Why Choose Small Truckload Over LTL and FTL

Fast delivery or cost-efficiency? Shippers face this dilemma every time choosing between Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) services. FTL involves hiring an entire 53-foot trailer, which is ideal for large shipments but can be expensive and inefficient for smaller loads. At the same time, LTL combines multiple smaller shipments for cost efficiency but compromises transit times and handling.

Balancing cost, speed, and reliability for loads that don't require a full trailer but are too large or time-sensitive for standard LTL services is a significant challenge. At least it had been so until shippers found out Small Truckload. It combines the best of all worlds, including cost-efficiency, high speed, and reliability. 

Advantages of Small Truckload (STL) Shipping

Cost-Efficiency

STL can be up to four times cheaper than FTL. Instead of paying for unused space in a large FTL trailer, you can match your load size to smaller, dedicated vehicles and only pay for the space it occupies.

"If you have one, two, three pallets and you're going to pay for a full 53-footer at four or five thousand from point A to point B to truly have a dedicated service, right-sizing the shipment to a smaller vehicle is going to give you a much, much more competitive price," says Mike Ernst, Chief Operating Officer of Expedite All. For example, shipping from Chicago to San Bernardino, California, an FTL might cost between $4,000 and $5,000, whereas a sprinter van can do it for approximately $2,200 to $2,400 – half the cost with better service.

Speed

STL offers faster pickups and deliveries thanks to a larger network of vehicles and fewer regulatory limitations. The latter makes it easier to have vehicles readily available near most shipping locations.

"We have over 7,200 on-demand vehicles, so we've got a lot more capacity right next to most of the locations that people are going to ship in and out of," Mike Ernst explains. This proximity means pickups can occur sooner than with FTL providers, reducing wait times and expediting the shipping process.

STL vehicles are not bound by the same Department of Transportation (DOT) hours of service regulations that govern larger trucks equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). This allows drivers to cover more ground safely and efficiently. Mike Ernst notes, "Our drivers may be able to drive 11, 12, 13, 14 hours - whatever they feel they safely can run without getting too tired." This flexibility transforms into shorter transit times compared to FTL, which is limited to around ten hours of driving per day due to strict regulations.

Reliability

With STL, shippers benefit from dedicated service, reducing risks associated with multiple stops or co-mingled freight. In FTL shipping, especially when offered at extremely low prices, carriers may consolidate multiple shipments to maximize their profits. The possible consequences are delays and an increased risk of freight being damaged or misplaced.

"If you get an extremely cheap price from a full truckload provider, they're probably going to pick up one or two or three extra shipments on that empty space and make deliveries and pickups en route," Mike Ernst said. This practice often slows down transit times and compromises the integrity of the shipment. In contrast, STL shipments are dedicated exclusively to one customer, ensuring direct, door-to-door delivery without additional stops.

STL providers like Expedite All offer real-time GPS tracking on all vehicles, enhancing transparency and reliability. Shippers can monitor their freight throughout the journey, providing peace of mind and the ability to address any issues right away.

Accessibility

Being smaller, STL vehicles can access locations that might be challenging for larger FTL trucks. Many delivery destinations are situated in areas with tight quarters, narrow streets, or limited docking facilities that cannot accommodate 48-foot or 53-foot trailers.

"If you think about some destinations, they're going to be in some very tight quarters that 53-foot or 48-foot trailers may or may not be able to get into," Mike Ernst points out. Smaller STL vehicles can navigate restricted access areas with ease, ensuring deliveries are made directly to the intended location without the need for additional handling or transfers.

Personalized Service

STL providers “keep close” to the customer, providing a higher level of personalized customer service. They are equipped to handle last-minute changes, provide timely updates, and offer support throughout the shipping process.

Mike Ernst says: "We've got an operations team, a customer service team, that are there at our customers' beck and call." Expedite All can provide real-time updates, reroute shipments, and adjust delivery times – all on the fly. Shippers always receive the attention and service necessary to manage their logistics effectively.

Small Truckload Is Better in Every Way

From any perspective, a Small Truckload is a superior alternative for shippers with loads that fit LTL. It allows for avoiding extra costs associated with unused trailer space, in the case of FTL, while offering easier pick-ups and faster delivery. In short, STL combines the speed and reliability of FTL with the cost-efficiency of LTL.

Small Truckload is synonymous with safety and efficiency. Dedicated service minimizes risks of damage or loss, as shipments are not co-mingled with others, and direct, door-to-door delivery is ensured. Real-time GPS trackers found in every STL vehicle provide transparency, allowing shippers to monitor their freight from point A to point B.

Accessibility to tight locations further adds points to STL shipping. Smaller vehicles can navigate restricted areas that larger FTL trucks cannot, ensuring deliveries are made directly to the intended destination without additional handling. 

STL provides an economical, reliable, and flexible solution that addresses the challenges shippers face when choosing between FTL and LTL options. With STL, shippers get nothing but timely and efficient delivery together with reduced costs and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Following the interview with Mike Ernst, Chief Operating Officer of Expedite All