The role of a less than truckload (LTL) common carrier
LTL common carriers facilitate the transportation of smaller shipments efficiently, cost-effectively, and with greater flexibility.
How does common carrier shipping work?
With common carrier shipping, the LTL common carrier will make multiple stops on their journey. Accordingly, the shipments might be picked up and dropped off at the final destination by different drivers on their route—making it possible to serve both commercial and residential customers.
LTL common carrier definition
An LTL common carrier consolidates and deconsolidates freight for multiple companies or brands while offering a set route and rate. They are often motor carriers, trucking companies or freight service providers that operate on a similar schedule with a strict set of guidelines.
Compare common carrier ratesLeverage the vast Freightquote common carrier network
Confidently support your common carrier shipping strategy with our expertise. Your journey begins by finding the right LTL common carrier for your business. When you choose Freightquote by C.H. Robinson, you gain access to over 96,000 vetted high quality common carriers.
Watch the video below to better understand the differences between your carrier options.
Tips for choosing the right common carrier
When it’s time to choose a freight carrier, the seemingly endless options can be overwhelming. Get tips from our experts to help you make the right carrier choice for your freight.
Get top 4 tipsIs LTL common carrier shipping right for you?
Shipping large or heavy items? Shipping to a variety of destinations? Common carrier shipping may be a good option for your business. Let us oversee the details for you.
At Freightquote, shipping is simple:
- 1. Get free quotes from carriers using our online tool.
- 2. Provide accurate shipment—weight, dimensions, and destination
- 3. Compare carrier rates, book instantly, and track your shipment—hassle free.
Find top LTL common carriers
When selecting a common carrier in our online quoting tool, you can review and compare star ratings for each carrier. This, along with a category breakdown of what influences the overall star rating, helps you make easier, more informed carrier decisions.
Understand how carrier ratings can helpStrategies for better common carrier rates
LTL shipping often requires special packaging, multiple stops, and other added services. As a result, there can be specific fees associated with using a common carrier—especially if they need to remeasure or reweigh your freight to ensure a proper fit.
Providing accurate shipment information up front helps avoid the added time and money involved in rechecking. See what other best practices can keep you on track.
Boost carrier performanceReady to ship freight with an LTL common carrier?
Compare rates instantly—and for free—with our online booking tool.
Free white paper: Demystifying freight classification
A complete discussion of the freight class system coupled with a detailed explanation of dimensional rating.
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Freight class calculator
Use our easy tool to determine the freight class for your LTL shipment.
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