classes indicating denser and less fragile items. Density is a primary determinant in this classification.

Calculating Density:

Measure Dimensions:

Measure the length, width, and height of the shipment, including packaging, in inches.

Calculate Cubic Inches:

Multiply length × width × height to obtain the total cubic inches.

Convert to Cubic Feet:

Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot).

Determine Density:

Divide the shipment's weight (in pounds) by the total cubic feet to calculate density in pounds per cubic foot.

Example Calculation:

Shipment dimensions: 48" (L) × 40" (W) × 28" (H)

Total cubic inches: 48 × 40 × 28 = 53,760 in³

Total cubic feet: 53,760 ÷ 1,728 ≈ 31.11 ft³

Shipment weight: 200 lbs

Density: 200 ÷ 31.11 ≈ 6.43 lbs/ft³

Based on this density, the freight class would be 150.

Freight Class Chart:
Density (lbs/ft³) Freight Class
≥ 5050
35 to < 5055
30 to < 3560
22.5 to < 3065
15 to < 22.570
13.5 to < 1577.5
12 to < 13.585
10.5 to < 1292.5
9 to < 10.5100
Density (lbs/ft³) Freight Class
8 to < 9110
7 to < 8125
6 to < 7150
5 to < 6175
4 to < 5200
3 to < 4250
2 to < 3300
1 to < 2400
< 1500
Note: This chart is a general guideline. Specific commodities may have predetermined classes regardless of density.

Example: Dimensional Weight Calculation

  • Dimensions: 48” × 40” × 20”
  • Volume: 38.89 cubic feet
  • Weight: 400 lbs
  • DIM Weight = Actual Weight (400 lbs) ÷ Cubic Feet (38.89) = ~10.3 lbs/ft³
  • Result: Classified under Freight Class 100 due to density.

Dimensions and Weight Limits

Standard Pallet Sizes

  • Typical LTL shipments are transported on standard-sized pallets, with dimensions such as:
  • 48” × 40” (North American Standard)
  • 42” × 42” (Euro Pallet Standard)

Weight Capacity

A single LTL pallet typically holds up to 2,500 lbs, with a total shipment weight of up to 10,000 lbs across 6–10 pallets.

Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight (DIM) accounts for both size and weight, ensuring shippers pay for the actual space their cargo occupies, not just the physical weight.

Your Trusted Freight Partner

Traction Transport’s TMS: Smarter, Faster, and Built for Efficiency

Our state-of-the-art Transportation Management System (TMS) puts the power of logistics at your fingertips, offering a seamless, all-in-one platform to manage your LTL shipments with precision and ease. Designed for businesses of all sizes, our TMS gives you the tools to book, track, and optimize your freight with a few simple clicks.

Key Features:

Instant Rate Comparisons

Access pre-negotiated carrier rates and choose the best pricing and service for every shipment.

Real-Time Shipment Tracking

Stay informed with live GPS updates, automated alerts, and full transit visibility.

Effortless Booking & Management

Streamline your operations with easy-to-use shipment scheduling, customizable preferences, and document storage.

Consolidated Billing & Reporting

Simplify your accounting with clear, centralized invoices and powerful analytics to track your shipping spend.

Seamless Integration

Connect effortlessly with your existing supply chain systems to keep everything running smoothly.

Our TMS is built for speed, transparency, and control, ensuring that your freight moves efficiently without the hassle of outdated carrier systems or manual tracking. Take control of your LTL shipping and experience logistics the way it should be—simple, streamlined, and stress-free.

Request a Demo & See It in Action

Detailed Breakdown of LTL Shipping

How does LTL Differs from Others Methods?

LTL shipments share trailer space with other freight, while FTL shipments utilize an entire truck for one load.

LTL rates are based on space used, weight, and freight class, whereas FTL pricing is typically per-mile or per-load.

LTL follows scheduled hub-and-spoke networks with multiple stops, while FTL shipments move directly from pickup to delivery.

LTL freight is loaded and unloaded at multiple carrier terminals, increasing touchpoints, while FTL shipments remain sealed from origin to destination.

Detailed Breakdown of LTL Shipping

Freight Consolidation
LTL shipments share trailer space with other freight, while FTL shipments utilize an entire truck for one load.
Pricing Structure
LTL rates are based on space used, weight, and freight class, whereas FTL pricing is typically per-mile or per-load.
Delivery Flexibility
LTL follows scheduled hub-and-spoke networks with multiple stops, while FTL shipments move directly from pickup to delivery.
Handling & Transfers
LTL freight is loaded and unloaded at multiple carrier terminals, increasing touchpoints, while FTL shipments remain sealed from origin to destination.

