Los Angeles is one of the most critical transportation hubs in the United States.  

 

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle over 40% of U.S. inbound containers, so the region depends on a robust trucking network to keep inbound cargo moving. Whether you’re transporting freight from the ports to distribution centers, warehouses, or other logistics hubs like rail spurs, reliable Los Angeles FTL and LTL trucking services are essential. 

 

We’ve operated in Los Angeles since 1991, so the Approved Freight Forwarders team knows the area’s unique challenges all too well. Heavy congestion, strict environmental regulations, and high fuel costs all impact trucking companies in Los Angeles. (Among other challenges!) Businesses that depend on Los Angeles trucking should choose a partner with care. Look for a partner that understands these complexities and can provide efficient, compliant, and cost-effective transportation solutions. 

 

In this article, I’ll explore the role trucking plays in Los Angeles logistics, as well as the key challenges affecting local freight transport. I’ll also share some thoughts on how to choose the right Los Angeles trucking provider so you can keep your freight moving on time—and on budget. 

In This Article


The Role of Trucking in Los Angeles & Long Beach Freight Movement

  • Key Challenges Affecting Trucking in Los Angeles

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Trucking Company

  • 4 Criteria for Evaluating Trucking Partners

Understanding LTL & FTL Trucking in Los Angeles

  • The Pros & Cons of LTL Trucking
  • The Pros and Cons of FTL Trucking
  • Which Trucking Option Is Right for You?

The Role of Trucking in Los Angeles & Long Beach Freight Movement

Trucking is the backbone of Los Angeles’ logistics infrastructure. While port-related freight movement is a significant driver, the broader trucking industry plays a vital role in supporting businesses across multiple sectors, from manufacturing and retail to Commerce and construction. 

Key Functions of Los Angeles Trucking


  • Port Drayage & Intermodal Freight: Many goods arriving at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach move to terminals, warehouses, rail spurs, and other transportation hubs before heading to their final destinations. Drayage services act as a vital link between ocean freight, rail freight, and over-the-road freight. 
  • LTL & FTL Trucking: Once freight arrives at a terminal or warehouse, freight can be made available as LTL and FTL shipments headed for final destinations in the Inland Empire, Orange County—and beyond. (Read more about the difference between FTL and LTL shipping.) 
  • Urban & Last-Mile Delivery: Finally, many companies rely on Los Angeles trucking services to transport goods within the LA metro area—especially eCommerce companies fulfilling online orders. 

Key Challenges Affecting Trucking in Los Angeles

Los Angeles trucking providers face a number of challenges, including:

  • Port & Highway Congestion: Heavy traffic on freeways like the I-5, I-10, and I-405 can create significant delays. At the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, congestion caused by high cargo volumes adds another layer of complexity.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Policies: California has some of the strictest emissions regulations in the country, impacting trucking companies that operate in the region. At Approved, we’ve embraced eco-friendly solutions. We’re proud to have achieved SmartWay Transportation Partnership certification. We’re also building a fleet of zero-emissions trucks and electric forklifts to not just comply with California regulations, but offer customs sustainable and competitive services.
  • Rising Costs & Driver Shortages: Fuel prices, driver shortages, and increased operating expenses are ever-present challenges. All of these put pressure on trucking companies to deliver competitive pricing alongside superior service.

Given all of these challenges, partnering with a trucking provider that understands the LA market is crucial.

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Trucking Company

If you’re running a business that depends on efficient freight movement, selecting the right Los Angeles trucking provider is crucial.  

 

After more than two decades in logistics, here’s what I recommend looking for: 

Experience and Industry Expertise

Earlier, I mentioned some of the challenges that Los Angeles trucking providers are up against. When you choose someone with experience in coordinating logistics in the LA metro area, they’re already familiar with these challenges. In fact, they expect them, and they’re prepared for them, so they’re not scrambling at the last minute to find a solution.

When evaluating a Los Angeles trucking company, look at:

  • How long they’ve been in business.
  • Their expertise in handling freight similar to yours. In other words, do they truly understand your business and the challenges you’re up against?
  • Their track record of on-time deliveries and customer satisfaction.
  • If you have specialized freight requirements—such as climate-controlled transport or hazardous materials—whether they have the expertise and the equipment they need.

Visibility and Communication

Having complete visibility into your freight movement gives you the ability to make better business decisions. Look for a provider who can provide:

  • Accurate tracking capabilities so you always know the status of your freight.
  • Strong communication so you’re always kept up to date regarding delivery status, potential delays, and possible solutions.
  • A dedicated account representative who you can always call or email if you have a question or you need assistance.

