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LTL: transporting partial loads by truck with less than truck load shipping

LTL (less-than-truck load) is ideal for smaller shipments and a cost-efficient form of LTL transport for partial loads. Our trucks collect your goods and deliver them to multiple destinations. With smart route planning, we optimize the available space to ensure efficient and cost-effective transport even when your shipment only fills part of the load.

Tailored transport for smaller shipments with LTL

Most types of goods can be transported using LTL trucking regardless of their weight, size or special requirements. You pay only for the space your shipment occupies. In LTL shipping, consolidated shipments are delivered directly to their recipients without intermediate storage at the Rhenus hub.

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Your benefits with less-than-truck loads

Freight consolidation offers better shipping rates and lowers costs by consolidating partial shipments into one truck for direct transport to the point of use.

Benefit from shorter delivery times because you are not solely responsible for filling the truck to capacity.

LTL offers you a high level of flexibility for your own needs and allows you to respond quickly to your customers’ requirements.

Sharing a truck reduces your environmental impact along the supply chain.

Why choose Rhenus as your partner for LTL

  • With our international partner network and daily truck routes, we ensure your shipments arrive quickly and reliably.
  • Take advantage of our one-stop services covering everything from consulting to customs services to save time and money.
  • With years of experience transporting goods with special requirements such as temperature-controlled goods or time-sensitive shipments, we handle these tasks efficiently and with care.
  • Our customer service and online delivery tracking keep you updated on your shipment every step of the way and at any time of day.

Your value-added services for LTL trucking

Customs officer

Customs clearance

Wherever your shipment is going, we guide you through each country’s regulations. With the support of the global network of Rhenus and our strong relationships with local authorities, we make sure your shipment meets all customs requirements and clears smoothly. Our services include customs and fiscal assistance, bonded warehousing, foreign trade consulting and AEO certification.

Tons with dangerous goods

Dangerous goods

At our sites, our dedicated dangerous goods officers train staff to handle hazardous materials safely, oversee transport operations and ensure compliance with all national and international safety standards. We use the Safety & Quality Assessment System (SQAS) to maintain the safety and quality of our services. Our offerings include handling dangerous goods (ADR), limited quantities (LQ), excepted quantities (EQ) and temperature-controlled transport.

Temperature control system

Temperature-controlled transport

We specialize in transporting temperature-sensitive goods including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paints and lacquers, adhesives and foils. Rhenus operates thermal vehicles with air-conditioned swap bodies, cooling and heating powered by diesel or electricity and continuous temperature monitoring to ensure consistent conditions during transit.

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Transport insurance

Freight forwarders have limited liability for international shipments, meaning compensation for damage or loss is often lower than the actual value of the goods. To protect against potential costs, we recommend additional insurance coverage. Options like “All risks” insurance, customized transport insurance policies and long-term shipping insurance provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Rhenus Truck getting filled at a warehouse

Express shipment

Our express services offer personalized solutions for all your shipping needs. No matter the weight or size, we ensure your shipment arrives on time at your chosen destination. Our offerings include courier services, direct deliveries and special solutions for both full and partial loads.

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Digital services

Take advantage of our online tools to access your shipment information anytime. With our track & trace feature, you can follow every step of your shipment’s journey including truck, shipment and package details. Our user-friendly Rhenus WebOrder tool lets you book shipments anytime and access a variety of added services.

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Save on the cost of transporting your goods now.

Our LTL trucking experts are just a click away. Together, we will find the best solution for you.

Frequently asked questions

Groupage refers to combining several LTL shipments from different companies on one truck, while LTL applies when a single company’s goods do not fill the truck and are consolidated to secure better shipping rates and reduced costs.

LTL stands for less-than-truck load. It’s the ideal option if you don’t have enough goods to fill an entire truck but want to share space for greater efficiency and less waiting times. LTL shipping helps you save money while maintaining flexibility.

With FTL, you pay for the entire truck, which is reserved exclusively for your goods. This option is best when you have enough cargo to fill the available space. LTL, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility tailored to your needs, allowing time-sensitive shipments to move without waiting to fill an entire truck.

Transit times for LTL shipments may be longer than for FTL, as trucks may make multiple stops along the route. LTL loads may also be handled several times during transit.

The cost of LTL trucking depends largely on the route and the shipment quantity. Other factors such as express shipping can also affect the price.

The Rhenus partner portal for freight forwarders

Partnership rhe-loaded

An RHE-X partnership offers various ways to collaborate. You choose what works best for you. As a permanent RHE-X partner, you have the security to plan your fleet utilization accurately.

Visit rhe-x.com