Standard Freight Services
LTL Freight
Less-than-truckload freight moves shipments that do not fill a trailer, priced so you pay for the space you use, not the space you do not.
LTL is the workhorse of freight shipping. When your shipment is larger than a parcel but smaller than a full trailer, LTL lets you share trailer space with other shippers and split the cost, while a carrier network handles the pickup, line-haul, and delivery.
RS Group arranges LTL across our carrier-partner network and manages the details that decide whether an LTL shipment is smooth or painful: accurate class, the right accessorials, and a dispatch team that catches problems before they become claims.
What LTL freight is
An LTL shipment typically runs from one to six pallets, or roughly 150 to 15,000 pounds. Instead of paying for a dedicated 53-foot trailer, your freight rides with other shipments and stops at carrier terminals along the route, where it may be consolidated and re-loaded before final delivery.
Because your freight shares the trailer, LTL pricing depends on more than distance and weight. Freight class, density, dimensions, and any accessorials such as a liftgate or a residential delivery all factor into the rate.
When to ship LTL
- Your shipment is one to six pallets or up to about 15,000 pounds.
- You can flex your pickup and delivery dates by a day or two.
- You want to control freight spend without paying for a full trailer.
- Your freight is palletized, crated, or otherwise ready for a shared trailer.
Freight Services
The advantages
Pay for the space you use
Split trailer costs with other shippers instead of paying for a full 53-foot trailer you cannot fill.
Broad carrier reach
Our 6,200+ carrier partner network reaches lanes and regions no single carrier covers well.
Accessorials handled
Liftgates, residential delivery, inside delivery, and appointment scheduling are arranged up front, not billed as a surprise.
One point of contact
The same RS Group dispatch team owns the shipment from pickup to proof of delivery.
Freight class and density
Every LTL shipment carries a freight class from 50 to 500, and that class is the single biggest driver of your rate. Class is set largely by density, which is your shipment weight divided by its cubic feet. A denser shipment usually earns a lower class and a lower rate.
Getting the class right up front avoids re-classification fees and billing adjustments after the fact. If you are not sure of your density, our calculator does the math in seconds.
Freight density calculator
- Length × Width × Height ÷ 1,728 = cu ft
- Weight ÷ Total cubic feet = lbs / cu ft
FAQ
LTL questions, answered
How is my LTL rate calculated?
Your rate is built from the origin and destination, the freight class, the weight and dimensions, and any accessorials such as a liftgate or residential delivery. Class is driven mostly by density, so an accurate weight and dimension set is the fastest way to a firm quote.
What is a freight class and how do I find mine?
Freight class is a number from 50 to 500 that groups freight by how easy it is to transport, driven largely by density. Our freight density calculator gives you your density in seconds, which points you at the right class range. When in doubt, send us the dimensions and weight and we will confirm it.
How long does LTL delivery take?
LTL transit depends on the lane and the carriers on it. Because freight is consolidated at terminals along the route, LTL is usually a day or two longer than a dedicated truckload. When a shipment cannot wait, ask us about expedited ground.
What do I need to get an LTL quote?
The origin and destination ZIP codes, the total weight, the dimensions or pallet count, the freight class if you know it, and any special handling such as a liftgate or a residential address. Send what you have and we will fill in the rest.
Get Moving
Ready to move your freight?
Tell us the origin, destination, and what you are shipping. We will quote it and get it on a truck.