Maximizing Capacity, Minimizing Costs: Less than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) Strategies

In the midst of shopping for shipping options?

If you find yourself at a crossroads between less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) transportation, quickly walking down each road to discover more about their key characteristics will enable you to figure out the best choice for you.

Count on FMi Logistics—a leader in shipping and logistics in Canada—to deliver the ultimate solution to you. Get ready to unbox our guide on less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping options.

Table of Contents

1. What is Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping?

• Key Characteristics of Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping
  

2. What is Less than Truckload (LTL) Shipping?

• Key Characteristics of Less than Truckload (LTL) Shipping
  

3. Top-Tier Shipping and Logistics with the FMi Team

4. FMi Logistics’ Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping Services

5. FMi Logistics’ Less than Truckload (LTL) Shipping Services

6. Give Your Goods a Good Trip with FMi Logistics 

What is Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping?

Full truckload or FTL shipping is a mode of freight transportation where one shipper’s goods occupy the entire space of a truck or a significant portion thereof.

It’s popular amongst businesses that need to move large amounts of goods quickly and securely. Because the handling of goods is limited to the loading and unloading points only, full truckload shipping is preferred by shippers who want to minimize the risk of damage.

Key Characteristics of Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping 

• Exclusive Use: The space is not shared with other shippers’ goods as the shipper has exclusive use of the entire truck. Think of it as the “VIP treatment” in the world of transportation, where your freight is segregated from the rest.
  
• Faster and Direct Routes: FTL shipments often go straight from the point of pickup to the destination without stops to load or unload other freight, resulting in quicker transit times. If your business requires faster-paced solutions, then full truckload shipping might just be the key to more timely deliveries.
  
• Large Volumes or Weight: It’s generally used for large shipments that can fill an entire truck or for heavy items that require a lot of space or weight capacity.
  
• Fewer Transfers: Since the shipment is not combined with others, it’s typically loaded once and then unloaded at the destination, which can reduce the risk of damage and loss—giving you elevated peace of mind as your goods travel to their destination.
  
• Better for Fragile or High-Risk Cargo: FTL is often preferred for fragile, high-value, or high-risk cargo that needs to be transported without the risk of being moved around or transferred en route.
  
• Special Requirements: FTL shipping is more customizable to a shipper’s particular needs. From temperature control for perishable goods and oversized or oddly shaped cargo to high-security needs, this mode can accommodate various special requirements.
  
  
  

What is Less than Truckload (LTL)?

Just like the name itself says, less than truckload (LTL) shipping consumes less space and is typically used for the movement of smaller freight shipments that don’t require the full space of a truck. Freight from multiple shippers is consolidated into a single truck to optimize capacity and minimize shipping costs for each shipper—just like how carpooling enables people to cut back costs on their daily commute.

This cost-effective method enables companies to save on transportation costs as they only pay for the space their shipment occupies. It’s the ultimate solution for businesses looking to efficiently move their goods—without having to worry about filling up an entire truck with their products.

Key Characteristics of Less than Truckload (LTL) Shipping

• Shared Space: Freight from various shippers is combined to fill one truck, sharing the space and the cost of transportation.
  
• Smaller Shipments: LTL is ideal for shipments typically too big for parcel carriers but too small to fill an entire truckload, generally ranging from 150 lbs to 10,000 lbs.
  
• Cost Efficiency: Since the cost of the truck space and transportation is shared among different shippers, the cost is less for each than if they were shipping FTL.
  
• Network of Terminals: Less than truckload carriers often use a network of terminals and hubs to sort and consolidate freight destined for similar areas. This process streamlines the transportation process and helps reduce costs for both shippers and carriers involved in the shipment.
  
• Increased Handling: Shipments may be transferred multiple times between different trucks and terminals before reaching their final destination, which can increase the risk of damage or loss.
  
• Variable Transit Times: Transit times may be longer compared to FTL due to route optimization, additional handling, and the consolidation process.
  
• Freight Class: The cost to ship via the less than truckload method is influenced by the freight class, which is determined by density, stowability, liability, and handling requirements.
  
  

Top-Tier Shipping and Logistics with the FMi Team

Once you send your shipment off to its destination, you deserve the peace of mind knowing that it’s safe all throughout its trip—and that it gets to where it needs to be without any delays.

That’s what you want to look for in a freight company.

And the FMi Logistics team heard you loud and clear. As the leading provider of shipping and logistics in Canada, our reliable full truckload shipping and less than truckload services are here to exceed your expectations.

FMi Logistics’ Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping Services

Meet our FTL services that meet all your large shipment requirements in Calgary and beyond. Our tailored, worry-free, cost-effective large freight solutions come with the following perks:

• A timely solution for various business needs, from regular shipments to urgent, time-sensitive deliveries.
• Efficient and secure transportation of your goods, regardless of size or quantity.
• Large-volume shipping that caters to both regular supply and business expansions.
• Exclusive truck use for faster, direct, uninterrupted freight transportation.
• Real-time tracking that offers complete visibility over your freight’s journey.
• A network of professional drivers who always keep your goods safe on the road.
• Advanced fleet. The type of ride taking your freight to their destination matters just as much. Our fleet consisting of the latest vehicles will secure your goods throughout the journey.
• Lower Per-Unit Costs. Transporting large volumes with our FTL service results in cost-effective per-unit shipping prices.
• Reduced Handling. Because shipments stay in the same truck with FTL, the potential for damage is reduced significantly.
  
  

FMi Logistics’ Less than Truckload (LTL) Services

Why pay for a full truckload price when your shipment doesn’t require it?

All your small freight needs have an optimal solution through FMi Logistics’ top-tier Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) services. Cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly, count on FMi Logistics to deliver your small shipments on the dot.

It’s the perfect solution for small to medium businesses looking to reduce costs and streamline their operations without compromising on quality.

Our LTL services come with these perks:

• Efficient handling of your shipment, regardless of its size.
• Reduced costs. Because truck space is shared with other shippers and you only pay for utilized space, costs are reduced significantly while ensuring your goods arrive promptly and securely.
• Flexible scheduling. Despite your goods sharing the space with other shipments, we still coordinate our operations with your time preferences. Your freight will be picked up and delivered within the set schedule.
• Real-time tracking. By providing timely and accurate updates on your freight’s location, you’re always in the loop of where exactly your shipment is at the moment.
• Advanced logistics strategies and technology to streamline operations and optimize routes to ensure timely delivery. 
• Environmentally friendly. Sharing truck space means fewer trips, making our LTL service a greener shipping solution.

Give Your Goods a Good Trip with FMi Logistics

Teaming up with one of the leading shipping companies in Canada is a key factor in propelling your business forward.

When your shipments arrive safely and on time, client satisfaction increases and your business operations in the freight department won’t ever be interrupted

Give your goods a good trip with FMi Logistics. 

Get in touch today to get started with our full truckload or less than truckload services. 

FMi Logistics Team

Our team, comprising seasoned professionals, is dedicated to offering a range of services including freight management, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management. We specialize in creating customized solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients, ensuring their goods are transported safely, efficiently, and sustainably. At FMi Logistics, we are committed to leveraging the latest technology and industry best practices to deliver excellence in every aspect of our services. Our insights and updates in the logistics field are driven by our passion for excellence and our commitment to helping businesses succeed in a dynamic global market.

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