Specialty LTL Transportation

A LTL (less-than-truckload) service allows you to transport your items even though it might not make a full trailer load. A LTL carrier will coordinate your shipment with others to create a FTL (full-truckload) and reduce the costs to the end-users.

When most people think LTL, they think of parcel carriers with hundreds of pieces weighing an average of 150 pounds, or LTL carriers that package items on pallets and in crates. Often these carriers will have longer transit times that depend on a network of terminals and break-bulk locations. Freight sent using this method is often handled several times during transit, sometimes by different carriers.

But what if you have a high-value piece of machinery, sensitive robotics or computer equipment? These items cannot be thrown on the truck of any carrier, especially when these components can be worth millions, or even priceless depending on how unique it is.

In this case you need a Specialty LTL Transport company that is not so much concerned about fitting as much freight as possible on the trailer, but more concerned about the safety and security of the items during transport. Sometimes it is necessary to transport solitary components even though they may not make up a FTL.

LTL transportation in the Aerospace Industry is slightly different. If you are transporting multi-million dollar jet engine, there better not be anything else on the trailer, to avoid damage to sensitive components. The only other acceptable item on the trailer would be another jet engine that is properly secured and facing the correct direction in relation to the first engine.

Specialty LTL Trucking companies utilize full air-ride trailers for a smooth transportation. There also is more of a focus on driver experience, training and adherence to procedures. For example, at IMT we typically will not interview a driver applicant that has less than 10 years’ experience with critical freight handling or high-value machinery transportation.

LTL shipping can be a cost-effective and sometimes necessary service, depending on the type of freight being shipped. Be sure you understand exactly what your carrier’s primary focus is, before shipping your high value components.