A reliable full truckload (FTL) partner can make all the difference in keeping your freight on time and on budget. If you’re new to FTL freight—or looking for a new partner for your freight shipmentswe’ll show you what to look for when selecting an FTL trucking provider. 

7 Criteria for Choosing the Right FTL Trucking Partner

The right FTL freight partner can add ease to your logistics, help you create efficiencies and cost savings, and keep your supply chain moving forward. Below, you’ll find seven criteria to help you locate an FTL trucking partner with the expertise and capabilities you need, one that aligns with your goals and one that’s well-positioned to add value to your business.

Expertise, Paired with a Solid FTL Track Record

First and foremost, look for a partner with significant experience and deep expertise in FTL shipping. For example, is FTL freight shipping a core competency of theirs, or merely an add-on service they only offer on occasion? Especially when challenges crop up, having an expert in your corner can get your shipment back on track—fast.

When you’re evaluating your potential FTL freight partner’s experience and expertise, examine their track record. For example, do they have consistent, on-time delivery rates? Have they successfully handled cargo like yours in the past? Do they have any case studies or customer testimonials they can share? All of these data points can paint a picture of an FTL trucking provider’s past performance, which can offer a key indicator for the future.

Real-Time Tracking Capabilities

Technology has become an absolutely indispensable tool for keeping FTL shipments on track. Look for an FTL partner that can offer you real-time tracking and visibility into your shipments. In addition to assisting with your business planning, this kind of transparency will help you keep your customers up to date with accurate delivery estimates. If you have your own transportation management system or logistics management software, ask if and how your potential partner’s systems might integrate with yours.

Beyond tracking capabilities, you can learn more about your potential FTL partner by asking what other technology platforms they utilize. For example, do they have route planning software to re-route drivers dynamically in case of unexpected weather, accidents, or detours, etc.? Digging a little deeper in this category can give you a sense of what it will be like to work with this partner on a long-term basis.

Complete Freight Capabilities to Meet Your Needs

An all-in-one freight provider can significantly simplify your logistics by allowing you to access multiple freight modes and service levels with a single phone call. Additionally, that all-in-one freight provider can coordinate all of them seamlessly for you.

Even though you may be primarily seeking an FTL provider, you’ll benefit from thinking broader in this arena. Consider what other freight services you might need down the road, such as:

Don’t forget to look beyond trucking. Will you need to move ocean freight (FCL/LCL) or air freight in the future? An all-in-one freight provider could add even more value to your partnership by coordinating ocean/air freight, drayage, and trucking to your final destination.

Flexibility Where Capacity Is Concerned

FTL has a reputation for being a less flexible service than LTL freight service. Choosing FTL freight service means committing to a dedicated trailer load. In contrast, LTL service allows you to send smaller shipments as soon as they’re ready to go.

As your business evolves, you’ll want an FTL trucking partner who has some flexibility to scale with you. For example:

  • If your business starts to really take off, is there the potential to “outgrow” a particular FTL trucking provider you’re considering? This would leave you to coordinate multiple trucking partners, which can be a huge time drain.
  • During your busy season(s), can your provider accommodate additional capacity to meet demand during those weeks? Or will you need to find another partner who can assist with those additional loads?

A partner that’s willing to work with you as your FTL freight needs change will be a valuable partner as your business grows.

Geographic Coverage

What kind of geographic coverage does your potential FTL partner offer? Is it sufficient for your current needs? For example, if you have customers in Alaska, can your FTL partner assist, or would you need to find a second FTL partner to move your freight to Anchorage?

Don’t forget to keep an eye on your business’s future. You might only move freight domestically right now, but what if you want to expand into Canada or Mexico? Can the FTL trucking partner you’re vetting handle the cross-border logistics for you, including customs procedures and regulations?

Ideally, an FTL trucking partnership can expand and deepen as your business grows, both in volume and in destinations. (Otherwise, you’ll find yourself vetting new FTL partners all over again!)

Alignment with Your Company’s Values

If particular values guide your business practices, make sure you consider them during your FTL partner vetting process. For example, if sustainable logistics is a value your company is pursuing, look for a partner who can help you lighten your environmental footprint with equipment like zero-emissions trucks and electric forklifts. A partner that aligns with your values can go a long way toward helping your company achieve its goals.

