LTL
LTL, which stands for Less Than Truckload, is a common shipping method where multiple customers share space on the same truck to ship their goods. Think of it like a bus for cargo - instead of one customer paying for the whole truck (like a private car), several customers split the cost by sharing the space. Companies use LTL when they don't have enough goods to fill an entire truck, making it more cost-effective for smaller shipments. This is different from FTL (Full Truckload) shipping, where one customer uses the entire truck. LTL is particularly important for businesses that regularly ship medium-sized orders that are too big for regular parcel delivery but too small for a full truck.
Examples in Resumes
Managed LTL freight operations for regional distribution center, reducing shipping costs by 25%
Coordinated daily LTL shipments for 50+ clients across multiple carriers
Optimized Less Than Truckload routing strategies resulting in improved delivery times
Typical job title: "LTL Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find LTL Coordinators
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple LTL carriers are consistently missing delivery deadlines?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss developing carrier scorecards, establishing regular performance reviews, implementing contingency plans with backup carriers, and negotiating service level agreements. They should also mention data analysis to identify patterns and root causes.
Q: How would you optimize an LTL shipping network to reduce costs while maintaining service levels?
Expected Answer: Should explain strategies like consolidating shipments, negotiating better rates with carriers, analyzing shipping patterns to optimize routes, and implementing a transportation management system to track and improve efficiency.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when choosing between LTL and FTL shipping?
Expected Answer: Should discuss shipment size, urgency, cost comparisons, distance, delivery requirements, and freight characteristics. Should also mention consideration of transit times and handling requirements.
Q: How do you handle damage claims in LTL shipping?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of documenting damage, filing claims with carriers, working with insurance, and implementing preventive measures for better packaging and handling.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What information is needed to get an LTL quote?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic requirements like freight class, weight, dimensions, pickup/delivery locations, and any special handling needs or delivery requirements.
Q: Explain the difference between LTL and FTL shipping.
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that LTL involves multiple shippers sharing truck space for smaller shipments, while FTL is used when one shipper needs the entire truck.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic shipping documentation
- Rate quote analysis
- Simple route planning
- Customer service basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Carrier relationship management
- Claims processing
- Cost analysis and budgeting
- Route optimization
Senior (5+ years)
- Network optimization
- Contract negotiations
- Team management
- Strategic planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic shipping documentation
- Unfamiliar with freight classes and NMFC codes
- Poor understanding of transit times and delivery windows
- Lack of experience with transportation management systems
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