LTL & Volume Freight Shipping
Shipping a few pallets or a larger shipment that does not need a dedicated trailer? Tell Logistics Worldwide what you are moving, where it is going and when it needs to be ready. Our team can help you choose the right freight option for your shipment.
Need an urgent pickup or faster delivery? Get an Expedited Freight Quote and share your required timeline.
Freight That Needs Less Than a Full Trailer
LTL lets your pallets share trailer space with other shipments, so you pay for the space your freight uses. We start with your shipment details and help you choose between LTL, volume and truckload options.
The Right Mode for the Load
A few pallets, a larger volume shipment or something that ships better on its own trailer. Describe your freight and we will review the fit.
Compare LTL options →Quote, Book and Track Online
LTL shipments can be quoted, compared, booked and tracked online through the Logistics Worldwide customer portal.
See our technology →A Team You Can Reach
We respond within one hour during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. After-hours requests are answered the next business day.
Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447) →LTL or Volume Freight: Where Should You Start?
LTL shipping shares trailer space with other shipments and is commonly used for palletized business freight. Volume freight is worth discussing when a shipment takes up more trailer space than a typical LTL load. The best fit depends on the shipment’s dimensions, weight, route and handling needs, not pallet count alone.
| Option | Often a fit when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| LTL | Typically one to six pallets, or up to about 5,000 to 10,000 lbs | Shares a trailer with other shipments. Freight class, density, distance and accessorials affect the rate. |
| Volume LTL | Often 6 or more pallets, or 12 or more linear feet of trailer space | May be priced on the space and weight of the shipment rather than freight class alone. |
| Partial truckload | Too large for LTL but not enough to fill a trailer | Shares trailer space with few or no other shipments and usually avoids terminal transfers. |
| Full truckload | Freight that fills most of a trailer or needs a dedicated trailer | The trailer is yours. Freight moves direct with less handling and more control over timing. |
If you are unsure which option to request, use the LTL / Volume form and describe your shipment. If your freight fills most of a trailer, see our Full Truckload service.
What Affects an LTL Quote
LTL rates are built from your freight details. Knowing the main factors helps you request a quote that reflects your actual shipment.
Freight Class and Density
Freight class reflects how easy freight is to handle and ship. Class is increasingly based on density, so accurate weight and dimensions matter.
Freight class explained →Distance and Lane
The pickup and delivery ZIP codes affect the route, the carriers that serve it and the rate for your shipment.
Share your route →Accessorial Services
Liftgate, residential, limited access, appointment and inside delivery services can add to the rate when they are needed.
LTL service definitions →Packaging and Stackability
Freight that is palletized, wrapped and stackable is easier to handle and load. Non-stackable freight takes up more trailer space.
Packaging tips →Have These Details Ready
Accurate shipment details help our team prepare a quote that reflects your actual requirements.
- Pickup and delivery locations, including ZIP codes
- Number of pallets or handling units, total weight and dimensions
- Description of the freight and freight class, if known
- Whether the freight can be stacked
- Pickup date and any delivery appointments or special handling needs
- Whether either location needs liftgate service or has limited access
Request Your LTL / Volume Quote
Share your shipment details and any accessorial needs at pickup or delivery. A quote request starts the review; you confirm the rate, service and timing with our team before anything is booked.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447) or email info@shiplw.com.
Get an LTL / Volume QuoteFrom Quote Request to Delivery
Four steps to move your LTL or volume freight.
Share Your Shipment
Send your route, pallet count, weight, dimensions and accessorial needs through the quote form.
We Review It
Our team reviews freight class, service options and pickup and delivery requirements for your shipment.
Confirm and Book
Confirm the rate, service and pickup details with our team, or book LTL online through the customer portal.
Track to Delivery
Follow your LTL shipment online, and our team stays reachable until it delivers.
Prepare Your Freight for an LTL Network
LTL freight may be handled several times and can move through terminals before it delivers. Good packaging and accurate details help protect your freight and keep the rate you were quoted.
- Measure each pallet after it is wrapped, including the pallet itself
- Weigh the full shipment, including pallets and packaging
- Keep freight within the pallet edges with no overhang
- Stretch-wrap or band freight securely to the pallet
- Mark freight that cannot be stacked or must stay upright
- Label every handling unit with pickup and delivery details
Why Accurate Dimensions Matter
Freight class is increasingly based on density, so the weight and dimensions you provide affect the class and the rate. If the carrier measures something different, the shipment may be reclassified and the charges adjusted.
Freight class explanations
Freight density estimator in our Resource Library
Guides for Planning Your Shipment
Practical help from our Resource Library and blog.
LTL Service Definitions
What liftgate, residential, limited access, appointment and inside delivery services mean.
View the definitions →Freight Class Explanations
How NMFC freight classes and density work, and why they affect LTL pricing.
Learn about freight class →LTL Carrier Claim Forms
Where to start if your LTL freight arrives damaged or short.
Find claim forms →When to Ship FTL Over LTL
How shipment size, handling and timing point to the right service.
Read the article →Common Questions
What if I do not know my freight class?
Provide the commodity, packaging, weight and dimensions you have. Our team will review the class before booking.
Can I request a quote without a loading dock?
Yes. Tell us whether pickup or delivery requires a liftgate, and describe access at both locations so those needs can be considered.
What if a full truckload is a better fit?
We can discuss your shipment requirements. You can also explore our Full Truckload service.
What is the difference between LTL and volume LTL?
As a general guideline, standard LTL covers smaller shipments of one to about six pallets. Volume LTL is often used for shipments of six or more pallets or about 12 or more linear feet of trailer space, and may be priced on space and weight. Your freight details decide the best option.
What are accessorial charges?
Accessorials are added services beyond standard dock-to-dock pickup and delivery, such as liftgate, residential, limited access, appointment or inside delivery. Include them in your quote request so they can be considered up front. See our LTL service definitions.
Can I book and track LTL shipments online?
Yes. LTL shipments can be quoted, compared, booked and tracked online through the Logistics Worldwide customer portal. Learn more on our technology page.
What if my LTL freight arrives damaged?
Note any visible damage or shortage on the delivery receipt before signing, take photos and contact our team. Our LTL carrier claim forms page explains where to start.
How quickly will I hear back?
We respond within one hour during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Requests received after hours are answered the next business day.
Ready to Share Your Shipment Details?
Start with the LTL / Volume form so our team receives the information needed to review your freight. Need help first? Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447).