LTL (Less Than Truckload)

Less Than Truckload, abbreviated as LTL, is a freight shipping mode where multiple shippers share space on a single trailer. Each shipper pays for only the portion of the trailer their freight occupies, making it a cost-effective option for shipments that are too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill an entire trailer.

In the refrigerated LTL market, shipments are typically consolidated at a carrier's terminal before being loaded onto a reefer trailer with freight from other shippers heading to the same region. This consolidation process introduces additional handling and potential temperature exposure that does not exist in FTL shipping, making carrier selection particularly important for temperature-sensitive LTL freight.

Reefer LTL pricing is based on the freight class, weight, dimensions, origin and destination, and the temperature requirements of the shipment. Minimum charges apply for very small shipments, and accessorial charges for services like lift-gate delivery, inside delivery, or appointment scheduling can add significantly to the base rate.

The refrigerated LTL market is served by a smaller number of carriers compared to dry van LTL, because the operational complexity and equipment costs of maintaining temperature control across multiple consolidated shipments creates a higher barrier to entry. Shippers should work with brokers who have established relationships with reliable reefer LTL carriers and can ensure that temperature control is maintained throughout the consolidation and delivery process.