Last Blog highlighted some Pick-Up and Delivery Tips. This week discusses the difference between Volume and Standard LTL moves.
LTL carriers will impose limits within their tariffs (that vary with every carrier) to limit moving shipments that are too large for their network. Some carriers structure their operations to carry volume LTL shipments while others do not. Volume quotes, also known as Spot quotes, should be obtained based on the below in order for you to get the most economical rate.
Single shipments with standard size pallets (48x40x48) that are stackable:
- 1 – 8 pallets: pursue a standard LTL quotes (unless the weight exceeds 8,000 lbs., then pursue a volume LTL quote)
- 9 – 10 pallets: pursue a volume LTL quote or a partial Truckload (TL) quote
- 11+ pallets: pursue a volume LTL, partial TL, or even a TL quote
LTL carriers will rate any single shipment up to 19,999 lbs. as LTL but it will be costly:
- 8,000 – 10,000 lbs. shipments could be considered as partial TL’s and quoted accordingly
- Excess of 10,000 lbs. shipments should always be quoted with volume LTL, partial TL, and TL to obtain the most economical rate
Odd size or non-stackable pallets:
- 1 – 4 pallets: pursue a standard LTL quote (unless the weight exceeds 8,000 lbs., then pursue a volume LTL quote)
- 5 – 10 pallets: pursue a volume LTL or a partial TL quote
- 11+ pallets: always pursue volume LTL, partial TL, and TL quotes to obtain the most economical rate