According to Yahoo, it’s estimated that freight rates recently surged by 61% over the course of a week. The volatile nature of freight rates means that companies are looking for methods of saving money on these transportation costs. One popular method is to use LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight instead of FTL (Full Truckload) freight.

An LTL freight quote is much cheaper because it allows multiple shippers to share space on a single truck. That being said, you will still need to factor in the expense.

So what are the key factors that affect the rate of LTL freight? In this guide, we’ll answer this question so you can learn how to get LTL quotes that are affordable.

 

Distance and Delivery Zones

 

The distance your shipment travels is one of the biggest factors affecting LTL freight quotes. Longer distances naturally incur higher costs, but delivery zones also play a critical role.

Urban areas typically cost less to service than remote or rural locations due to easier accessibility and shorter delivery times. If your shipment involves cross-border transport, additional customs fees and paperwork can further increase the cost.

 

Freight Class

 

Freight class is a standard system that uses NMFC codes to classify goods based on factors like:

  • Density
  • Stowability
  • Handling
  • Liability

Lower-density items take up more space, while fragile or high-value items require special care, both of which drive up accurate LTL shipping costs. For instance, a shipment of lightweight electronics will likely cost more per pound than a pallet of canned goods due to its higher freight class.

 

Weight and Volume

 

Weight and volume significantly impact LTL pricing. Heavier shipments cost more, but consolidating items into fewer, well-packed pallets can save money. Dimensional weight (DIM) pricing, which considers the size of a shipment relative to its weight, is increasingly common for bulky but lightweight goods. Accurate measurements and proper packaging are essential to avoid unexpected fees.

 

Accessorial Charges

 

Accessorial services are additional charges for specialized delivery requirements. Common examples include liftgate services, inside deliveries, residential deliveries, and deliveries to limited-access locations like schools or construction sites. That being said, there are ways to save on these charges, like through cross-docking services.

Identifying these needs upfront helps prevent last-minute surprises and ensures an accurate quote.

 

Carrier and Fuel Surcharges

 

Not all carriers offer the same LTL freight pricing. Differences in service levels, reliability, and regional coverage can affect pricing. Fuel surcharges, which fluctuate with market conditions, are another factor to consider. Partnering with carriers that have efficient networks or fuel-saving practices can lead to better rates.

 

Seasonal and Market Trends

 

Shipping rates often spike during peak seasons, such as holidays or harvest times. Increased demand can lead to limited capacity, driving up costs. Similarly, economic factors affecting LTL rates like fuel price volatility or demand for certain trucking jobs can impact pricing.

 

Need an LTL Freight Quote? Contact Morris Trucking

 

We hope this guide helped you learn more about getting an LTL freight quote. Here at Morris Trucking, not only can we offer LTL shipping to forty-eight states. Not only that, but we can provide overnight shipping within a five-hundred-mile radius.

That’s thanks to our staff’s combined century of experience. So to get an affordable rate on your LTL freight, get in touch with us today.