Shipping temperature-sensitive products requires a bit more care than typical cargo, since it requires the environment to be set at an optimal temperature for the journey. However, this also means that the temperature maintenance requirements necessitate that businesses be more conscientious about the type of shipping they use. Are your shipping needs covered by FTL or LTL shipping? Here are the differences.
Read more: Do You Need FTL Or LTL Shipping?Smaller Loads
LTL stands for “Less Than Truckload,” which means that you are shipping a smaller volume of your product. This can mean different things for businesses shipping temperature-sensitive products, and can affect the type of temperature protection you decide to employ when shipping. Depending on the type of product and the duration of the journey, businesses have various options available for this level of shipping.
Shipping temperature-sensitive products at LTL volumes means that it may be possible to go with cheaper alternatives, such as using trucks, trains, or other means of transport that don’t require “reefer units,” that is, specialized refrigeration systems to keep the entire shipping container cool.
Insulated box liners, for example, are one such option to consider for smaller shipments. For shorter duration shipments, this allows you to spend less money, as you don’t require a reefer unit to protect the product. This is a great way to save on costs while maintaining the integrity of your product.
Bigger Loads
If LTL stands for “Less Than Truckload,” then it should come as no surprise that FTL stands for “Full Truckload.” This means that your volume for shipping temperature-sensitive products is large enough that an entire truck or cargo container is required to carry it all for transport.
Of course, this means that it makes economic sense to invest in a reefer unit, as the entire shipment will benefit from the temperature maintenance. However, as with LTL shipments, this isn’t always the only option open to you, let alone the most cost-effective one. Passive pallet protection, for example, or even insulated wall liners for a truck, are both options that may work for your shipping needs rather than the significant investment in a reefer unit. Another option is to use passive pallet protection for the individual pallets themselves. Both of these choices may be suitable alternatives depending on the duration and type of shipping you require.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want guidance on the optimal way to ship them to their destination, we can help. Contact us to discuss your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