Special Handling Services for LTL

Liftgate Delivery

Necessary for locations without a loading dock. Trucks equipped with hydraulic liftgates safely lower freight to the ground.

Residential Delivery

Tailored for shipments to non-commercial locations, with drivers ensuring smooth delivery to doorsteps or garages.

Inside Delivery

Freight is moved beyond the truck into a specified room or space, ideal for businesses with unique logistical needs.

Refrigerated LTL

Temperature-controlled trailers ensure perishable goods maintain integrity during transit.

Hazardous Materials

Licensed carriers safely transport hazmat shipments, following strict compliance with DOT regulations.

Cross-Border LTL

Handles shipments into Canada or Mexico with expertise in customs documentation and clearance.

Why using Traction Transport makes more sense than working directly with a carrier.

When booking Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments, businesses often assume that working directly with an LTL carrier will get them the best price and service. However, partnering with Traction Transport provides significant advantages in pricing, service flexibility, and operational efficiency. Here’s why:

Economies of Scale = Better Pricing
Traction Transport moves thousands of LTL shipments across multiple carriers every day. This high volume gives us greater negotiating power with carriers, allowing us to secure bulk-rate discounts that an individual business shipping a few pallets a month would never receive.

Lower Rates – Brokers leverage volume-based pricing across multiple carriers.

Stronger Carrier Relationships – Years of collaboration = better service commitments.

Eliminate Minimums – Some carriers charge more for low-volume shippers. Brokers help bypass these costs.
Access to Multiple Carriers, Not Just One
When you go directly to a carrier, you're locked into their network, their routes, and their pricing. If their trucks are full, delayed, or they simply don’t service your destination efficiently, you’re stuck. Traction Transport, on the other hand, has relationships with dozens of carriers—allowing them to find the best combination of price, transit time, and service level for each individual shipment.

More Route Options – Traction Transport matches you with the most efficient carrier, every time.

Avoid Capacity Issues – If one carrier is full, another is available immediately.

Guaranteed Coverage – Traction Transport ensures you never deal with “We don’t service that area.”
Stronger Negotiation Power = Consistently Lower Costs
LTL carriers operate on dynamic pricing models, meaning rates fluctuate daily based on capacity, fuel prices, and demand. A single shipper has zero leverage to negotiate lower costs, whereas a broker moves millions of dollars of freight annually.

Volume-Based Discounts – Traction Transport will negotiate lower rates on your behalf.

Lane-Specific Pricing – Traction Transport tracks carrier capacity and market trends to lock in lower rates.

Cost-Saving Alternatives – If one provider raises our blanket tariffs, we will negotiate on your behalf with all providers to keep your costs the same.
Simplified Billing & Claims Management
Dealing directly with an LTL carrier means handling multiple invoices, accessorial charges, and freight claims yourself. If there’s an issue, you are on your own fighting with the carrier’s claims department. Traction Transport manages all of this for you, offering:

Consolidated Billing – Instead of multiple invoices from different carriers, you get one streamlined invoice.

Claims Advocacy – If a shipment is lost or damaged, Traction Transport will fight on your behalf to secure the proper reimbursement.

No Surprise Charges – Traction Transport ensure all fees (accessorials, liftgate, residential, etc.) are disclosed before booking.
Tech-Driven Shipment Tracking & Visibility
Most direct LTL carriers have outdated tracking systems that provide limited visibility into shipments. Traction Transport has invested in modern technology that aggregates carrier data into a single, easy-to-use platform.

Real-Time Tracking – See exactly where your freight is at all times.

Custom Alerts – Get notified of delays, ETAs, and potential disruptions.

Centralized Dashboard – Track shipments, access BOLs, and manage invoices in one place.
Faster Issue Resolution & Customer Service
When problems arise in LTL shipping (delays, misrouted freight, missing PODs), direct carriers often provide slow, frustrating customer service with long hold times and multiple department transfers. We cut through the red tape, offering:

One Point of Contact – No need to call multiple carrier reps; Traction handles everything.

Faster Resolutions – Traction Transport has direct escalation channels to fix problems quickly.

24/7 Support – Unlike carriers, Traction Transport is available around the clock to keep your shipments on track.
Scalability & Flexibility for Growing Businesses
LTL carriers operate on rigid pricing and service structures, limiting your ability to scale efficiently. Traction Transport can provide customized solutions that fit with your specific business needs.

Custom Volume Pricing – If you ship more, Traction Transport can negotiate higher discounts on your behalf

Multi-Mode Flexibility – Need FTL, expedited, or white-glove service? Traction Transport handles it all.

