Best Ways to Get Low LTL Freight Rates in 2021

The freight industry has been in a turbulent state over recent times, and both contract and spot rates were fluctuating. According to the market forecasts, the drop in the spot market is going to come. It’s just a question of whether that comes in Q3/Q4 of 2021 or gets pushed into early next year. However, cost remains a primary concern for many LTL shippers in 2021.

If you are shipping goods across the country, you are probably looking for the lowest freight shipping rates. While many online shipping services offer free quote comparison, it can be tricky to choose the best one for your needs. Moreover, shippers often are not aware of how they can reduce shipping costs with their own efforts.

Before diving into the shipment booking process, here are some tips on how to get the best LTL freight rates.

How to get the best LTL rates?

1. Provide accurate information

Beginner shippers often make a common mistake by stating approximate information about their freight. When calculating freight quotes, dimensions, weight, and density, it is important to be as precise and accurate as possible, as even small difference can bring you additional charges and fees. Make sure to properly measure your package to avoid higher rates and confusion.

2. Consolidate and pack your shipments

If you ship boxes via LTL shipping service, it’s highly recommended to put your boxes onto a pallet and stack them. This will help to simplify handling, ensure high shipment protection, and reduce your spending. How? Firstly, a pallet of multiple boxes or packages is considered a single piece, so it will eliminate the cost to ship each item individually. Also, it’s cheaper to ship several pallets at once than moving separate boxes frequently.

3. Determine your freight class correctly

To simplify the standardization and provide fair freight pricing, National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created a set of rules, called freight classification. This means every type of freight should be classified with a special NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code. Classes vary from 50 to 500, and the lower is the number, the cheaper rate you’ll get. Therefore, choosing a proper freight class impacts shipping cost. Logistics companies like PLS Logistics will help you accurately determine your LTL class.

4. Consider carrier tariffs

The final cost of your shipping is highly affected by regulations and rules of the certain carrier. Mainly, these tariffs depend on pickup or delivery location. Some destinations are considered hardly accessible or remote, some include regional fees and surcharges. If the trucking lane for your freight leads to a big city with highway congestions, you can be additionally charged. It’s better to contact the carrier directly to specify all the details in advance.

5. Choose a reliable logistics partner

Monitoring LTL freight rates is a challenging task, so it’s much more effective to work with a reliable 3PL. Skilled brokers will spot the most attractive prices with your requirements in mind and will be able to negotiate LTL rates. Logistics professionals not just monitor and compare carrier rates head-to-head and choose from a variety of options, but also help navigate the shipping process.