Peak season demand, whether planned or unplanned, rarely arrives neatly packaged in full truckloads. Order flows and freight volumes don’t always increase evenly, putting even more pressure on supply chains. That’s where less-than-truckload, or LTL, can help.
“Peak season rewards shippers who can adapt quickly,” says Morgan Roberts, an LTL principal supply chain manager at Amazon Supply Chain Services. “LTL allows them to scale shipments up or down without waiting for the perfect conditions or to fill a full trailer. Being able to move pallets as they’re ready helps manage dock space, labor, and inventory flow, and relieves some of the additional challenges peak seasons bring.”
Peak performance
As freight demand increases, finding cost-effective capacity gets harder. Expanding into LTL not only increases the carrier pool but also gives shippers more flexibility. They can move orders sooner with smaller, more frequent shipments, which helps them maintain service levels. And, since they are sharing trailer space, it helps control costs.
Many shippers, including those graduating from small parcel and experienced truckload shippers, first turn to LTL during peak periods. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using LTL to handle surges in demand.
Is LTL more reliable than truckload during peak season?
It can be, but like many things, it depends. There are a lot of variables in trucking, and those variables can increase during peaks. Truckload freight relies on finding one available driver and trailer for each move, which can get harder as capacity tightens.
LTL shipments move through established networks with daily departures that can provide more consistency. As always, reliability for both FTL and LTL often comes down to finding the right provider. Visibility and tracking tools, equipment quality, and on-time performance are all important considerations.
Will transit times for LTL be longer during peak periods?
LTL transit times are usually stable, but peak seasons can mean there is more volume moving through terminals and appointments might be harder to schedule. Planning ahead and being flexible with delivery windows can help minimize delays. It is important to discuss transit times and potential disruptions with your provider.
How far in advance should I plan?
Booking days or weeks in advance helps ensure capacity is available and may provide an advantage on rates. While same-day and next-day LTL are options, availability and pricing can be less predictable during peak season.
What are the cost advantages of LTL in peak?
Transportation costs typically increase during peak periods as capacity tightens, even for LTL. But with LTL, shippers only pay for the space they use, which can help manage rate volatility. Moving freight faster can also relieve peak pressures inside of warehouses when they are operating at or near capacity.
“Cost control during peak isn’t just about rates,” Roberts says. “It’s about avoiding inefficiencies that compound when the network is under stress.”
How can I avoid unexpected accessorial charges during peak season?
Missing or incorrect shipment details, such as incorrect weights or dimensions or misclassified freight, can lead to surprise accessorial charges. Attention to detail becomes even more important when volumes are high and everyone is pressed for time.
“Proper freight classification, accurate weights, and clearly labeled pallets reduce reweighs, accessorial charges, and the risk of disruptions,” Roberts says.
Ship with us
Peak season doesn’t wait for the perfect truckload. With Amazon Supply Chain Services’ LTL service, shippers get access to an expanding network backed by 80,000+ trailers, daily departures, and a booking experience designed to move freight on your schedule. Whether you’re shipping two pallets or twenty, you only pay for the space you use. To get started, create an account today.