One-Stop Capabilities

 

Not all Los Angeles trucking companies can offer a full suite of freight capabilities. Working with a one-stop freight provider in the Los Angeles area will simplify your logistics.

 

Look for a trucking company that can provide a full complement of logistics services—and coordinate them for you—including:

If you can access all of these logistics services with a single phone call, I think you can easily see how it would streamline your logistics.

Membership in Professional Associations

Finally, when considering a new partners, I always look for affiliations with professional associations. It’s not always “must.” However, I believe joining a professional association shows a certain level of dedication to the logistics, freight forwarding, and trucking industries.  

We’ve met a lot of amazing industry partners through the associations we belong to, so it’s something I always consider when vetting a new partner. 

Understanding LTL & FTL Trucking in Los Angeles

Finally, many of the Los Angeles trucking questions we get here at Approved deal with the difference between less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) services.

In some cases, due to the size of the load, the choice is clear. However, there are many other scenarios in which it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.

The Approved Team put together a comprehensive guide to choosing between FTL and LTL shipping, which answers many of the common questions we get.

I’ll review the highlights below:

The Pros & Cons of LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Shipping

LTL trucking is a great way for shippers with smaller loads to “share” space in a single truck. You’ll only pay for the space you need.

Pros of LTL Trucking:

  • Cost Efficiency: When compared with booking a dedicated truck, LTL trucking offers a more affordable option.
  • Flexibility: Rather than having to commit to filling a trailer to make a shipment “worth” it, LTL offers you the ability to simply book the space your cargo requires.

Cons of LTL Trucking:

  • Longer Timelines: Unlike an FTL shipment, which is entirely dedicated to your cargo alone, LTL shipments may not move immediately. Some LTL carriers operate on a set timeline, while others may wait for additional shipments to create a complete load.
  • Unpredictable Timelines: An LTL driver will make multiple stops—and may encounter challenges along the way. As a result, LTL timelines aren’t as predictable as FTL timelines.
  • Less Cost Efficient: FTL shipments benefit from economies of scale. When you price out your landed cost for an FTL shipment vs. an LTL shipment, you’ll find that LTL usually results in a higher cost per unit shipped.

Best Scenarios for LTL Trucking:

  • Small to mid-sized freight shipments (typically shipments of 6 pallets or less or shipments weighing less than 12,000 lbs.)
  • Businesses with enough flexibility that longer transit times won’t be a problem
  • Sturdy, well-packaged freight shipments, since LTL shipments are subject to increased handling

The Pros & Cons of FTL (Full Truckload) Trucking

FTL trucking is a service that offers you a dedicated truck to move your freight. You can fill the trailer however you want, and no other shipments from other shippers will be loaded on the truck.

The Pros of FTL Trucking:

  • Faster Delivery: Since the truck will follow a direct route between the origin and destination points, you’ll enjoy shorter transit times.
  • Lower Risk of Damage: Unlike in LTL shipping when goods are loaded on and off the truck along the route, your cargo is loaded once at origin and then unloaded at the final destination. Your goods will be handled less, reducing the chance of damage or loss.
  • More Cost-Effective for Large Shipments: FTL offers economies of scale for large loads, reducing your landed cost.

Cons of FTL Trucking:

  • Higher Cost: On an absolute basis, FTL shipments cost more than LTL shipments. For smaller shipments, it makes more sense to choose LTL service.
  • Less Flexibility: With FTL service, you’re stuck paying for the entire trailer, whether you have enough to fill it or not.

Best Uses for FTL Trucking:

  • Larger volumes of freight of ~6+ pallets
  • Heavier loads that weigh between 5,000 and 44,000 lbs.
  • Time-sensitive cargo, such as cases in which you need to make a delivery appointment/window with a fulfillment partner
  • Fragile or high-value shipments

Which Trucking Option Is Best for Your Business?

The choice between LTL and FTL trucking depends on your shipping volume, budget, and delivery timeline.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, the Approved team would be happy to help you choose the right service for your Los Angeles cargo. Just reach out to our team for a complimentary quote.

Keeping Your Los Angeles Freight Moving

When you’re moving freight through one of the most critical freight hubs in the country, you need a reliable, experienced trucking partner to help navigate its challenges—and keep your supply chain running smoothly.

Let Approved Freight Forwarders be your one-stop solution for Los Angeles trucking, freight, and logistics. We offer complete freight forwarding solutions—including ocean freight, air freight, and trucking—as well as a full suite of logistics services to add ease to your supply chain.

Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Los Angeles freight experts. Our team will show you how we can streamline your Los Angeles logistics with on-time, on-budget solutions.

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