How To Measure Your LTL Freight Accurately?

The Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight market is a growing segment of the logistics industry. According to recent research by Mordor Intelligence , the U.S. LTL freight market is projected to reach USD 109.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 139.63 billion by 2030.

This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing need for flexible shipping solutions and the rise of e-commerce. As demand surges, numerous carriers are entering the expanding market, seeking to capitalize on these opportunities.?

In 2024, the push toward automation and freight optimization solutions is gaining drive. Companies are investing in technologies that streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve accuracy in an industry where efficiency is key.

However, with this rapid growth and technological advancement comes the challenge of ensuring accurate freight measurement—a critical factor that directly impacts costs, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.?

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The Impact of Inaccurate Freight Measurement?

As the LTL market grows, so do the complexities associated with it. The commonly overlooked factors is the precise measurement of freight. Miscalculations in freight dimensions can have far-reaching consequences, impacting both the bottom line and operational efficiency.?

1. Increased Shipping Costs?

LTL carriers calculate freight charges based on the freight’s dimensions, weight, and classification. When shippers provide incorrect freight dimensions, the carriers often remeasure the freight and adjust the charges accordingly. These leads increase in shipping cost. National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) found that incorrect freight dimensions are one of the leading causes of increased shipping costs, with some shippers seeing cost increases of up to 25%.?

2. Reweigh and Reclassify Fees?

Carriers are increasingly vigilant about verifying the dimensions and weight of freight to ensure they are charging accurately. If the measurements provided by the shipper are found to be incorrect, the carrier may impose reweigh and reclassify fees. According to industry estimates, these fees can range from $50 to $100 per shipment. Moreover, repeated discrepancies can lead to a carrier imposing additional penalties or refusing to work with a shipper.?

3. Operational Delays?

Inaccurate freight dimensions can cause significant delays in the logistics chain. For instance, if a shipment is larger than reported, it may not fit into the planned truckload, leading to reloading or rescheduling. These delays not only disrupt the flow of goods but also lead to missed delivery deadlines, which can harm customer relationships and reduce repeat business.?

4. Damage to Carrier Relationships?

LTL carriers value accuracy and reliability. When shippers frequently submit incorrect dimensions, it strains the relationship with the carrier. This can lead to higher rates being charged to account for the perceived risk or, in extreme cases, a refusal to provide service. Maintaining a good relationship with carriers is crucial for securing favorable rates and reliable service, making accuracy in measurements more important.?

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How To Accurately Calculate LTL Freight Measurement??

Given the potential pitfalls of inaccurate freight measurements, it's clear that shippers must prioritize accuracy.?

1. Invest in Reliable Measuring Tools?

Using the right dimensioners is the first step to accurate measurements. Traditional tape measures might work for small parcels, but for larger freight, advanced pallet dimensioners with computer vision technology provide precise measurements of regular and irregular sized objects along with annotated images of the pallet??

2. Real-Time Data Integration?

Integrating pallet dimensioner with your existing warehouse management system (WMS) or transportation management system (TMS) allows for real-time data flow between measurement devices and your logistics software. This ensures that accurate measurements are instantly recorded, reducing the risk of human error during data entry. Real-time integration also enables faster decision-making, allowing you to adjust shipment plans quickly if discrepancies arise.?

3. Predictive Analytics?

Advanced predictive analytics tools can analyze data from your automated freight dimensioning systems to forecast potential issues with future shipments. For example, by examining historical data, these tools can predict which shipments are most likely to have dimensional discrepancies and suggest corrective actions.??

4. Enhanced Customer Communication?

Improve communication with customers by providing them with accurate, real-time information about their shipments. For example, once a package is measured and classified, this information can be automatically sent to the customer along with tracking details. This level of transparency builds trust and reduces the likelihood of disputes related to shipping costs and dimensions.?

In a competitive market where every inch and ounce matters, getting your measurements right is not just good practice - it is an essential factor for success.?