When it comes to shipping, many people think they know what it takes to get the job done, but very few actually do. Using an estimated 53.9 billion gallons of fuel, trucking companies, warehouses, and private sectors employ around 8.9 million people in the United States. Of those employees, 3.5 million are truck drivers, and this number are expected to grow another 5% by 2024.
For those who need help with LTL carrier definition and other benefits of LTL shipping, here are a few commonly asked questions to help you.
What does LTL shipping mean?
LTL is an acronym which stands for Less-Than-Truckload. This means that the shipment does not fill the entire truck. This type of shipment usually comes on various pallets and can range in weight from 150 lbs to 10,000 lbs. Anything larger than that is considered to be a Full truckload (FTL).
What is a shipping pro number?
PRO is an acronym that stands for progressive rotating order. It is a 10-digit tracking number that is assigned to each shipment. It also serves as an invoice number as well.
What are the shipping terms?
Shipping terms are usually determined by three things: who arranges for transport and carrier, who pays for transport, and where and when ownership of goods transfers from seller to buyer.
What is the basic procedure for shipping freight?
The standard procedure for shipping freight involves the truck driver backing up to a loading dock. After the driver has parked, the shipper then loads the cargo. Once the truck has been loaded, the driver transports the cargo to the receivers (consignee) loading dock to be unloaded. In the case that additional services are required outside of the standard procedure, additional rates may be charged.
What are some shipping terms I should know?
Some terms you should be familiar with related to the shipping industry are:
- Consignee: the person or company that will be receiving the shipment.
- Cosignor: the person or company that will be shipping the cargo.
- Carrier: another name for the truck or trucking company that transports the cargo.
- Shipping Bill of Lading (BOL): series of paperwork that informs the driver, carrier, shipper, and receiver with full details of the shipment and its billing information.
- Liftgate Service: A liftgate is a motorized platform affixed to the back of some trucks that raises and lowers cargo between the ground and the truck. When the shipping or receiving location does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary. Accessorial fees will apply for this service.
If you are using this information on LTL carrier definition to find out how to become a truck driver, you’ve come to the right place. WJW will help you find the answers to any questions you may have. Contact us for LTL carrier definition information and other LTL services so that we can service you in the best way possible.