How to Ship LTL Freight the Right Way
It all begins with an idea.
When your shipment doesn’t fill a full truck, LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping is the smart and cost-effective solution. Whether you’re sending a few pallets of finished goods or raw materials for production, knowing how to ship LTL freight correctly saves you time, money, and headaches.
At United Lane Logistics, we specialize in simplifying the LTL process so your products move efficiently from point A to point B — without surprises along the way.
1. Understand What LTL Shipping Is
LTL stands for Less-Than-Truckload. This means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments headed in a similar direction.
Instead of paying for the entire truck, you only pay for the space your freight occupies.
It’s perfect for:
1 to 6 pallets
150 to 15,000 lbs.
Non-urgent freight
Consistent small-batch shipments
2. Classify Your Freight Correctly
Freight class determines your LTL rate, and incorrect classification is one of the most common reasons for billing adjustments.
Classes are based on density, handling, liability, and stowability — ranging from Class 50 (dense, lower cost) to Class 500 (light, higher cost).
💡 Pro Tip: At United Lane Logistics, we double-check your freight class to make sure you’re not overpaying or under-declaring. Accuracy saves money.
3. Package and Palletize Properly
Good packaging protects your shipment from damage and keeps carriers happy.
Use strong, standard 40” x 48” pallets whenever possible and:
Secure boxes with shrink wrap and corner protection
Label each pallet with “To” and “From” info clearly visible
Keep height consistent and avoid overhang
A clean, square pallet = faster loading, fewer claims.
4. Get an Accurate Quote
To receive an accurate LTL quote, you’ll need:
Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
Number of pallets
Dimensions and total weight
Freight class
Any accessorials (liftgate, inside delivery, limited access, etc.)
Our quoting team uses this information to find the best carrier match and rate, often within minutes.
You can even request quotes directly through our Customer Portal for instant comparisons from major LTL carriers.
5. Schedule Pickup and Track Your Freight
Once booked, we coordinate pickup with the carrier and provide real-time updates from start to finish.
Our team tracks every shipment, ensuring communication is clear between your warehouse, the carrier, and your customer.
6. Know When to Use a Freight Broker
Working with a freight broker like United Lane Logistics gives you access to:
Volume discounts from top LTL carriers
A single point of contact for all shipments
Help with claims, reclassifications, and paperwork
Streamlined communication and tracking
Instead of juggling multiple carriers, you can trust one team to manage everything — so you can focus on running your business.
Final Thoughts
LTL shipping doesn’t have to be complicated.
When you understand how it works — and have the right logistics partner — it becomes one of the most efficient ways to move freight.
At United Lane Logistics, we help brands, manufacturers, and suppliers move freight with confidence across the U.S. and Canada.
Ready to ship smarter?
👉 Request an LTL quote today or learn more about our LTL Freight Services.