Posted on April 22, 2022

Our Most Requested Tips: How to Succeed Using LTL

LTL shipping can be intimidating. The logistics of organizing multiple shipments onto a single trailer relies on a lot of moving parts working together to keep freight going where it needs to go on schedule. Multiple pickups from different locations, loading and unloading at terminals along the way, configuring space on the trailer, matching freight to long-haul lanes, and accommodating a variety of delivery situations all make LTL a complex and daunting prospect for those unfamiliar with the process.

The shipping experts at Koho can help you navigate the complicated world of LTL freight, matching your shipping needs with the most trusted and reliable carriers, the most effective modes of shipping, and the best prices available. Partnering with a knowledgeable 3PL like Koho will give you the tools to become an LTL shipping expert yourself in no time. Here are a few of our most requested LTL tips for 2022 that will help improve your shipping efficiency, establish good relationships with your carrier network, and save you money.

Work with a Trusted 3PL

Partnering with a 3PL like Koho gives you access to a team of freight shipping experts and cutting-edge technology that will make your LTL experience as smooth and efficient as possible. Koho’s online freight platform utilizes smart technologies to comb through scores of freight quotes that fit your needs. Koho can instantly access hundreds of carrier quotes for your shipment and allow you to compare rates to find the right one. With so many options available, you have the best opportunity to take advantage of deals, customize quotes based on your budget, and calculate your total costs with all the necessary information and additional fees included upfront.

Koho’s online platform eliminates the need to waste time calling or emailing brokers, drivers, carriers, and suppliers. Simply fill out the shipment details and requirements on the online platform and let its innovative technology take care of the rest. Once you book your instant quote and schedule your shipment, you can generate your bill of lading instantly, get advice on how to prepare your freight for transit, and track your cargo online, all while having constant access to the team of freight experts at Koho through the platform’s Messaging feature. If you’re looking to book an LTL shipment, the first step is contacting an experienced 3PL like Koho to help you get started.

The Lowest Rate Isn’t Always the Best Rate

When you search for LTL shipping rates online or call carriers to get freight quotes, the natural tendency is to look for the lowest available price. While price is certainly important, the cheapest rate and best rate are not always the same thing. The cheapest rate may look like the obvious choice until issues pop up, then the headaches start. Delays and disruptions are common in the chaotic world of LTL freight shipping, and when something unexpected happens, you may find that the fine print attached to the cheapest rate has made a minor problem into a major one. There are a number of other factors to consider when looking for the right carrier, and many of them are as important, if not more so, than the base price.

To get the best rate and the best service, you should work with a 3PL like Koho that maintains good relationships with a reliable shipping network and can get a variety of quotes from reputable carriers. This will ensure you get the best deal on the best service for your needs, not just the lowest price. While getting a great rate is important, it should not take precedence over the other crucial elements that will provide a successful LTL shipping experience.

Managing Expectations: LTL Transit Times

LTL shipping is a great cost saver for shippers moving less than a truckload of cargo. However, with lower prices sometimes comes longer transit times. The most important thing to remember about LTL transit times is that they are not guarantees, they are estimates. LTL shipments may be subject to any number of delays that can affect the actual amount of time it takes for the shipment to get there. Because LTL shipments are often transferred between multiple trucks and terminals on their route, the volume of cargo and the number of trucks a carrier has working in a particular lane can affect how fast a load is picked up between transit hubs. Delays and reroutes due to weather, traffic, road construction, and accidents can also slow the transit time of a shipment.

In order to deal with unpredictable LTL transit times and unforeseen delays, it is crucial to avoid preventable errors that can slow a shipment down. Providing ample lead time for carriers and securing capacity as soon as possible can vastly improve your ability to meet your transit time goals. Be sure the information you provide for your freight quote and bill of lading is accurate, including the description and dimensions of your shipment, the addresses of the pickup and delivery locations, the date and time of the pickup, and any accessorials you need.

If you do run into delays, communication with your customers or whoever is receiving the shipment is crucial. Maintaining transparency between the shipper and consignee about the status of a shipment is the only way to ensure both parties can adjust expectations and adapt to any supply chain disruptions effectively.

Avoid Unnecessary Rebills

If you are familiar with LTL shipping, you have probably seen a rebill show up on your freight invoice from a carrier. Rebills occur when there are inaccuracies in the information provided to obtain the original quote. This can include incorrect descriptions or measurements for a shipment, a failure to indicate any accessorials necessary to complete a pickup or delivery, or any other additional service that ends up being provided by the carrier. Rebills are a fairly common occurrence in the industry, but that doesn’t mean receiving one and paying additional charges for a shipment isn’t frustrating.

To avoid unnecessary re-bills, make sure that you carefully record the weights, dimensions, and freight class of your cargo for your paperwork, indicate any accessorials you may need to complete a shipment, and communicate with your carrier and consignee to avoid any delays, missed pickups, or missed delivery windows.

Source: https://www.gokoho.com/blog/most-requested-ltl-tips

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