LTL (Less Than Truckload)

LTL Shipping Services Designed
for Efficiency and Cost Control

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping has become an essential solution for businesses that want to move freight without using an entire trailer. As supply chain expectations evolve, companies require transportation options that are predictable, flexible, and cost-efficient. LTL shipping through Lex Logistics delivers the ideal balance of reliability, savings, and speed.

Built for frequent, multi-region shipments, LTL provides an adaptable model for growing operations that demand stable pricing and dependable performance.

Request LTL Service
LTL Shipping Services

Core Features of LTL Shipping

LTL shipping combines freight from multiple companies into a single trailer, maximizing space and minimizing cost per shipper. Instead of reserving a full truck, businesses pay only for the portion of space their cargo occupies—making it ideal for smaller or recurring shipments.

How LTL Movement Is Structured

  • Freight is collected and moved to a local terminal.
  • Shipments are scanned, sorted, and consolidated.
  • Trailers pass through regional hubs toward final destinations.
  • Handling occurs multiple times—requiring durable packaging and accurate details.

This structure allows businesses to distribute goods efficiently without waiting to build a full truckload.

Advantages of LTL for Modern Businesses

LTL shipping provides cost savings, operational flexibility, and environmentally conscious freight movement—making it the preferred choice for companies optimizing logistics budgets.

Cost Efficiency and Smarter Allocation

Since shippers pay only for the space their freight occupies, LTL is a highly economical solution for recurring loads. It also reduces reliance on parcel shipments by consolidating freight, helping lower total transportation spend.

Adaptable Service Options

LTL offers a wide range of customizable delivery features:

  • Standard or accelerated transit
  • Guaranteed delivery windows
  • Liftgate pickup & drop-off
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Residential & limited-access delivery

Environmentally Conscious Freight Movement

Consolidating freight reduces the total number of trucks on the road. This cuts emissions and fuel usage—making LTL a greener alternative for companies prioritizing sustainability.

Factors That Shape LTL Pricing

LTL rates are determined by the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) system, which assigns a class based on density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability.

Key Factors Include:

  • Density of the freight
  • Handling complexity
  • Stowability limitations
  • Liability and risk level

Accurate weight, measurements, and packaging details prevent reclassification and unexpected billing adjustments. Lex Logistics helps customers maintain transparency and avoid added charges.

Challenges in LTL and How to Prevent Them

While LTL is highly effective, certain challenges require attention to avoid delays or added costs.

Transit Time Variations

Because LTL moves through multiple hubs, transit times can vary. Setting delivery expectations upfront ensures smoother inventory and production planning.

Potential Freight Damage

Multiple touchpoints increase damage risk. To minimize this:

  • Use strong pallets & secure wrapping
  • Protect edges and corners
  • Keep freight within pallet footprint
  • Add “fragile” or handling labels

Unexpected Accessorial Fees

Charges may apply for liftgates, appointments, limited access, or inaccurate freight details. Providing complete and accurate shipment info eliminates surprise fees.

Why Businesses Rely on Lex Logistics for LTL Services

Lex Logistics offers a technology-driven, customer-focused approach to LTL transportation—with optimized routing, transparent pricing, and trusted carrier partnerships.

Extensive Network Reach

We partner with reliable carriers across major regions, ensuring steady capacity and consistent transit performance year-round.

Optimized Routing & Load Coordination

By analyzing freight patterns and lane performance, we recommend routes that reduce transit time and avoid unnecessary costs.

Real-Time Support & Visibility

Customers benefit from active monitoring, proactive updates, and fast communication—ensuring reliable pickup-to-delivery performance.

Request LTL Shipping Services

Provide freight dimensions, weight, destination, and service preferences. Our LTL specialists will build an optimized routing and pricing plan tailored to your shipments.

Request Service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are LTL services suitable for small and midsize companies?

Yes. LTL is ideal for companies that ship palletized freight regularly but do not have full trailer volume.

2. How can shippers prevent billing adjustments?

Provide accurate weight, dimensions, packaging details, and commodity descriptions to avoid reclassification.

3. Does LTL support fragile or high-value shipments?

Yes—when packaging is properly reinforced and additional insurance is selected as needed.

4. Can transit times be consistent in LTL?

Transit times vary due to hub routing, but reliability increases when delivery windows and requirements are clearly defined.

5. How does Lex Logistics enhance the LTL experience?

Through optimized routing, transparent pricing, trusted carrier partnerships, and proactive communication.