For any business or individual looking to send out a shipment via road, there are multiple options available. Amongst the most common is the less than truckload (LTL) arrangement. This is where several shippers with smaller consignments share the same vehicle.
Now, there is an alternative that may just offer a better deal. Straight truck services grant shippers their very own dedicated vehicle, tailored to the space requirements of their shipment. There is no sharing involved. Let’s look at how these two options stack up against each other.
Delivery Service
With LTL, the shared use of the same vehicle means that multiple stops must be made along the way for pick-ups and drop-offs. This can mean having to wait until the driver has made several stops before they get to you, especially if your delivery is towards the end of the delivery route.
Straight truck delivery offers a faster delivery service. Because the vehicle is all yours, you can expect a direct route between your pick-up and drop-off destinations. This is great for urgent, same day and next day deliveries. It also means you can more reliably predict your delivery and pick up schedule without worrying about having to accommodate other consignments.
Cost
LTL shipping allows for several shippers to share the same vehicle along the same route. It is often a highly affordable option, especially if there is no urgency in delivery. Each person pays for just the amount of space their delivery will take up in the truck.
Straight truck delivery however ensures that the vehicle is entirely at the disposal of the client. Having to bear the cost on your own may make this a slightly more expensive option. However, depending on the nature of the shipment, the ability to get it delivered faster may make more financial sense than waiting your turn onboard an LTL shipment. For instance, with perishable food shipments, you stand a better chance of it arriving in good time and fresh condition if conveyed in a dedicated vehicle.
Special Needs
When your shipment requires special measures to execute the pickup, transport, and delivery, it is much simpler to choose straight truck services. The best straight trucks feature some level of customization. This can include such special arrangements like refrigerated spaces and a lift-gate.
These kinds of provisions may also be available for LTL shipments, but will likely require more patience until enough clients come forward requiring the same conditions. Even with refrigerated spaces, not all the items being shipped may have the same temperature requirements. Opting for straight truck delivery that has been configured specifically for your shipment’s needs is the best way to secure the best quality of service.