LTL stands for "Less Than Load" or "Less Than Truckload" shipping, which is a common method of transporting goods when you don't have enough to fill an entire truck. It's like sharing a moving truck with other customers to save money. This type of shipping is used when businesses need to send smaller amounts of products, usually between 150 and 15,000 pounds. The alternative is FTL (Full Truck Load) shipping, where one customer uses the entire truck. LTL is more cost-effective for smaller shipments because multiple customers split the transportation costs.
Managed LTL shipments for regional distribution center
Reduced shipping costs by 25% through optimized LTL carrier selection
Coordinated daily Less Than Load freight operations
Processed over 200 Less Than Truckload shipments weekly
Typical job title: "LTL Coordinators"
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Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple LTL shipments need to be expedited during peak season?
Expected Answer: A senior coordinator should discuss prioritization strategies, relationships with multiple carriers, cost-benefit analysis of different shipping options, and communication plans with both customers and carriers.
Q: What strategies have you implemented to reduce LTL shipping costs?
Expected Answer: Should mention consolidation of shipments, negotiating carrier rates, optimal scheduling, proper classification of freight, and using technology to compare carrier quotes.
Q: How do you determine if a shipment should go LTL vs FTL?
Expected Answer: Should explain considerations like shipment size, cost comparison, timing requirements, distance, and product type.
Q: What factors do you consider when selecting an LTL carrier?
Expected Answer: Should discuss service area, pricing, transit times, reliability, claims history, and tracking capabilities.
Q: What information is needed to process an LTL shipment?
Expected Answer: Should list basics like weight, dimensions, pickup/delivery addresses, product classification, and special handling requirements.
Q: Explain the difference between LTL and FTL shipping.
Expected Answer: Should explain that LTL combines multiple shippers' freight on one truck for cost savings, while FTL uses entire truck for one shipper.