What Is FTL Transport and 4 Reasons Why You’re Missing Out

In the realm of logistics and freight transportation, efficiency is paramount. For businesses dealing with large volumes of freight such as:

• A shipment of 10 pallets of furniture
• A shipment of 500 boxes of electronics
• A shipment of 10,000 pounds of steel

Finding the most optimal solution becomes a crucial factor in maintaining a competitive edge. That’s where FTL (Full Truck Load) transport steps onto the stage, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline the movement of your goods. In this article, we will delve into the concept of FTL transport and explore four compelling reasons why businesses might be missing out on its benefits.

FTL transport entails the utilization of an entire truck trailer dedicated to a single shipment, accommodating substantial quantities of goods in one go. Unlike LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipments that combine multiple smaller loads, FTL offers unparalleled advantages for businesses dealing with sizeable freight volumes.

As you continue to expand your business operations, it also becomes more tricky to predict consistent consumer demand over time.

Yes, there will be “industry trends” that will help your business navigate through but you can’t deny the slight headache and eye-popping moment once you receive a massive bulk order shipment out of nowhere.

Apparently, it can be scary and fun — fun in the sense that you’ll be making serious revenue but only if you actually get to deliver the right goods, at the right time, in the right condition, to the right customers.

And this is where the beauty of FTL transport and FTL service begins.

FTL service is best suited for shipments large enough to fill an entire truck. Because your shipment will take up the entire capacity of the freight, you will have exclusive use of it. With 12 or more pallets, FTL freight shipping typically exceeds 10,000 lbs and is a low-cost option for businesses with cargo that can fill a truck.

What makes FTL transport such a gem for your business with bulk orders is that:

• There are no other stops in transit to its destination.
• A faster turnaround time is guaranteed.
• You get the entire truck solely for your business — there are no other products inside aside from yours.
• You won’t need to worry about high-risk freight movements since FTL is the most efficient and safest way of transporting large-volume orders with its strict guidelines and control measures.

If you’re still on the fence about reaching out to an FTL trucking company, here are 4 reasons why you’re seriously missing out on this efficient business solution.

1. Security and safety will always be the top priority

FTL is also the finest mode of transportation when security is a key priority. If your shipment is extremely valuable, hazardous, or fragile, it is advisable to transfer it via FTL to its destination. The term “point-to-point shipping” refers to the fact that the shipment will not be touched until it arrives at its destination. It will remain in the same position for the duration of the journey, resulting in less time spent in transit overall.

The most common items usually shipped using FTL include:

• Furniture – This is because furniture is typically large and heavy, and it can be difficult to break down or ship in smaller quantities.
• Appliances – Similar to furniture, appliances are commonly transported using FTL (Full Truck Load) due to their substantial size and weight. Breaking them down or shipping them in smaller quantities is often impractical, making FTL transport the preferred choice.
• Construction materials – This is because of their significant size, weight, and quantity. These materials, such as lumber, steel beams, or concrete blocks, are often bulky and heavy, making it inefficient to break them down or ship them in smaller quantities. FTL transport allows for the dedicated use of an entire truck trailer, ensuring that the construction materials can be loaded and secured in their complete form.
• Food and beverage products – This is because these are typically perishable and need to be transported in a timely manner.
• Electronics – This is because electronics are fragile, and they need to be transported in a safe and secure manner.

2. Fast and effective

Once you avail of an FTL service, you rent the entire truck in a full truckload delivery and do not share space with any other company. As a result, there are no extra stops between loading the products from your warehouse and dropping them off at the drop-off location. FTL transport is best for high-risk deliveries and when you only have a limited amount of time to deliver your merchandise.

Examples of high-risk delivery items may include:

• Fragile Glassware or China: Delicate glassware, fine china, or other fragile items require careful handling and protection to prevent breakage during transit.
• Electronics and High-Value Technology: Expensive electronics like smartphones, laptops, or high-end audio/video equipment are susceptible to damage or theft during transportation due to their high value and sensitive components.
• Fine Art and Antiques: Precious artworks, rare antiques, or valuable collectibles require specialized handling, climate control, and security measures to safeguard against potential damage or theft.
• Hazardous Materials: Certain substances, chemicals, or products classified as hazardous materials, such as flammable or corrosive substances, pose risks during transportation due to their potential for spills, leaks, or other safety hazards.
• Perishable Goods: Fresh produce, frozen foods, or items with limited shelf life are considered high-risk as they require proper temperature control and swift delivery to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage.
• Medical Supplies and Pharmaceuticals: Temperature-sensitive medications, vaccines, or other medical supplies that require precise storage conditions demand specialized transportation to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
• Jewelry and Precious Gemstones: Valuable jewelry, gemstones, or precious metals are at risk of theft or loss during transit due to their small size and high market value.