How to Lower Your LTL Shipping Expenses

Shipping LTL (less-than-truckload) is a great way to move freight when you don’t have enough to fill a full truck. But if you’re not careful, costs can creep up fast—between accessorials, reclassifications, or just picking the wrong carrier. The trick is knowing where the money-saving opportunities are hiding. Here’s how to get smarter about your LTL spend and keep your bottom line happy.

1. Team Up With a 3PL

Think of a 3PL (third-party logistics provider) as your back-pocket connection to the entire freight world. They work with dozens—sometimes hundreds—of carriers, which means they can often get you better rates than if you went direct. Plus, they’ll do the legwork of matching your freight with the right carrier for cost, speed and reliability. That saves you both money and time, which is a win in any shipper’s book.

2. Nail Down Your Dims and Weights

If there’s one thing LTL carriers don’t mess around with, it’s shipment accuracy. Rates are based heavily on weight and size, and if your info isn’t right, you risk getting hit with reweigh fees, reclassifications and billing disputes. For density-rated commodities especially, being precise makes all the difference. It’s worth investing in a reliable scale and measuring tools so you can send carriers the exact specs they need—and avoid paying more than you should.

3. Ship on Off-Peak Days

Not all days of the week are equal in freight. Mid-week tends to be the busiest, with trucks packed and capacity tighter, which can push your costs higher. Mondays and Fridays, on the other hand, usually see less traffic. If your supply chain is flexible enough to shift pickup days, you’ll often find better rates and faster service. It’s a simple scheduling tweak that can quietly save you a lot over time.

4. Watch Out for Accessorials

Accessorials are those “extras” carriers tack on for services outside the standard dock-to-dock move—things like liftgates, inside delivery, or residential drops. They’re often necessary, but they’re also a sneaky way costs climb. The key is planning ahead: confirm what’s really required for each shipment, and whenever possible, avoid surprises by letting carriers know up front. Even small changes—like shipping to a commercial dock instead of a residential address—can mean significant savings.

5. Ask for Transparent Pricing

Freight invoices can be confusing, especially if you’re dealing with hidden fees or vague quotes. That’s why transparent pricing is such a big deal—it gives you the full picture of what you’ll actually pay. When all the costs are laid out clearly, you can make apples-to-apples comparisons and budget with confidence. Partners who prioritize transparency also tend to provide better customer service, since they’re not trying to sneak anything past you.

6. Compare Multiple Options in One Place

If you’ve ever spent hours collecting quotes from different carriers, you know how painful it can be. That’s why platforms like Beon Shipper are game changers—they bring multiple carrier options into one dashboard, so you can compare prices, transit times and services in seconds. Instead of chasing quotes, you can quickly make an informed decision and move on with your day. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

7. Stay Flexible on Dates

Full truckload shipments often need tight pickup and delivery schedules, but LTL is different. The more flexibility you give carriers, the easier it is for them to optimize their routes and fill their trucks efficiently. And when carriers can save, you can save too. Even allowing a one-day pickup or delivery window can open up better rate options. A little patience here can pay off big.

Bottom Line

Getting cost-effective LTL rates isn’t about finding one “magic trick”—it’s about stacking small, smart decisions that add up over time. From double-checking your shipment details to being flexible with timing and partnering with the right 3PL, each move helps you keep costs in check without sacrificing service. When you take control of these levers, you’ll notice the savings—and so will your bottom line.

Jill Damron

Director, LTL Carrier Procurement

Jill Damron, Director of LTL Procurement at NTG, leverages her expertise to optimize LTL strategies for shippers, ensuring cost-effective and efficient freight solutions. With a deep understanding of NMFC classifications, volume LTL and carrier networks, she helps businesses navigate complex logistics challenges. Jill is committed to delivering tailored shipping solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve supply chain performance.