A Focus on Customer Service

Top-tier customer service can make a huge difference in adding ease to your company’s logistics. That said, evaluating a business’s customer service before actually partnering with them can be a bit of a challenge. Two areas to consider:

  • Evaluate their responsiveness during the vetting process. When you request more information about their operations—or try to set up meetings—how quickly do you get a response? Are you left hanging for days, or does your provider follow up promptly to confirm they’re working on your request?
  • Give a second look to an FTL trucking partner who will assign you a dedicated account representative. That way, you always know exactly who to call if you have a question or experience a bump in the road. You’ll have the chance to build a great working relationship as your rep gets to know your business, giving you a great shot at excellent service for your FTL shipments.

Choosing FTL vs. LTL to Move Your Freight

FTL freight service isn’t the right solution for every business. Choosing FTL service comes with its own pros and cons:

  • A Dedicated Trailer to Minimize Potential Damage: Unlike LTL service, in which shipments from multiple shippers share a trailer, FTL freight service means an entire trailer for your cargo alone. Since no other shipments will be loaded in and around yours, FTL service can minimize the risk of damage.
  • Faster Shipping Times: Unlike LTL shipments, FTL shipments move directly from origin to destination without additional stops. This means more direct routes and shorter timelines. For time-sensitive shipments, FTL has a clear advantage over LTL.
  • Economies of Scale: When you’re able to utilize the majority of the space in the trailer, you’ll minimize your shipping cost on a cost-per-unit basis, creating economies of scale. If you’re looking to minimize your costs and maximize your efficiencies—and you’ve got enough freight volume—choose FTL.

To ensure FTL freight service is the right choice for your operation, explore more of the pros and cons of FTL vs LTL freight shipping.

What If You Need Specialized FTL Services?

Some businesses need more than standard FTL freight service for shipments that require special handling.  

 

Not all FTL trucking providers offer all of these services. If you anticipate having any of these needs in the future, look for an FTL partner capable of accommodating specialized cargo, such as: 

 

  • Perishable/Temperature-Sensitive Cargo: FTL trucking providers use temperature-controlled trucks (also called reefers) to maintain climate-controlled environments for perishable goods or cargo that needs to stay within certain temperature ranges. That might mean keeping cargo cool, keeping it frozen, or keeping it from freezing in extreme temperatures.  
  • Hazardous Materials/HAZMAT: Hazardous materials require both specialized handling and compliance with transportation regulations. If you anticipate moving materials considered hazardous, make sure to find a certified partner who can help you stay compliant—and keep everyone in the supply chain safe.  
  • Oversized and Heavy Haul Freight: If you need to move heavy machinery,  oversized goods, or specialized equipment, look for provider with a solid track record in this specialized service—and the right equipment. Don’t forget to ask about insurance to protect high-value equipment, materials, or cargo in transit. 

Cost and Budget Tips for FTL Freight Shipments

how to calculate cubic feet

Finally, to help you optimize your FTL freight shipments, we’ll offer three tips to keep your FTL freight costs down—without sacrificing the integrity of your supply chain.

 

Don’t Let Cost Be Your Only Guide

 

When you’re comparing quotes from potential FTL trucking partners, it can be tempting to automatically go with the lowest-cost provider. Make sure to balance each provider’s quote with the seven criteria we mentioned above. An FTL trucking provider that simplifies your logistics, delivers excellent customer service, and can provide flexibility when you need it can be well worth a slightly higher quote.

 

Packaging Still Matters

 

Even though your FTL shipment won’t be loaded and unloaded along its journey (unlike LTL freight), proper packaging still matters. (No matter who you partner with!) Poorly packaged FTL freight can still shift in transit, especially when a truck hits a bump in the road. Check out our guide to avoiding costly freight damage through proper packaging techniques—and don’t be afraid to ask your FTL provider for their tips, too.

 

Ask About Insurance

 

Although some carriers may offer standard liability coverage, if you’re moving a high-value FTL shipment, the carrier’s limits may not be high enough to cover your loss. Make sure you ask your FTL partner about insurance coverage, so you’ll know if you need to purchase additional coverage (usually in the form of a rider) to ensure adequate financial protection against cargo loss or damage.

 

Finding the Right FTL Trucking Partner for Your Business

 

Selecting an FTL freight partner is a critical decision that can impact your entire supply chain. The right partner can add significant value to your relationship, streamline your logistics, and help keep your freight on time (and on budget)! For all those reasons, dedicating your time to locating the right FTL trucking partner is an investment that will deliver significant returns.

 

Looking for a reliable FTL trucking partner for your business? We provide a stress-free, one-stop solution for all your transportation requirements—FTL, LTL, and beyond. Our experienced team will connect you with reliable trucking solutions custom-fit to your needs. Request a quote from our trucking team to learn more.

 

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