Finding a reliable LTL shipping company is a task in and of itself. Your supply chain will closely depend on the efficiency of your LTL service when it comes to delivering and transporting your goods.
You want to work with people who will ensure your products arrive safely and on time.
Effective communication is also another critical factor when it comes to working with an LTL company. Things can quickly go wrong due to weather changes, accidents, road closures, and more. Confidence in your LTL provider’s capabilities is one of the most important things before you grant them your business.
So, how do you know that you are choosing the right LTL company? What characteristics do you need to look out for before signing off on their services?
We’re here to talk about that!
Top LTL Freight Carriers
As the demand for LTL shipping increases, more and more LTL providers are popping up left and right. Given the increase of these providers, it can be hard to narrow down the choices.
With hundreds of search engine results, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you get started on the right foot, we’ll give you some of the top LTL freight carriers in the country.
- GoShip.com
- FedEx Freight
- SAIA
- Averitt
- XPO
GoShip.com
If you want affordable yet reliable shipping, then GoShip.com is the way to go. When you visit our website, you will see services ranging from full truckload freight services to less-than-truckload freight services.
GoShip is all about finding the right freight service without needing a freight broker. Get access to thousands of reliable freight companies by checking our website!
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Website: https://www.goship.com/
Contact Number: 833 – 846 – 7447
FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight is a company you’ve seen around had goods delivered by them too.
They offer great freight services for small businesses who want a smoother freighting experience. You can schedule freight pick-ups, get real-time updates on your cargo’s status, and create effective freight labels online.
SAIA INC.
Another freight company with long experience in freight is SAIA LTL Freight. They work closely with their clients to provide reliable and seamless freight services.
Averitt Express
Fast and seamless freight services are what you can expect from Averitt Express. They understand that a lot is riding on freight services. That is why they ensure that they only offer the best and most reliable freight services to every client who books their services.
XPO
Using leading technology and a world-class team, XPO is another great source of freight services in the country. Get on-time pick-up and delivery, zero damages, and real-time tracking without the hefty price tag.
How to Choose an LTL Freight Carrier
While the list provided above are some of the best LTL freight carriers in the country, that doesn’t automatically mean they can meet your needs.
There are some factors that you must consider before you decide on which LTL service provider to go with. So, let’s tackle them one at a time:
Choose Reliable Carriers
The first step can be a no-brainer, but it can easily slip our minds. You can start your search by looking for the best LTL freight carriers in your area or by checking GoShip.com’s list of reliable freight providers.
Compare Their Fees
Aside from the standard rates, you should also consider how much additional services will cost. You might need special lifts and other machinery or equipment to load and unload your goods.
LTL services may be a great way to lessen your overhead costs, but added services can quickly dent your profits if you are not too careful.
Another way to get the best freight prices is to ask freight companies for their rates (including more services). Then you can make comparisons based on your freight needs and budget.
Check Their Performance History
Know how your prospective LTL companies perform in terms of on-time performance metrics. You can request this data from the LTL company’s sales representatives. You should also ask for references from similar companies that have used their services.
Check Their Technology
How does the LTL company track its deliveries? Can you see the status of your shipment in real time? What systems do they use to ensure that you are immediately informed of any delays during delivery? These are just some questions you may ask to see if their use of technology is at par with your standard.
Check Their Liability Coverage
Your LTL provider should have liability insurance coverage in place. This helps cushion the financial blow should there be damage or theft to your products.
Check For Temperature-Controlled Equipment
If your products are temperature-sensitive, you must check if your prospective LTL provider has the right equipment to keep your cargo under controlled temperatures. Check if they can keep the temperature consistent from when they pick up your load to when they make the drop-off.
These may seem extensive, but it is crucial that you only work with LTL companies with all the right tools and systems to ensure the successful and timely delivery of your goods.
We highly encourage speaking with different LTL providers and comparing rates and services to ensure you are getting the best deals in the market.
Find the Best Carrier with GoShip
GoShip.com provides you with the best LTL providers available in your area. We only work with high-quality LTL providers that strive to help businesses like yours grow.
Focus on growing your business and developing better products while your LTL provider handles the heavy lifting. Get your free quote using our 24/7 freight quote calculator now!