Maximizing Freight Savings: 5 Reasons to Choose Volume LTL Services

Ever been stuck with an 8-pallet shipment and not known what to do with it? It’s too large for LTL but doesn’t justify booking an entire truck? Volume less than truckload (or volume LTL) services are designed to bridge that gap and give you a cost-effective solution for that pesky in-between freight. Whether you’re moving 6 pallets or 12, the right logistics strategy can help you keep freight moving without paying for more than you need.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at volume LTL basics, the advantages of utilizing this service, and why choosing the right logistics partner can make all the difference in an effortless and stress-free shipping experience. 

What is Volume Less Than Truckload (LTL)? 

Volume LTL shipping offers a solution for freight that falls somewhere between standard LTL and a full truckload (FTL). Typically designed for shipments that are 6 to 12 pallets and weigh between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds, volume LTL helps shippers move larger shipments while only paying for the space they use. 

Unlike standard LTL, where freight is often offloaded and reloaded at multiple hubs before reaching its final destination, volume LTL shipments frequently stay on the same truck for the entire journey, which reduces handling and minimizes the risk of damage.

LTL carriers often use volume LTL to fill in space when they don’t have enough standard LTL shipments to fully load their trucks. This helps carriers reduce empty miles, keep trucks fully utilized, and maintain more competitive pricing for shippers. By taking advantage of available space in the LTL network, volume LTL provides a cost-effective and efficient shipping option.

The one caveat for a Volume LTL shipment is that you give up maximum liability in exchange for very low or zero liability in the event of a claim. Be sure to add All Risk Insurance if you require any coverage on a Volume shipment. 

Why Choose Volume LTL?

For freight that doesn’t quite fit standard shipping options, volume LTL is a practical and economical solution. Here are some other reasons to consider volume LTL services.

1. Get Big Savings 

Shipping larger loads can add up quickly, but volume LTL helps you keep costs in check. Instead of paying for an entire truck you don’t need, you only cover the space your freight occupies, making it ideal for mid-sized shipments. This pay-for-what-you-use approach can result in significant savings, especially if you’re shipping between 6 and 12 pallets. With volume LTL, you get the benefit of an efficient and budget-friendly solution while avoiding the hefty costs of a full truckload.

2. Avoid Empty Miles and Wasted Space

LTL carriers only make money if their network is fully optimized, and volume LTL plays a key role in keeping trucks fully loaded. By opening up space for volume LTL shipments, carriers reduce the number of half-empty trucks on the road, which helps lower overall transportation costs and reduce waste. For shippers, this means more reliable transit times since carriers can plan routes better and keep rates lower over time. By using volume LTL, your freight becomes part of a larger, streamlined shipping process, allowing both you and the carrier to benefit from more cost-effective operations.

3. Less Handling, Fewer Headaches

We’ve all had shipments that look worse for wear after too many transfers. With volume LTL, you can rest easier knowing your freight is less likely to get tossed around as it's offloaded and reloaded within the LTL network. Since volume LTL shipments often stay on the same truck from pickup to delivery, there’s far less handling involved compared to standard LTL. That means fewer stops at hubs, fewer transfers, and a lower risk of damage. Less handling equals fewer headaches and fewer costly freight claims.

4. A Greener Way to Ship

If sustainability is on your radar (and it should be!), volume LTL is a smart way to reduce your environmental footprint. By consolidating freight and utilizing unused truck space, you help lower the number of trucks on the road and reduce carbon emissions. Volume LTL helps make your shipping greener, so you’re not only saving on costs—you’re contributing to a more eco-friendly supply chain.

5. Grow Without Breaking the Bank

As your business grows, so does your need for more shipping capacity. Volume LTL makes it easy to scale your shipping operations without having to jump straight to full truckload commitments. It’s the perfect middle ground for businesses that are expanding and need to ship more freight without dramatically increasing shipping costs. You can keep your budget in check while shipping more, giving you the flexibility to grow at your own pace.

When Volume LTL May Not Be the Best Option

While volume LTL offers numerous advantages, it’s not always the best solution for every shipment. Consider the following situations where volume LTL may not be ideal:

• Smaller Shipments: For freight under 5,000 pounds, standard LTL is usually more cost-effective.

• Urgent, Time-Sensitive Deliveries: If your shipment needs to be there on time, FTL or expedited sprinter vans could be a better choice, as volume LTL relies on available carrier capacity and routing.

• Special Handling Needs: For shipments that require extra handling or specialized care, the multiple stops and potential transfers involved in volume LTL may not be ideal.

• Remote Locations: Shipments to remote or less-frequented areas may be difficult to find capacity for, as volume LTL depends on carriers having compatible routes.

Choosing the Right Logistics Partner for Volume LTL

Partnering with the right logistics provider can make all the difference when it comes to volume LTL. A reliable partner will help you navigate capacity challenges, provide transparent pricing, and ensure your shipments are handled with care. At TFWW Manchester, we specialize in offering customized volume LTL solutions that prioritize efficiency, cost savings, and protection for your freight. With years of industry experience and a commitment to customer success, we’re here to help you make the most of your shipping strategy. 

Contact us today to learn more about our volume LTL services or to get a quote.