Seamless Growth – Whether you’re shipping 5 or 500 pallets, we scale with you.
Conclusion: More Savings, More Service, More Flexibility
While going directly to an LTL carrier may seem like a simpler option, the reality is that Traction Transport can provide stronger pricing, better service, and significantly more flexibility. With Traction Transport, you get the buying power of a major shipper, the service of a small business, and the technology to simplify every step of your logistics process.

Lower Costs – Volume-based discounts that you can’t get on your own.

More Carrier Options – Never get stuck with one provider’s limitations.

Faster Resolutions – Customer service that solves problems, not creates them.

Simplified Process – One call, one invoice, one partner for all your LTL needs.
Economies of Scale = Better Pricing
Traction Transport moves thousands of LTL shipments across multiple carriers every day. This high volume gives us greater negotiating power with carriers, allowing us to secure bulk-rate discounts that an individual business shipping a few pallets a month would never receive.

✅ Lower Rates – Brokers leverage volume-based pricing across multiple carriers.
✅ Stronger Carrier Relationships – Years of collaboration = better service commitments.
✅ Eliminate Minimums – Some carriers charge more for low-volume shippers. Brokers help bypass these costs.
Image description
Access to Multiple Carriers, Not Just One
When you go directly to a carrier, you're locked into their network, their routes, and their pricing. If their trucks are full, delayed, or they simply don’t service your destination efficiently, you’re stuck. Traction Transport, on the other hand, has relationships with dozens of carriers—allowing them to find the best combination of price, transit time, and service level for each individual shipment.

✅ More Route Options – Traction Transport matches you with the most efficient carrier, every time.
✅ Avoid Capacity Issues – If one carrier is full, another is available immediately.
✅ Guaranteed Coverage – Traction Transport ensures you never deal with “We don’t service that area.”
Image description
Stronger Negotiation Power = Consistently Lower Costs
LTL carriers operate on dynamic pricing models, meaning rates fluctuate daily based on capacity, fuel prices, and demand. A single shipper has zero leverage to negotiate lower costs, whereas a broker moves millions of dollars of freight annually.

✅ Volume-Based Discounts – Traction Transport will negotiate lower rates on your behalf.
✅ Lane-Specific Pricing – Traction Transport tracks carrier capacity and market trends to lock in lower rates.
✅ Cost-Saving Alternatives – If one carrier raises rates, Traction Transport quickly find a better deal.
Image description
Simplified Billing & Claims Management
Dealing directly with an LTL carrier means handling multiple invoices, accessorial charges, and freight claims yourself. If there’s an issue, you are on your own fighting with the carrier’s claims department. Traction Transport manages all of this for you, offering:

✅ Consolidated Billing – Instead of multiple invoices from different carriers, you get one streamlined invoice.
✅ Claims Advocacy – If a shipment is lost or damaged, Traction Transport fight on your behalf to secure the proper reimbursement.
✅ No Surprise Charges – Traction Transport ensure all fees (accessorials, liftgate, residential, etc.) are disclosed before booking.
Image description
Tech-Driven Shipment Tracking & Visibility
Most direct LTL carriers have outdated tracking systems that provide limited visibility into shipments. Traction Transport has invested in modern technology that aggregates carrier data into a single, easy-to-use platform.

✅ Real-Time Tracking – See exactly where your freight is at all times.
✅ Custom Alerts – Get notified of delays, ETAs, and potential disruptions.
✅ Centralized Dashboard – Track shipments, access BOLs, and manage invoices in one place.
Image description
Faster Issue Resolution & Customer Service
When problems arise in LTL shipping (delays, misrouted freight, missing PODs), direct carriers often provide slow, frustrating customer service with long hold times and multiple department transfers. We cut through the red tape, offering:

✅ One Point of Contact – No need to call multiple carrier reps; Traction handles everything.
✅ Faster Resolutions – Traction Transport has direct escalation channels to fix problems quickly.
✅ 24/7 Support – Unlike carriers, Traction Transport is available around the clock to keep your shipments on track.
Image description
Scalability & Flexibility for Growing Businesses
LTL carriers operate on rigid pricing and service structures, limiting your ability to scale efficiently. Traction Transport can provide customized solutions that fit with your specific business needs.

✅ Custom Volume Pricing – If you ship more, Traction Transport can negotiate higher discounts on your behalf
✅ Multi-Mode Flexibility – Need FTL, expedited, or white-glove service? Traction Transport handle it all.
✅ Seamless Growth – Whether you’re shipping 5 or 500 pallets, we scale with you.
Image description
Conclusion: More Savings, More Service, More Flexibility
While going directly to an LTL carrier may seem like a simpler option, the reality is that Traction Transport can provide stronger pricing, better service, and significantly more flexibility. With Traction Transport, you get the buying power of a major shipper, the service of a small business, and the technology to simplify every step of your logistics process.

