LTL and FTL Shipping

Managing your own logistics requires you to perform a balancing act between cost, time, and efficiency. This process is complex and not every business has the resources, time, or expertise to navigate without some outsourced help.

As a dedicated 3PL freight broker, WSI takes the complexity out of truckload logistics to guarantee timely and efficient transportation of your inventory.

What distinguishes WSI from other freight brokers is our commitment to personalized service. We see our clients as individuals, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. Our FTL LTL freight solutions are customized to maximize shipping efficiency. When you work with us, you will have a dedicated customer success specialist to ensure you receive the highest level of professionalism and care.

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Choosing Between FTL and LTL Transport

Selecting the right shipping method is imperative to successfully optimizing delivery time and costs. But with multiple factors to consider, like size, weight, timing requirements, budget, and nature of the shipment, it’s not always easy to determine which option makes the most sense.

If you’re transporting more than ten pallets simultaneously, FTL is likely your best choice. You may also want to select FTL shipping when your shipment is time-sensitive or when you are transporting sensitive, high-risk cargo that might not do well with the extra handling it could receive during LTL shipping.

Otherwise, for a small business looking to minimize shipping costs, LTL is a better choice. Don’t sweat it, though. AT WSI, our 3PL freight brokerage services include helping you navigate the FTL vs. LTL selection process. We can analyze your shipments and destination and select optimal routes and shipping methods. We’re 3PL leaders who understand all the ins and outs of both FTL and LTL shipping.

A 3PL Freight Broker for LTL/FTL Shipping

Managing different shipping carriers, warehousers, and fulfillment services can be an overwhelming job even for an experienced logistics team. When you work with WSI, you receive a comprehensive suite of freight shipping solutions. Our clients appreciate being able to leverage our end-to-end logistics management system – featuring LTL and FTL shipping, small parcel fulfillment, cross-docking, white glove delivery, transloading, and more. Due to WSI’s expertise in warehousing and distribution services, we have a high volume of cargo being shipped nationwide via LTL and FTL from multiple carriers.

Of course, every business has unique freight transportation requirements and therefore will benefit from a customized solution. That’s why we tailor your Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) logistics solutions to perfectly fit your transportation needs. So, whether you’re shipping a handful of pallets, 10,000 lb of cargo or a full truckload, rest assured that our services will be aligned with your specific requirements.

Benefits of FTL & LTL Shipping from a 3PL Provider

While numerous logistics and transportation companies claim to provide FTL and LTL shipping services, none of them can match up to the value that you stand to get from a dynamic 3PL freight broker like WSI. Rather than managing several partnerships, you can count on one strong relationship with an award-winning 3PL.

Specialized Expertise and Resources

As experts in managing transportation and fulfillment operations, 3PL providers already possess the extensive experience, knowledge, and resources required to effectively handle the intricacies of FTL and LTL shipments. They are masters in route planning, load optimization, and freight consolidation, all of which will go a long way toward reducing your transport costs and improving delivery times.

Cost Savings

Speaking of FTL and LTL transport costs, 3PL providers are actually in a class of their own in terms of savings. The extensive network that we enjoy with carriers gives you access to negotiated rates and volume discounts. Plus, you can capitalize on our load optimization and freight consolidation to minimize empty space in trucks, maximize each shipment’s allocation, and share the transportation costs with other shippers.

Advanced Logistics Management Tools

3PLs often run their logistics operations on cutting-edge technology platforms. You’ll have access to advanced tracking technologies, transportation rate shopping software, route optimization software, and warehouse management systems, among other tools. We can automate your inventory management, order consolidation, real-time shipment tracking, and performance analytics. This will, in turn, shorten order processing cycles, expedite transit times, and elevate customer satisfaction.

Why Choose Our LTL and FTL Logistics Solutions

Truckload Logistics

WSI partners with multiple carriers for FTL shipments in all major regions of the country. We offer Dry Van, Flat Bed, and Reefer services. Whether your freight is stored at a WSI warehouse or at your own location, we can manage the supply chain. We also continue to onboard new carriers for reliable deliveries and competitive pricing.

Partial Truckload Logistics

WSI handles most palletized commodities and ships LTL freight throughout the US to Canada, and Puerto Rico. We are able to identify freight class and NMFC#’s even when not provided. We can provide all paperwork (BOL’s and pallet labels) for domestic shipments. We have a great relationship with Estes and their service is excellent. Competitive pricing and a wide variety of value added services are available. Our logistics team provides claim management on orders that are lost or damaged.

Value Added Services at WSI

  • BOL creation

  • Claims management

  • Inside pick up & delivery

  • Lift gate service

  • Over-length items

  • Limited access pickup & delivery

  • Residential delivery

  • Sort and segregate

  • Track and trace

  • Unloading services

  • Trade show pickup & delivery

  • White Glove Delivery

FAQs – FTL LTL Shipping Solutions

What is FTL?

FTL, or Full Truckload, is a type of freight shipping where a single shipment occupies an entire truck. It’s the go-to option when the volume of goods is large enough to fill a truck.

What is LTL?

LTL, or Less Than Truckload, is another type of freight shipping where multiple shippers’ freight is combined into one truck. Each shipper pays for the portion of the trailer their freight occupies, making it a cost-effective solution for small to midsize shipments.

What is the difference between Freight Brokerage and FTL LTL Fulfillment?

A freight broker bridges the gap between shippers and carriers. Their job is to negotiate rates and coordinate transportation on behalf of shippers.

FTL LTL fulfillment, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive service provided by 3PL companies like WSI. It manages the entire logistics cycle – from storing and packing goods to coordinating FTL LTL transportation and delivering goods to their final destination.

What is the difference between 3PL and LTL FTL Shipping?

3PL stands for Third-Party Logistics. It’s an umbrella term for warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation management services. You could, otherwise, think of it as an all-inclusive logistics concierge that caters to your supply chain needs.

LTL and FTL shipping, on the other hand, refer to specific types of freight transportation that you could get from a 3PL provider. LTL (Less Than Truckload) is ideal for small shipments, while FTL (Full Truckload) is reserved for larger payloads that can fill an entire truck.

What is the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping is a logistics solution where an entire truck is loaded with only one shipper’s cargo. It’s usually the go-to option for large shipments that weigh around 20,000 pounds or more.

The key advantage of FTL logistics is its direct, point-to-point model. FTL truck load carriers travel from the pickup point straight to the delivery destination, without any stops in between. Your FTL shipment will remain on the same truck throughout its journey, minimizing delivery time and risk of damage.

On the flip side, Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is designed for smaller shipments that don’t need an entire truck. Such consignments typically weigh between 100 and 5,000 pounds

With LTL shipping, freight from various shippers is consolidated onto the same trailer, with each one paying only for the space they occupy. This is more cost-efficient than FTL, but delivery may take longer due to multiple stops and transfers. Goods in your shipment may be removed from the trailer to allow for removal of other shipper’s goods, or they may be transferred to another truck at the carrier’s hub location.

Start Shipping Freight with WSI

With a nationwide network of over 14 million square feet of public and private warehousing across the country, WSI is ready to handle your inbound freight and distribution needs nationwide. Benefit from an extensive footprint that reaches all major freight zones in the continental US.

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