Truckload FTL Carriers: Finding the Best Rates, Companies, and Drivers
Figuring if you have an FTL shipment is easy. If your shipment is big enough to fill all the space in the truck and will be transported by itself, it’s FTL. Figuring the cost is a different animal.
Full truckload (FTL) loads are shipments are more than 15,000 pounds and less than 45,000 lbs. FTL shipments are usually the only shipment on the trailer all the way to the destination.
Rates usually differ by location and destination. If the driver has to deadhead back, the rate would be higher. Another cost is additional services like tailgating or driver unloading. These are added to the rate per mile. Additionally, a stop-off charge is incurred whenever the driver stops. Out of route costs are also charged. These services are quoted in advance to provide an accurate quote.
FTL transit times are typically faster than LTL because there are no stops. The price per pound is significantly less. Going with the option of LTL shipping has a statistically higher chance of a claim because of increased handling (more trips across a dock). DDL is highly selective in its choice of shipping partners and works only with the most trusted and reliable freight companies.
FTL Shipping Brokers: The Importance of an Expert Logistics Consultant
A solid freight broker like Direct Drive Logistics can help you overcome FTL challenges. Sometimes there is not enough available equipment. Costs can fluctuate. The economy is only improving slowly. Many companies are shipping more goods, but FTL carriers have not been able to replace drivers and equipment quickly enough which were lost during the economic downturn.
Direct Drive Logistics has developed a large network of qualified FTL shipping companies who are stable, experienced and responsible.
Lower cost is an excellent benefit provided by our experienced freight management specialists. We purchase a tremendous amount of shipping, passing along volume price discounts to our clients. No individual client could approach these savings. Not only is this a dollar benefit, it is also a persuasive element. When a large-scale broker like Direct Drive Logistics goes to bat for you, you’ll be treated as a much larger shipper than you are. This results in better coordination, a higher priority for your shipment and faster response to any difficult challenges.
