LTL is the way to go.
You’ve been hearing a lot about the changes the transportation industry is going to. In response to customer demand, in response to businesses tired of methods that cost more than they make, it all winds its way back to LTL freight services sooner or later. What makes the less-than-truckload model stand out from aerospace logistics or industrial machinery transport? This is just one of many questions that will be explored below as you transform 2018 into your most cost-effective year yet. E-commerce and customer expectations won’t slow down, so why should you?
Catch up to speed and learn more about what makes LTL freight services the king of the hill.
What Is LTL And How Does It Work?
Let’s get the basics out of the way. LTL is short for ‘less than truckload’ and is the defining transportation method of the century. The LTL market is estimated at an impressive $35 billion and is only expected to get higher. Back in 2013 trucking alone transported over 15 billion tons of cargo. The Bureau Of Labor Statistics released a report stating that this number will increase to a little over 18 billion tons by 2040. With e-commerce moving at the speed of light, LTL freight services is more relevant than ever.
How Is E-Commerce Faring Lately?
Customers want their products and they want them now. E-commerce is a logical conclusion to a rapidfire world increasingly led by technological advances. American e-commerce revenue is at $420 billion and steadily climbing by the minute. Whether it’s a full truckload or less than truckload, carriers today are being forced to adjust to changes in the retail industry faster than average. The convenience of being able to browse and order online is fairly matched by LTL freight services, allowing both customer and business to get what they need.
What Are Common Frustrations With Transportation?
The reason expedited freight services are taking off so well is because some methods of transportation just aren’t cutting it anymore. According to Satish Jindel (the president of the SJ Consulting Group), the length of haul has been on the decline. Public truckload carriers have been reporting the average length of haul to be decreasing by nearly 5% between 2011 and 2016. The U.S. Department Of Transportation has also seen the value of freight moved increasing from $880 per ton in 2007 to over $1,300 per ton in 2040.
Where Will Transportation Be In The Next Few Decades?
These numbers are just a few of the details pushing LTL freight services to the top. Transportation needs to keep evolving to keep up with a society that works faster than ever. Spending in the U.S. logistics and transportation industry totaled $1 trillion back in 2015 and today represents nearly 10% of annual gross domestic product. According to recent estimates the three most valuable commodities moved by the American freight transportation system include machinery, motorized vehicles and electronics. Whether it’s pharma logistics services or industrial machinery parts, this is a resource where everyone benefits.
Why Should I Invest In LTL Freight Services?
Customers want speed and affordability. So do businesses. LTL freight services is a match made in heaven for everyone across the board. Over 12 million trucks, rail cars and vessels move goods across the American transportation network. More trade shows are cropping up as a result to embrace the changes and get more companies on board. As of 2016 there were a recorded 250 contention centers across the country, with California and Florida boasting the largest number with 20 locations each. Nevada follows close behind and, with things going the way they are, most states will have something to offer.
LTL is the superstar of transportation. It’s time to embrace change and look into your next great expedited domestic shipping services.