LTL ALTERNATIVES FOR PALLETIZED FREIGHT
Traditional LTL shipping works well for many shipments. But when handling, transit time, or delivery reliability matter, businesses often choose more direct transportation methods instead.
Armor Freight helps companies compare box trucks, sprinter vans, partial truckload, and dedicated truckload to find the right solution for each shipment.
Armor Freight provides LTL alternatives for businesses that need fewer handling points, better control, and more direct shipping options.
WHAT IS LESS-THAN-TRUCKLOAD SHIPPING (LTL)?
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a freight transportation method where multiple shipments from different businesses share space on the same trailer.
Instead of moving directly from shipper to receiver, LTL freight typically moves through a network of freight terminals, where shipments are transferred between trailers as they travel toward their final destination.
This system allows carriers to move smaller shipments across large geographic regions.
DOES ARMOR FREIGHT OFFER LTL SHIPPING?
NO TRADITIONAL LTL SERVICE
Armor Freight focuses on direct freight transportation and box truck delivery solutions rather than terminal-based LTL networks.
- Traditional LTL often involves multiple terminal transfers.
- More handling can increase complexity and damage risk.
- Longer transit times are common in terminal-based networks.
WHY SOME BUSINESSES LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES TO LTL
Many shipments fall between small parcel shipments and full truckload freight, creating situations where LTL shipping may not be the most efficient solution.
Common challenges with LTL freight include:
- Multiple Handling Points
- Terminal Transfers
- Longer Transit Times
- Increased Risk of Freight Damage
For certain types of freight, businesses often prefer direct transportation options that avoid terminal networks.
DIRECT TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Every shipment is different.
Rather than forcing freight into a terminal-based LTL network, we recommend the transportation method that best fits your freight, delivery location, and transit requirements.
Sprinter Van
Best for:
- 1–3 pallets
- Medical deliveries
- Emergency shipments
- Office deliveries
- Small commercial freight
Box Truck
Best for:
- 2–12 pallets
- Liftgate deliveries
- Retail stores
- Construction sites
- Medical facilities
- Office buildings
Partial Truckload
Best for:
- 3–12 pallets
- Dock-to-dock freight
- Longer regional shipments
- Reduced handling
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FREIGHT SOLUTION
Every shipment has different requirements depending on:
- freight size
- delivery location
- transit time requirements
- handling sensitivity
Armor Freight helps businesses identify the most efficient shipping method based on their supply chain needs.
Which Shipping Option Fits Your Freight?
Every shipment has different requirements. Freight size, delivery location, urgency, and loading capabilities all influence the best transportation method. Use this quick comparison to determine which shipping option is the best fit.
| Shipment Characteristics | Recommended Solution | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Documents, parcels, and small packages | Parcel Carrier | Small packages and envelopes that don't require freight transportation. |
| 1–3 pallets requiring expedited or time-critical delivery | Sprinter Van | Medical deliveries, service parts, emergency shipments, and direct commercial freight. |
| 2–12 pallets requiring liftgate service or delivery without a loading dock | Box Truck | Retail stores, office buildings, medical facilities, schools, hotels, and construction sites. |
| 3–12 pallets shipping dock-to-dock | Partial Truckload (PTL) | Lower handling than LTL with faster transit and reduced risk of damage. |
| 12+ pallets or freight requiring an entire trailer | Full Truckload (FTL) | Dedicated trailers for high-volume freight with direct pickup and delivery. |
Start With One Shipment
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional LTL shipping, Armor Freight can help coordinate direct freight transportation and box truck delivery solutions.
