Since every shipper’s needs are different, Zipline Logistics offers several less-than-truckload (LTL) service levels you can select from to get your freight moving exactly where and when it needs to go, at a price point you’re comfortable with.
Zipline’s expertise lies in retail specialization, meaning our LTL team knows how to find the perfect carrier for each shipment. By utilizing a uniquely qualified carrier who understands the nuances of retail delivery, problems like missing MABDs, damaged product, and hefty delivery fees are eliminated.
LTL pricing is primarily based on commodity and class, but the Zipline Difference unlocks significant savings without sacrificing the world-class experience our customers receive at every LTL service level.
LTL Service Levels
| GUARANTEED? | SPEED OF TRANSIT* | PRICE | SPECS/ REQUIREMENTS |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume LTL | No | 8-10 days | $ | Large, light shipments |
| Regular/Standard LTL | No | 4 days | $$ | 5-6 pallets or less, based on density |
| Guaranteed LTL | Yes | 2-4 days | $$$ | 5-6 pallets or less, based on density |
| Expedited LTL | Yes | 1-2 days | $$$$ | What fits in a truck up to a 53’, but usually 1-10 pallets |
| Air Freight | Yes | 1-2 days | $$$$ - $$$$$ | Shipments under 500 lbs., less than 60 in. high |
*Speed of transit is based on a Standard shipment from Columbus, OH to Miami, FL. Day of pickup not included. An appointment also adds at least one additional day of transit time depending on how far out the appointment is. Typically, the rule of thumb for a Standard LTL shipment is about 500 miles traveled per day.
Volume LTL
- Not guaranteed
- Dirt cheap ($)
- 8-10 days transit time*
- Least prioritized service level: A Volume shipment won’t move until there’s space for it on a trailer. Regular shipments take precedent over Volume shipments.
- Great for shippers who are:
- Price conscious
- Internal transfers who do not have to meet must-arrive-by dates (MABDs) or on-time in-full (OTIF) delivery
- Returning a purchase
- Large but low-density shipments
The Zipline Difference
Volume LTL can be optimized with the right carrier hauling your freight. Partnering with Zipline, you can tap into our national network of 38,000+ hand-picked carriers vetted to haul retail goods specifically. This means getting a higher, more guaranteed level of service but for a Volume level price.
Regular/Standard LTL
- Not guaranteed
- Affordable ($$)
- 4 days transit time*
- Great for shippers who are:
- Price conscious
- Do not have to meet must-arrive-by dates (MABDs) or on-time in-full (OTIF) delivery
- Shipping 5-6 pallets or less (based on density)
The Zipline Difference
The Zipline Difference stated above remains true for Regular LTL as well. If you’re a mid-size CPG brand shipping both Volume and Regular LTL, consult with a Zipline Expert on consolidating your shipments and how this can offer overall savings and efficiency.
Guaranteed LTL
- Guaranteed
- Competitive Pricing ($$$)
- 2-4 days transit time*
- Subject to Refund: If a carrier doesn’t deliver on the guaranteed date, the amount paid for the guarantee is subject to a refund.
- Great for shippers who:
- Need to meet deliver BY dates dates, not deliver ON
- Shipping 5-6 pallets or less (based on density)
The Zipline Difference
Zipline closes the massive price and service gap that exists in the LTL world. While other brokers approach LTL shipping in a black and white way like the chart above, Zipline brings a new level of service to the table that fits right in between Regular LTL and Guaranteed LTL.
Expedited LTL
- Guaranteed
- Competitive Pricing ($$$$)
- 1-2 Day Transit
- Usually utilizes a box truck, sprinter van, or full truck
- Great for shippers who:
- Need to urgently move a shipment
- Need to meet an MABD or appointment date
The Zipline Difference
Shipping Expedited LTL with Zipline means more control and visibility. With a direct line of communication between our operators and carriers, Zipline is tracking and relaying the progress of your freight every step of the way.
Air Freight
- Guaranteed
- Competitive Pricing ($$$$ – $$$$$)
- 1-2 Day Transit
- Great for shippers who:
- Need to ship something small and light, usually 2-4 pallets under 500 lbs. and less than 60 in. high
- Need to urgently move a shipment long distance
- Need to meet an MABD or appointment date
The Zipline Difference
Not only does Air Freight allow you to ship long distances (such as Florida to Colorado) in 1 day, but it is also a far more affordable option than any other expedite for these kinds of distances. Our experts know that Air Freight offers a significant competitive advantage and will recommend utilizing it where it makes sense and can save you significant spend.