Over the years since federal deregulation in the late 1970s, LTL transportation has morphed from a heavily unionized group of carriers operating in a largely non- competitive environment into today’s high tech, cost-effective and service-oriented transportation industry. Today’s national, regional, and inter-modal providers must vie for their share of a 30 billion dollar market.
Leaders of this pack rely heavily on anticipating the needs of customers who are savvier than ever before. LTL carriers have made tremendous strides in technology and service through state-of-the-art website functionality, instant electronic dispatch, paperless tender and billing, and real-time verification of status through to delivery. Many carriers are now also offering smartphone apps so customers can stay in touch anytime, anywhere.
In addition to pushing the boundaries of service with abilities to cover more distance per day than ever, LTL carriers now offer imaginative and flexible value-added options that appeal to a new generation of shippers. Here are a few examples:
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