| TL logistics software is used to optimize the | | | | an option. |
| truckload shipping process; that is, TL logistics | | | | In some cases, producers of multiple partial |
| software is specifically applicable to companies that | | | | truckloads use a TL carrier to move their freight to |
| ship full (as opposed to partial) semi trailers of | | | | an LTL carrier's break-bulk facility. At the break-bulk |
| products. If your company produces a smaller | | | | facility, the load is broken down into the original partial |
| number of goods whose volume doesn't equal a full | | | | shipments that are then delivered to their destination |
| truckload, paying for truckload (TL) shipping would be | | | | by the LTL carrier. Integrating TL and LTL shipping is |
| wasted money. Instead of using TL logistics | | | | one example of how TL logistics software can |
| software, you would use LTL (less than truckload) | | | | benefit small to midsize companies that rarely |
| logistics software. | | | | produce traditional truckloads. |
| In LTL shipping, carriers collect partial loads from two | | | | Traditionally, small to midsize companies that don't |
| or more shippers and split the load cost between as | | | | employ logistics professionals outsource their logistics |
| many companies as contribute to the load. Both TL | | | | to third party logistics (3PL) providers. But with the |
| and LTL logistics software are specific customizations | | | | current economy causing 3PL providers to raise their |
| within the larger context of truckload transportation | | | | rates in order to account for the lower level of |
| management software-also referred to as freight | | | | freight discounts that they are receiving from |
| management software. Both small and large | | | | shipping carriers, more and more companies are |
| companies use freight management software, the | | | | switching to LTL and full truckload logistics software. |
| key determinant being whether or not they employ | | | | 3PL providers make their profits by receiving freight |
| logistics experts. If they don't, they have a need for | | | | discounts from shipping carriers and then charging |
| the software. | | | | shipping companies a fee that exceeds the |
| The basic advantage of TL shipping over LTL | | | | discounted freight rate. |
| shipping is that freight is not handled while en route. | | | | As a result, 3PL providers only work with carriers |
| In some cases, one TL carrier passes a freight load | | | | that offer preferred discounts, meaning that shipping |
| to another TL carrier who delivers it to its | | | | companies ultimately have less shipping options |
| destination. But the freight remains in the trailer, | | | | through a third party logistics provider than through |
| reducing the chance of breakage and lost freight, | | | | logistics software. By using logistics software instead |
| canceling warehouse fees and decreasing delivery | | | | of a 3PL provider, companies become their own |
| time. However, if you operate a small to midsize | | | | logistics provider and no longer pay a middleman to |
| company that doesn't produce enough product | | | | perform freight logistics. |
| volume to justify TL shipping, TL shipping may still be | | | | |