You require LTL shipping services if you need to ship goods whose total volume doesn’t occupy a full truck. LTL provides shippers with a flexible and budget friendly truck load shipping solution by putting together different shipments into a single truck load. In this method, the expenses are divided between various shippers. Beyond the lower cost aspect, there are more to this way of shipping.
This article gives you in depth information about LTL shipping through an explanation of its operations, features, steps, differences when compared to FTL, and use cases.
What does LTL mean?
The abbreviation LTL represents less than truckload. The shipping method handles items of any size such as a needle or something as huge as the wing of an aircraft, that are smaller in volume compared to a complete truck load. LTL shipping doesn’t have a weight load limit in the GCC region. The total weight a full truck can carry has a weight load limit depending upon how many axles the truck has. Most commonly used trucks are 2-axle and 3-axle trucks.
The shipping cost for LTL freight operates on a pay-for-use basis because you pay only for the space that your freight occupies. The extra truck space gets occupied with freight items that travel to destinations sharing similar routes.
How does LTL shipping work?
In the GCC region, LTL shipping typically follows a direct point to point or multi stop routing model, rather than the traditional hub-and-spoke system used in larger markets like the U.S. or Europe. Because of the region’s compact geography, strong intercity highway networks, and high-volume trade corridors, LTL shipments are often consolidated at origin facilities and then transported directly to multiple drop off points along a single route.
What are the key features of LTL operations in the GCC?
· Direct routes with multiple stops: Instead of moving through central hubs, LTL trucks may run pre planned delivery loops, stopping at various customer locations.
· Smaller distribution terminals: When terminals are used, they serve more as localized consolidation points rather than large scale sortation hubs.
· Cross border coordination: LTL in the GCC often includes coordination between customs and port authorities, especially for shipments crossing between UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other Gulf countries.
· Faster turnaround: With shorter distances and fewer handling points, LTL transit times in the GCC are often shorter compared to traditional LTL in larger regions.
What are the key steps in LTL shipping?
Here’s how a typical less than truckload shipment moves from origin to destination in the Gulf region:
- Pickup & consolidation at origin
Shippers book a pickup with an LTL carrier. Multiple small shipments from nearby businesses may be picked up on the same run and consolidated at a local warehouse or storage area. - Load planning & route optimization
Instead of sending freight to a central hub, carriers plan direct delivery routes that combine multiple LTL shipments based on delivery zones and timing. Route efficiency is a priority due to high fuel costs and time sensitivity. - Customs clearance
If the LTL shipment crosses national borders (e.g., UAE to Saudi Arabia), customs documentation is pre-arranged to minimize delays. Carriers handle these formalities to ensure compliance. - Delivery to the final destination
Each shipment is offloaded at its designated delivery point. From there on the last mile delivery gets taken over and items are either distributed to various businesses or businesses can collect it themselves from the destination. - Proof of delivery & tracking updates
Customers receive electronic proof of delivery (POD) and real-time tracking throughout the journey, often via mobile and through web portal.
LTL vs FTL: What’s the difference?
| Feature | LTL Shipping | FTL Shipping |
| Truck Space | Shared with shipments from multiple customers | Entire truck reserved for one shipment |
| Route Style | Direct delivery from origin to destination | Direct delivery from origin to destination |
| Use Case | For smaller volumes of shipments or for recurring shipments | For large volume or high value or urgent shipments |
| Cost Efficiency | Cost is shared; pay only for the space used | Higher cost but lower risk of handling delays |
| Transit Time | May be slightly longer due to an increase in waiting time for collection | Faster |
| Common Routes | UAE to Qatar, UAE to Bahrain, UAE to Kuwait, UAE to Oman, UAE to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain to UAE, Qatar to UAE | UAE to Qatar, UAE to Bahrain, UAE to Kuwait, UAE to Oman, UAE to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain to UAE, Qatar to UAE |
Why use LTL shipping?
The primary purpose of LTL shipping goes beyond saving money. It’s about smart logistics. Many businesses select LTL shipping for these reasons:
· The shipping cost becomes more affordable through shared expenses with other users.
· Fewer trucks on the roads result in reduced environmental emissions.
· Scalable operations match the needs of small to medium and even large business operations.
· Accessorial services include options like liftgate delivery, inside pickup and notifications.
· The majority of LTL carriers provide both shipment tracking facilities and freight insurance services to their customers.
When should you avoid LTL?
LTL isn’t always the right fit. Consider alternatives if:
· The freight requires extreme protection because of its fragility or possesses high monetary value.
· The delivery time needs to be fully guaranteed.
· Large frequent shipments require FTL service because it often provides better cost efficiency.
· You require exclusive handling.
What affects the costs of LTL shipping?
Several factors influence LTL pricing:
· Charges are calculated based on the total weight and dimensions of your shipment. Carriers often use volumetric weight (dim weight) if it’s higher than actual weight.
· The shipping cost rises with extended transportation distances. Especially if it has to be collected from a difficult location.
· If your shipment needs special handling (fragile items, temperature control, loading assistance), those services are added to the base rate. If you require offloading and loading as well as storage services then this adds to the cost as well.
· Costs associated with customs clearance fees, border documentation, and port handling charges may vary.
What are some common LTL accessorial services?
The services include liftgate delivery at both pickup and delivery points, inside pickup and delivery and appointment scheduling, offloading service, storage service, lashing and packaging as well.
FAQs About LTL Freight
How long does LTL shipping take?
LTL shipping from Dubai, UAE usually takes 4 to 6 days for Bahrain, 3 to 6 days to Qatar, 2 days to Oman, 7 to 8 days for Kuwait, 8 to 10 days for Saudi Arabia and can slightly change depending on the delays in customs and borders, accidents or breakdowns or in some rare instances weather can be a factor as well.
What kind of shipments can LTL handle?
LTL can handle everything from electronics, garments, consumer goods, industrial equipment, toys, dangerous goods, building materials, automobile, hardware and more.
Is insurance included for my LTL shipments?
End-to-end documentation, customs clearance, and insurance (on request) are included as part of any LTL shipments.
Why choose Three Line Shipping for your LTL needs?
Three Line Shipping with over two decades of experience dedicates its expertise to assist businesses in finding their most effective LTL shipping methods. We help our customers by:
· Providing quick freight quotes.
· Optimizing route planning and consolidation operations.
· Providing complete monitoring services with regular updates.
· Providing paperwork, classification and documentation.
· Reducing shipping costs without compromising reliability.
Every shipment requires individual handling because no two shipments have the same characteristics. Our services are designed to accommodate your business requirements rather than forcing your business to adapt to our system.
More on LTL shipping
LTL shipping represents an effective solution for contemporary logistics operations. LTL shipping delivers flexibility along with efficiency and savings to users who implement it correctly. When you choose an experienced logistics provider like Three Line Shipping you will obtain all LTL benefits alongside preventing common shipping challenges.
Ready to simplify your shipping? You can obtain an instant LTL shipping quote by reaching out to us by clicking on the “Get a quote” button.