The freight industry has been in a turbulent state over recent times, and both contract and spot rates were fluctuating. According to the market forecasts, the drop in the spot market is going to come. It’s just a question of whether that comes in Q3/Q4 of 2021 or gets pushed into early next year. However, getting low LTL freight rates remains a primary concern for many shippers in 2021.
If you are shipping goods across the country, you are probably looking for the lowest freight shipping rates. While many online shipping services offer free quote comparisons, it can be tricky to choose the best one for your needs. Moreover, shippers often are not aware of how they can reduce shipping costs with their own efforts.
Before diving into the shipment booking process, here are some tips on how to get the best LTL freight rates.
How to get the best LTL rates?
1. Provide accurate information
Beginner shippers often make the common mistake of stating approximate information about their freight. When calculating freight quotes, dimensions, weight, and density, it is important to be as precise and accurate as possible, as even a small difference can bring you additional charges and fees. Make sure to properly measure your package to avoid higher rates and confusion.
2. Consolidate and pack your shipments
If you ship boxes via LTL shipping service, it’s highly recommended to put your boxes onto a pallet and stack them. This will help to simplify handling, ensure high shipment protection, and reduce your spending. How? Firstly, a pallet of multiple boxes or packages is considered a single piece, so it will eliminate the cost to ship each item individually. Also, it’s cheaper to ship several pallets at once than to move separate boxes frequently.
3. Determine your freight class correctly
To simplify the standardization and provide fair freight pricing, National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created a set of rules, called freight classification. This means every type of freight should be classified with a special NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code. Classes vary from 50 to 500, and the lower the number, the cheaper rate you’ll get. Therefore, choosing a proper freight class impacts shipping costs. Logistics companies like PLS Logistics will help you accurately determine your LTL class.
4. Consider carrier tariffs
The final cost of your shipping is highly affected by the regulations and rules of a certain carrier. Mainly, these tariffs depend on pickup or delivery location. Some destinations are considered hardly accessible or remote, some include regional fees and surcharges. If the trucking lane for your freight leads to a big city with highway congestion, you can be additionally charged. It’s better to contact the carrier directly to specify all the details in advance.
5. Choose a reliable logistics partner
Monitoring LTL freight rates is a challenging task, so it’s much more effective to work with a reliable 3PL. Skilled brokers will spot the most attractive prices with your requirements in mind and will be able to negotiate LTL rates. Logistics professionals not just monitor and compare carrier rates head-to-head and choose from a variety of options, but also help navigate the shipping process.
Low LTL Freight Rates with PLS
PLS Logistics can help you negotiate and compare thousands of LTL freight rates out there. All you have to do is fill in the shipment information!
