Truckload or LTL? In these penny-pinching times, it behooves every shipper to consider whether it's more economical to make smaller, more frequent less-than-truckload shipments or to consolidate orders into cheaper, faster truckloads. The answer depends on so many factors that there's no single rule that applies to all shippers. Everything from the commodity's handling characteristics to the location of distribution centers to time-to-market considerations enters into the final decision. Because making that decision can be so complex, many shippers rely on sophisticated software, such as transportation management systems (TMS), for help. Such tools can take the guesswork out of the TL vs. LTL decision, yet they shouldn't be the last word, say those in the know. Instead, they say, the smart route is to balance technology with the needs of the customer.
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