Less Than Truckload (LTL): A Smarter Shipping Option for Wichita Businesses
When your shipment doesn’t need an entire trailer, paying for one can feel like renting a moving truck to deliver a single box. That’s where Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping comes in. For many businesses in Wichita, LTL offers a flexible, cost-effective way to move freight without sacrificing reliability.
Whether you’re shipping a few pallets across Kansas or sending freight to customers nationwide, understanding how Less Than Truckload (LTL) works can help you make smarter logistics decisions and keep transportation costs under control.
What Is Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping?
Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is a freight option where multiple shippers share space on the same truck. Instead of paying for the entire trailer, you only pay for the portion of space your shipment uses. Carriers consolidate freight from different businesses, each with its own destination, into one efficient route.
This shared approach makes Less Than Truckload (LTL) ideal for shipments that are too large for parcel carriers but not large enough to justify a full truckload. Most LTL shipments range from one to six pallets and typically weigh under 15,000 pounds.
How Less Than Truckload (LTL) Works
The LTL process is designed to balance efficiency with affordability…
- Your freight is picked up and loaded at a local terminal
- It’s combined with other shipments headed in the same general direction
- Freight may move through a few terminals along the route
- The shipment is delivered to its final destination
Because shipments are handled more than once, proper packaging and labeling are essential. While LTL may take a bit longer than dedicated trucking, it remains a dependable option for many businesses.
Why Less Than Truckload (LTL) Makes Sense in Wichita
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Wichita is well-positioned for regional and national freight movement. With strong highway access and a diverse business community, Wichita companies often rely on Less Than Truckload (LTL) to keep supply chains flexible.
Many local manufacturers, distributors, and growing businesses don’t ship full trailers every day. LTL allows them to move freight regularly without waiting to fill a truck, which helps maintain consistent operations and predictable delivery schedules.
Key Benefits of Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Lower Shipping Costs
One of the biggest advantages of Less Than Truckload (LTL) is cost savings. Since you’re sharing trailer space, transportation costs are split among multiple shippers. This makes LTL especially attractive for small to mid-sized shipments.
Flexible Shipping Volumes
LTL gives businesses the freedom to ship what they need, when they need it. There’s no pressure to delay shipments just to build a full load.
Wide Carrier Networks
Most LTL carriers operate extensive terminal networks, making it easier to reach destinations across the country—even in areas that aren’t on major trucking lanes.
Environmentally Efficient
By consolidating shipments, Less Than Truckload (LTL) reduces the number of trucks on the road. Fewer trucks mean lower fuel consumption and a smaller environmental footprint.
When Should You Choose Less Than Truckload (LTL)?
Less Than Truckload (LTL) is a strong option when…
- Your shipment doesn’t fill an entire trailer
- You’re shipping one to several pallets
- Cost savings matter more than speed
- Your freight can handle limited handling
If your shipment is time-sensitive, high-value, or fragile, you may want to compare LTL with other freight options. Still, for many routine shipments, LTL strikes the right balance.
Less Than Truckload (LTL) vs Full Truckload
While both options move freight by truck, the experience is very different. Full truckload shipping uses a dedicated trailer for one shipment, offering faster transit and minimal handling. Less Than Truckload (LTL) focuses on efficiency and affordability by sharing space.
For businesses that ship frequently but in smaller volumes, LTL is often the more practical and budget-friendly choice.
How ACV Freight Helps with Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Navigating LTL shipping can feel complex, especially with different carriers, classifications, and transit schedules. That’s where ACV Freight comes in.
ACV Freight works with trusted LTL carriers to match Wichita businesses with the right shipping solution. From selecting reliable routes to helping avoid common freight issues, their team focuses on making Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping straightforward and stress-free.
For industry insights and best practices in trucking, the American Trucking Associations is a valuable external resource that highlights trends shaping freight transportation today.
FAQs About Less Than Truckload (LTL)
What size shipments qualify for LTL?
Most shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds, or one to six pallets, are ideal for Less Than Truckload (LTL).
Is LTL slower than full truckload shipping?
Typically, yes. Because shipments make multiple stops, transit times can be longer.
Is LTL safe for commercial freight?
Yes, when freight is properly packaged and secured. Reputable carriers handle LTL shipments daily.
Can small businesses use LTL shipping?
Absolutely. Many small businesses rely on Less Than Truckload (LTL) to keep costs manageable.
How is LTL pricing calculated?
Rates are based on freight class, weight, dimensions, distance, and fuel costs.
Does LTL shipping work for regional deliveries?
Yes. LTL is commonly used for both regional and nationwide shipments.
Conclusion: Is Less Than Truckload (LTL) Right for You?
For Wichita businesses that don’t need an entire trailer, Less Than Truckload (LTL) offers a practical, cost-conscious way to move freight. It provides flexibility, reliable carrier access, and predictable pricing, all without paying for unused space.
By working with an experienced freight partner like ACV Freight, companies can take full advantage of Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping while keeping logistics simple and efficient. If your business values smart spending and steady shipping, LTL may be exactly what you’re looking for.
