Ship 1 to 14 pallets without paying for an entire trailer. Your freight shares space with other shipments so you only pay for the space you use.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping is a freight transportation method where multiple shippers share space on the same trailer. Each shipper pays only for the portion of the trailer their freight occupies — whether that's one pallet or twelve.
LTL is the most cost-effective option for shipments between 150 lbs and 15,000 lbs, or roughly 1 to 14 pallets. Freight is picked up from your dock, consolidated at a local terminal with other shipments heading in the same direction, and delivered to the consignee — often within 1 to 5 business days depending on distance.
SwiftLink partners with a network of top-tier LTL carriers including national, regional, and specialty operators. We rate-shop every shipment across multiple carriers to find you the best combination of price, transit time, and service level.
LTL rates are determined by a combination of factors. Understanding these variables helps you optimize costs and avoid unexpected charges.
Every commodity is assigned an NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code and a freight class between 50 and 500. Class is based on four factors:
Lower class = lower rate. Class 50 (densest) is cheapest; Class 500 (lightest) is most expensive.
LTL rates are quoted per hundredweight (CWT). The actual or dimensional weight of your shipment — whichever is greater — determines the billable weight.
Pro tip: Sometimes adding weight to reach the next break point actually lowers the total cost.
Origin and destination ZIP codes determine the shipping lane. Rates vary based on mileage, carrier terminal density, and lane competitiveness.
SwiftLink rate-shops across 50+ carriers to find the best rate for your specific lane.
From standard economy to guaranteed delivery and volume LTL, we offer the right service level for every shipment priority and budget.
Our most popular option. Reliable transit at the lowest cost, using carrier-estimated delivery windows. Ideal for shipments that don't require a hard delivery date.
Transit: 1–5 business days
Carrier-guaranteed delivery by a specific date and time. If the carrier misses the window, freight charges are refunded. Essential for production-critical deliveries.
Money-back guarantee on delivery date
For shipments between 5,000 and 30,000 lbs that are too large for standard LTL but don't need a full truck. Also known as partial truckload or spot quotes.
Weight: 5,000 – 30,000 lbs
Hydraulic liftgate service for locations without a loading dock. The driver lowers freight to ground level for pickup or delivery at non-dock-height facilities.
No loading dock required
Driver brings freight inside the building beyond the first door or loading area. Required for deliveries to offices, retail stores, schools, hospitals, and interior rooms.
Beyond the threshold delivery
Specialized service for delivering to trade shows, expos, and convention centers. Includes advance warehouse staging, timed delivery, and post-show return shipping.
Show-site logistics coordination
The right mode depends on your shipment size, urgency, and budget. Here's how they compare.
The crossover point is typically 8–12 pallets or 8,000–12,000 lbs. Not sure which is right? Get quotes for both — we'll recommend the best option.
Accessorials are additional services beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery. Declaring them upfront prevents costly reclassification fees and delivery delays.
Hydraulic liftgate for locations without a dock. Available at pickup, delivery, or both. Essential for retail stores and residential addresses.
Delivery to a home address or non-commercial location. Carriers apply surcharges due to narrow streets, limited access, and absence of dock facilities.
Delivery to locations with restricted access — construction sites, military bases, schools, churches, fairs, farms, prisons, mines, and similar facilities.
Driver moves freight beyond the first door or room of the building. Required when freight must be placed in a specific interior location.
Delivery within a specific time window agreed upon in advance. Common for retailers, distribution centers, and facilities with receiving schedules.
Carrier separates a multi-piece shipment for delivery to different locations or departments at the same address. Billed per additional stop or sort.
Enter your shipment details and we'll compare rates across 50+ LTL carriers to find the best price, transit time, and service level for your freight.
Instant carrier rates • No obligation • Volume discounts available