✅ Lower Costs – Volume-based discounts that you can’t get on your own.
✅ More Carrier Options – Never get stuck with one provider’s limitations.
✅ Faster Resolutions – Customer service that solves problems, not creates them.
✅ Simplified Process – One call, one invoice, one partner for all your LTL needs.
Image description

LTL shipping

Key Benefits of Shipping LTL

Unmatched Precision

Accurate density and class calculations prevent reclassification disputes and unexpected charges.

Reliability in Transit

With one of the industry's highest on-time delivery rates, your shipments reach their destination as promised.

Competitive Pricing

Transparent, all-in rates mean no hidden fees or surprise surcharges.

Sustainability

Shared LTL shipments reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with green initiatives.

Supporting Businesses Across Industries

Retail and E-Commerce

Streamlining inventory restocking and last-mile deliveries to meet consumer demand with speed and precision.

Food and Beverage

Managing the transport of fresh, frozen, and packaged goods, ensuring compliance and maintaining quality from farm to table.

Pharmaceuticals

Safeguarding temperature-sensitive medications, clinical supplies, and high-value equipment with compliant and timely logistics solutions.

Automotive

Ensuring timely delivery of parts, equipment, and components to assembly plants, keeping production lines and aftermarket supply chains running smoothly.

Construction

Transporting heavy machinery, raw materials, and prefabricated components to job sites with precision and on tight schedules.

Manufacturing

Delivering raw materials and components to factories, maintaining production schedules, and distributing finished goods seamlessly.

Energy and Utilities

Moving heavy equipment, critical components, and infrastructure materials to power projects and maintain operations efficiently.

Tradeshow and Event
Automotive
Healthcare
E-Commerce
Fashion
OIL & Gass
Aerospace
Manufacturing

Common Questions About LTL Shipping

Q: What is the difference between LTL and FTL?

LTL consolidates smaller shipments from multiple shippers, while FTL dedicates an entire truck to one customer’s cargo.

We offer specialized handling, white-glove delivery, and additional insurance to protect high-value or delicate goods.

Lower freight classes (e.g., Class 50) are denser and less expensive to ship, while higher classes (e.g., Class 500) incur higher costs due to fragility or bulkiness.

Traction Transport’s TMS provides GPS-enabled tracking, automated alerts, and real-time updates, ensuring transparency.

Our flexible service options and responsive support team handle changes to ensure minimal disruptions.

Simplifying Logistics, Delivering Excellence

Why Traction Transport Stands Out in LTL

we understand the challenges businesses face—unpredictable delays, limited tracking, damaged goods, and inefficient cost structures. At Traction transport, we’re here to turn those challenges into opportunities with tailored solutions designed for seamless operations.

Sophisticated Technology

From instant quotes to self-managed shipments, our TMS streamlines every logistics step.

Expert Carrier Selection

With partnerships spanning thousands of vetted carriers, we ensure capacity and service excellence nationwide.

Nationwide Reach

From remote towns to bustling metropolises, we have the reach to deliver wherever you need.

Risk Management

Comprehensive insurance and proactive communication protect your investment.

Superior Transit Times
Dedicated Customer Support

What People Says About Us

Traction Transport has been our trusted logistics partner for just over a year now, and they’ve consistently delivered for us. Since the beginning of the year, they’ve handled over 1,100 shipments with a 98% on-time delivery rate. Their 24/7 service has saved our butts multiple times when things didn’t go exactly as planned and have put out plenty of fires with our time working with them.

– Sarah L.,
Supply Chain Director, Midwest Manufacturing

Man these guys know their stuff. It’s been just under a year now I think we’ve worked with the Traction team and they absolutely crush it when it comes to logistics. Our freight costs have decreased by 15%, and we’ve saved more hours then I can count thanks to how streamlined their processes are and how reliable their team has been. Traction’s commitment to us truly feels like an extension of our own business and they’ve earned a customer for life.

– James R.,
Operations Manager, National Retailer

Oh my gosh, I think it’s been a little over 7 months now since we started working with Traction Transport? Their service has been consistently exceptional, and they’ve been able to adapt to every curve ball we’ve thrown at them. Their team treats us like family and even catered a surprise Thanksgiving lunch for us this year. They really treat you like family. It’s rare to find a logistics company so committed to the details, and we look forward to growing together.

– Laura M.,
Logistics Coordinator, Leading E-commerce Brand

Ready to Simplify Your LTL Shipping?

Let Traction Transport evaluate your transportation and logistics needs. We’ll provide you with a tailored shipping solution designed to fit your business perfectly.

Consult with An Expert!

Call or Text 888-710-5894 or Chat with us now!

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