How to Find the Right LTL Freight Company

To transport your products efficiently, partner with a reliable 3PL that can provide you with the best LTL freight company. 3PLs, such as Diversified Transportation Services work directly with LTL shipping carriers to get the best overall rate for their clients.  There are a multitude of LTL partners out there and finding the right one for your business can take time and effort.

Learn how to find the right 3PL who can help manage your LTL logistical needs with the information below:

1. Reliable Tracking Services

Consumers want their orders to arrive either early or on time. One of the best ways to help ensure that your products reach their destinations in a timely manner is to use tracking services. At Diversified Transportation Services, we offer our proactive “track and trace” services along with our online shipment tracking. These tools increase your visibility so that you know where your shipments are throughout the shipping process.

2. Helpful Customer Service

Customer service is another factor that you should consider when you learn how to find the right 3PL to handle your LTL logistical needs.  When you contact Diversified Transportation Services, you will notice that we provide superior customer service and consistent communication for all our clients.

3. Accurate Delivery Times

As previously mentioned, consumers expect companies to provide fast and accurate delivery times. Late shipments can negatively affect your company’s reputation and its success over time.

4. Service Areas

Companies that have solutions for LTL shipping and logistical challenges may specialize in certain areas as well. Some are national, while others are regional or microregional regarding the areas that they service. When you search for your 3PL logistics partner, ask about its service areas. For instance, if you have customers in both the US and Canada, you need a shipping partner with a national service area that will cross the border.

5. Additional Services

Many logistics partners offer additional services, such as residential delivery and lift gate delivery. There are additional fees for these services, and it is important to discuss what those fees are. To keep your transportation costs low, choose a logistics partner that is transparent about its services and fees so that you do not end up with an unexpected bill.

6. Freight Classes

There are 18 different freight classes to choose from for LTL shipping. If you choose the wrong freight class for your shipments, you will end up paying more than expected and increase your shipping costs significantly. You’ll need to determine the freight class for your shipments before you choose an LTL shipping partner to avoid confusion and additional fees. With over 31 years of experience in the transportation industry, our team at Diversified Transportation Services will help you identify and choose the freight class for your shipments.

7. Web Services

If you have a potential LTL shipping carrier in mind, look at its website before you make any decisions. The website should be easy to use and provide accurate information about the business. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or inaccurate on the website, it might be time to consider a different partner.

8. Special Equipment

Certain types of shipments require special equipment to transport safely. One example is a lift gate. If you require lift gate deliveries for your shipments, you need a carrier with a fleet that has this equipment. If a large percentage of the carrier’s fleet does not have this equipment, it can delay your shipments significantly. Then, you might have to repeat this process to find a different carrier that has all the necessary equipment. To save time and effort, ensure that your new 3PL shipping partner can secure the special equipment you require for your shipments.

9. Cost of Service

One of the most important factors to consider when you search for an LTL freight company is the cost of service. It is not the primary factor, but it does need to be considered. The cost of service depends on multiple factors, such as the type and volume of freight. Beyond the price of the goods to be moved, there are other factors such as customer service follow-up and additional administrative costs that your company may incur if you use the lowest price option to move your goods. Working with a great partner in logistics will help drive down your overall transportation costs.

Using this information, you can find the right 3PL shipping partner for your business. With a dependable partner, you will be able to transport your small loads (1–20 pallets) efficiently.

At Diversified Transportation Services, we work with the most experienced LTL solutions providers to provide the best service possible for our clients. For over 31 years, we have made LTL shipping easier than ever. To learn more about our LTL shipping solutions or expedited freight solutions, contact Diversified Transportation Services.