How to choose between FTL and LTL shipments
In road transport, which is widely preferred by many traders and other customers of Delamod Bulgaria, the shipments of one customer can travel separately by truck - as FTL shipments, or be combined with shipments of other customers - LTL shipments. In the second type of shipment, whose full name is „less than truckload” - filling less than the volume of a full truckload, small shipments are combined, each of which is less than half the volume of a truckload.
This type of shipment has a number of advantages, such as faster shipment and lower prices, as the costs are shared between customers whose shipments are shipped together. But even customers whose shipments are small may have considerations for choosing FTL - from the name “full truckload” - when they prefer not to combine their shipments with other customers' shipments.
For customers who are undecided about which type of shipment to choose for their shipments, we'll take a look at the benefits of each type of shipment to help make their choice easier.
Advantages of FTL shipments
The advantage of carrying only one customer's shipments is undoubtedly for that customer. Thus, there will be no delay in stopping to drop off shipments to other customers as occurs with LTL shipments.
This is the right type of transport for customers who have large quantities to transport and can fill more than half the volume of a truck or even an entire vehicle.
If the customer is transporting goods or cargo that involves risks, such as dangerous goods, FTL shipments are also the right choice.
Advantages of LTL shipments
We have already mentioned one of the main advantages of this type of transportation - lower prices. Where this is a major consideration, LTL shipments are undoubtedly the right solution.
In addition, when shipments are transported to destinations to which Delamod Bulgaria maintains regular groupage lines, small shipments depart quickly, with the next regular line.
LTL shipments with scheduled groupage lines combine low rates with fast shipment delivery.
What you should consider when choosing the type of transport
Here we will summarise the considerations when choosing FTL or LTL shipments.
- The size of the shipment comes first, with LTL shipments suitable for small shipments.
- Whether your shipments contain goods and cargo with risks.
- Cost of shipments - if the customer is sending a small shipment, LTL shipment is more profitable; for large shipments, FTL shipment is a good solution.
- Delivery time - when you want faster deliveries, FTL shipments are preferable; but if you have a small shipment and the next groupage line is leaving in a day, LTL shipments are a good choice as well.
Of course, all factors must be taken into account to make the right decision. Delamod Bulgaria's experts will advise you on the right choice when you make a transport request.