LTL vs TL

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Lurk, Oct 22, 2016.

  1. Lurk

    Lurk Bobtail Member

    39
    23
    Oct 1, 2016
    0
    What is the difference in rates for LTL vs TL?

    Specifically asking for flatbed. DAT gives me the average flatbed rate of $1.92. Is that LTL + TL or just TL? I can't find any data on LTL rates.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

    7,490
    16,272
    Apr 12, 2016
    Chicagoland
    0
    I don't do flatbed but LTLs for a van, and I don't imagine there is a huge difference. I do LTL with the premise that they should pay better. And generally they do pay better,though take a lot more time. But there is no specific formula, LTLs could be 2 drops and 10 drops, so it is hard to measure some uniform rate. In fact, at times you can find a straight load to bay better than 5 drop LTL. For instance, LA - Chicago pays, if you're lucky 3000-3500K for a straight load, with a 5 drop load you can hope to get 1 -1.5 K more but it takes a day or two to collect the freight and then the same to offload, of course the mileage goes up too. When you think about it, one might even question it's economical sense.
     
    Lurk Thanks this.
  4. Lurk

    Lurk Bobtail Member

    39
    23
    Oct 1, 2016
    0
    I wasn't necessarily asking about multi-stop loads but the method of getting from point A to point B picking up a LTL from one shipper, one from another, and so on all heading in the same lane/destination, boosting your $/mile rather than just taking a TL down that lane.
     
  5. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

    7,490
    16,272
    Apr 12, 2016
    Chicagoland
    0
    Oh..Then I don't know.
     
  6. Robert85006

    Robert85006 Medium Load Member

    359
    398
    Aug 20, 2013
    Southwest USA
    0
    LTL can turn a HO-HUM load into a good one..or a crappy load into a decent one with multi stops. I just pulled a multi-stop load from TX to CO and it paid well. I usually fare well on LTL loads. I like how they can get you into areas you want to run.
     
    Lurk Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.