Established in 1924, asset-based provider, SAIA, has 192 terminals. SAIA�s LTL shipping service covers all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada.
123 Orion Drive Colchester, VT 05446
(802) 338-9550
Record your shipment dimensions and weight accurately to avoid overspending.
Make sure you package everything securely to avoid transit damage of your goods.
Prepare your Bill of Lading accurately.
LTL freight rates are determined based on a shipment’s weight, dimensions, freight class, origin and destination, fuel costs, and any accessorial charges. Every LTL carrier establishes its own base rates, but many are willing to negotiate discounts. It can be challenging to accurately compare LTL shipping rates just by looking at base prices or discounts because they’re almost always different from carrier to carrier, so it’s important to do thorough research or partner with a 3PL before you ship.
A bill of lading (BOL) is a document that serves as a contract between shippers and carriers, a receipt for services, and a document of title. The bill of lading contains all the information necessary for the carrier to execute the LTL freight shipment and invoice it correctly, such as the name and address of the consignor and consignee, a description of the goods being transported, and the terms of the contract between shipper and carrier. The BOL should be provided to the carrier upon pickup, and a copy should be attached to the shipment itself.
The most significant difference between LTL and FTL is the size of a shipment. Less-than-truckload (LTL) only takes up a portion of a trailer, full truckload (FTL) fills it entirely. When shipping FTL, you are responsible for the total costs associated with the truck, driver, fuel, and other transportation costs. With LTL, you share those costs with the other shippers that have loads in the truck.
