Many shippers struggle to choose between Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and multi-package programs because both have advantages and disadvantages.
This post looks at some factors you should consider when choosing the ideal transport system for small parcel shipping. We also talk about how you can save on shipping costs.
What is UPS LTL?
UPS LTL (also known as Tforce freight) is UPS’s less-than-truckload service offered by TFI International Inc.
The service is an authorized reseller of UPS Ground with freight pricing but isn’t authorized to resell anything else. It is also categorized under UPS supply chain solutions.
Benefits of UPS freight LTL
There are several advantages of using UPS freight:
- Fewer restrictions on packaging: You can ship oddly shaped products
- Ideal for large packages: Works best for packages requiring one or more pallets.
- All your products arrive simultaneously: Your clients can get the whole shipment at once.
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What are Multiweight and Hundredweight programs?
Before we delve into how to choose between them, we need to know what these programs are and how they work.
Parcel Hundredweight is a UPS service where users can ship multiple non-palletized packages across the 50 states and Puerto Rico. This service charges less than it would cost to ship the packages individually.
Some advantages of Hundredweight include:
- It utilizes the same pricing structure as LTL.
- It offers low minimums.
- It has faster transit times than Multiweight.
- It has predictable shipping costs.
Multiweight is similar, but it’s offered by FedEx. It allows users to send packages weighing more than 200 pounds across the 50 states.
Some of its benefits are:
- Automation features.
- It bills less cost of ground than Hundredweight.
- It is a discountable service.
- It has lower accessorial fees than LTL.
Benefits of multi-package shipping
Multiweight and Hundredweight shipping services are collectively called multi-package shipping services. Below are some of their benefits:
- No freight classifications are required.
- There are no extra charges for residential deliveries.
- They have more reliable delivery windows.
- You don’t need to schedule pickups.
- They offer better and more accurate package tracking.
- Ideal for smaller packages.
These services are often used as an LTL alternative, especially by people who already have existing FedEx or UPS accounts and don’t know about LTL. However, it’s important to note that they’re not always the best options.
Below are some considerations you should make before shipping with any of the services above.
When to use UPS LTL shipping
For most shippers, pricing is the most important factor when choosing a shipping method. Below are some reasons that would make UPS LTL freight cheaper and more convenient than multi-package shipping.
If you have a large and heavy shipment
UPS Freight LTL is generally cheaper when transporting heavier goods over longer distances. On the other hand, multi-package shipments are cheaper as the weight gets lower and the distance gets shorter.
This means that you’re better off using FedEx Multiweight if you’re shipping a small package across the state, just as it’s better to use Tforce freight.
The calculations get trickier if you want to send a light package far away or a heavy package nearby. In such instances, get quotes from both services and use the cheaper one.
UPS Freight is also more lenient when it comes to the package’s size and shape. This allows you to ship big and oddly-shaped packages that would warrant extra costs on Multiweight or Hundredweight.
If you don’t mind sharing transportation with other shippers
LTL services differ from other carriers in that they combine different LTL shipments into one truck instead of transporting them on their own.
Besides lowering the shipping cost, this is also environmentally friendly. Therefore, if your business would like to reduce its carbon footprint, LTL services are the best option.
If you send and receive orders frequently
If your business has a full warehouse and receives orders constantly, shifting to LTL shipping will save you space, time, and money.
It allows you to ship products without waiting to fill a truck, so your clients get their orders sooner.
Additionally, with the ability to package and send packages quicker, your business doesn’t have to invest in a bigger warehouse.
If your recipient is in an inconvenient location
Shipping can be daunting if your recipient is in an inconvenient location like a small alleyway or a top floor.
However, LTL carriers offer inside delivery options, streamlining the entire process.
When to use UPS Hundredweight and FedEx Freight Multiweight
While UPS LTL services are convenient, they’re not always ideal. Let’s look at why you’d want to consider Multiweight or Hundredweight.
If your recipients are within the US
Multi-package delivery services offer same-day delivery for your recipients in the US. However, apart from Puerto Rico, they don’t ship internationally.
If you need same-day delivery for multiple packages
Unlike LTL, Hundredweight and Multiweight allow you to ship multiple packages on the same day. This is ideal if you get multiple orders from different clients within the country.
If your packages don’t need to be palletized
Most large shipments go through a lengthy packaging and shipping process. They are palletized, which is time-consuming and increases the weight and cost.
FedEx Multiweight and UPS Hundredweight packages are not palletized, which makes them cheaper and easier to deliver.
If you don’t want a restrictive delivery schedule
One of the main drawbacks of working with LTL carriers is that you have to schedule your deliveries in advance.
Therefore, if you’re a small business with few orders, you can use multi-packaging services, which allow you to ship orders as they come in without a schedule.
Get started with less-than-truckload shipments today
The first step towards growing your business is getting the ideal shipping method. Since so many factors are at play, it’s essential to consult a transport and logistics expert before making a decision.
Betachon has been in the freight business for over a decade and understands its ins and outs. Our experts can evaluate your business and use technology to formulate the best shipping solution. The best part, we help you save costs on shipping!
Get a demo today, and let’s get started.