Aerial view of a mirrored cube resting in a canyon landscape
The Complete Guide to Shipping

Less than Truckload

How the network works, what carriers will and won't do, where the costs come from, and how to set expectations with the people you ship to.

Pass the knowledge check. Cut re-bills.

WHAT'S INSIDE
01
How to use this guide
02
How the LTL network physically works
03
When to ship LTL, and when not to
04
The top 25 U.S. LTL carriers by revenue
05
Direct versus third-party handoff (interline) carriers
06
Liftgates, pallets and equipment limits
07
Density, freight class and the 2025 NMFC changes
08
Extra freight services (accessorials) explained
09
Pickup and delivery windows
10
Transit times are estimates, not promises
11
Shipment size and capacity limits
12
Free wait time and wait-time fee (detention)
13
Free storage and why cross-docks charge
14
Certified scales, dimensionalizers and rebills
15
Rebill disputes and timelines
16
Liability limits and freight claims
17
How LTL tracking really works
18
Why you can’t contact the carrier directly
19
Why no platform or broker controls the LTL carriers
20
Reconsignments and diversions
21
Receiver contact information
22
Hazardous materials (hazmat)
23
Trade-show and convention deliveries
24
Why shipping through Mothership wins
25
The expectation-setting checklist
Knowledge check
Video Library

Master LTL Shipping

Freight terminal at night with trailers at dock doors
How LTL Works & Choosing the Right Carrier

A step-by-step look at how freight moves through the LTL network, when LTL is the right fit, and how to choose between direct and interline carriers.

Pallet being measured on a dimensionalizer
Pricing & Cost Mechanics

How weight, dimensions, and NMFC codes determine your freight class and rate, plus the cost triggers that drive up pricing and how to dispute a rebill.

Truck at a loading dock with a ramp
Accessorials Explained

Liftgate, residential, limited access, and inside delivery: what each accessorial covers, when you actually need it, and how to add it at booking.

Highway interchange at night with light trails
Transit Times & Delivery Windows

Why LTL transit times are estimates, not guarantees, plus how pickup and delivery windows work and when guaranteed service is worth paying for.

Freight trucks in heavy rain on a congested highway
Staying Ahead of Delays

How LTL tracking actually works, why you can’t call the driver directly, and how reconsignments work if your shipment needs to be rerouted.

Shrink-wrapped and labelled pallet in a warehouse
Freight Claims Explained

What’s covered under carrier liability, how FreightProtect closes the gap, and the basics of shipping hazmat and trade show freight.

Proven Results

Real Impact on Your Bottom Line

Mothership shippers who complete this guide and get certified see fewer rebills and more on-time deliveries. Read the guide and take a short quiz to get certified.

View the LTL-Guide for Free
30%
Reduction in Rebills

By declaring accessorials and getting weight, dimensions, and freight class right before pickup, and passing our knowledge check, shipping managers dramatically cut the rebills that hit after the fact.

15%
Reduction in Delivery Delays

Declaring the right accessorials, confirming the delivery address before booking, and giving accurate receiver contact information reduces failed deliveries and storage fees across every LTL shipment.