When does LTL Come in Handy?

April 11, 2025

Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart, cost-effective solution for businesses with smaller freight loads. Whether you're relocating an office, shipping IT equipment, or decommissioning old assets, LTL gives you the flexibility to transport what you need—when you need it—without paying for unused truck space.

What Is LTL (Less Than Truckload) Shipping?

LTL shipping refers to the movement of freight that doesn’t require a full truckload. Instead of renting an entire trailer, multiple businesses share truck space, making it more affordable and sustainable. This model is ideal for small to mid-sized loads, helping businesses ship efficiently and on budget.

The Benefits of LTL Shipping for Commercial Relocations

LTL freight offers several key advantages during commercial relocations:

  • Lower cost, since you only pay for the space you use
  • Flexibility in scheduling deliveries and pickups
  • A more sustainable method by reducing empty truck space
  • Easier to manage multiple destinations or smaller shipments

Visit our Services page to see how LTL integrates into full-service moving solutions.

Common Scenarios Where LTL Makes Sense

LTL is ideal when your business:

  • Has a partial office move that doesn’t require a full truck
  • Ships IT equipment to various departments or branches
  • Needs to transport modular office furniture or appliances
  • Handles surplus equipment storage or liquidation

Check our Service Areas to see where we offer reliable LTL support for commercial moves nationwide.

How LTL Helps with Office Moving Projects

Many businesses use LTL when planning staged or partial Office Moving operations. It's especially helpful when:

  • You want to send non-essential items ahead of schedule
  • You’re coordinating deliveries across multiple floors or buildings
  • Your new location isn't ready for a full truckload all at once

This approach gives you more control over move logistics and costs.

LTL and IT Equipment Transport

Transporting IT and electronics often requires extra care. LTL is a solid fit because it allows for:

  • Consolidated, secure transport of high-value tech
  • Specialized packing and staging of equipment
  • Easy coordination for staggered or multi-location drop-offs

If your team is managing a data center transition or downsizing, our IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services align well with LTL scheduling.

LTL or FTL? Choosing the Right Option

Not sure if LTL is right for you? Here’s a quick way to decide:

Choose LTL when:

  • You’re moving under 15,000 pounds of freight
  • You can wait an extra day or two for delivery
  • Your load is securely packed and doesn’t require dedicated space

Choose FTL when:

  • Your freight fills a truck or exceeds weight limits
  • You have a firm delivery deadline
  • You’re shipping fragile or sensitive cargo directly

LTL for Multi-Location Moves

If your business is expanding or consolidating offices across multiple cities, LTL is an efficient solution. It supports:

  • Staged deliveries to new offices
  • Smaller shipments timed around move-in schedules
  • Flexible routing that matches real estate timelines

Whether you're moving from Boston to Phoenix, we can tailor your LTL plan accordingly.

Eco-Friendly Benefits of LTL Shipping

Reducing environmental impact is another win for LTL. By sharing truck space:

  • Fewer trucks are on the road
  • Fuel usage and emissions go down
  • Freight is handled more efficiently

You can even document these improvements on your sustainability reports. Use our Moving Checklist to help plan an eco-conscious commercial move.

LTL in Congested Cities Like San Francisco

Urban centers like San Francisco make full truckloads difficult due to:

  • Narrow streets and limited curb access
  • Strict building delivery hours
  • Traffic that delays large-scale unloading

LTL shipments allow you to move what’s needed in smaller, manageable loads—without disrupting your team or operations.

LTL for Office Decommissioning & Cleanup

During an office closure or downsizing, LTL works hand-in-hand with our Office Decommissioning & Cleanup service. We can:

  • Haul away partial loads of outdated furniture or tech
  • Safely dispose of recyclable and reusable materials
  • Schedule staggered pickups during transition periods

You don’t need to move it all at once—LTL gives you flexibility during high-stress transitions.

Planning Your LTL Shipment

Here’s how to get started with LTL shipping:

  1. Inventory Your Items: Know what you’re shipping and estimate weight and volume
  2. Prepare Freight Properly: Use crates or pallets for safe transport
  3. Label Everything Clearly: Avoid mix-ups with proper labeling
  4. Schedule Your Pickup: Choose a date that works with your business hours
  5. Track Your Shipment: We provide status updates for full transparency

Our team will walk you through every step to ensure smooth execution.

How Much Does LTL Cost?

LTL costs are based on:

  • Freight weight and volume
  • Distance traveled
  • Delivery window and urgency
  • Extra services like liftgates or inside delivery

We provide upfront, competitive pricing to help you budget confidently. Request a quote through our Services page today.

LTL Isn't Always the Right Fit

While LTL works for many use cases, it’s not ideal if:

  • You need overnight or next-day delivery
  • You’re transporting high-risk or fragile assets without secure packing
  • Your shipment exceeds typical LTL size limits

In these cases, FTL or dedicated logistics services may be a better fit.

Using Technology to Optimize LTL

Modern LTL shipping is powered by technology. At Relocation Pros, we use:

  • GPS tracking and live updates
  • Route optimization tools
  • Scanned proof-of-delivery
  • Seamless coordination with internal move teams

This means you’re always in the loop and your assets are secure.

Why Choose Relocation Pros for Your LTL Freight?

Businesses choose us because we offer:

  • Nationwide coverage and logistics expertise
  • Secure handling of commercial and IT assets
  • Integration with broader moving and decommissioning services
  • Proven success with businesses across industries

Learn more About Us and why we’re trusted by companies nationwide.

Final Thoughts: Is LTL Right for You?

LTL is a smart solution when:

  • You’re relocating part of an office or shipping equipment
  • You want to cut costs without compromising security
  • You need flexibility and support during phased moves

From Phoenix to San Francisco, our team helps businesses make confident decisions about logistics and LTL freight. Reach out today to see how we can streamline your next move.

"We used Relocation Pros for office and warehouse asset removal services and couldn't be happier. They were quick, efficient, and ensured all our old equipment was disposed of responsibly. Highly recommended!"

Joe H.

President, IT Asset Services Co.

Need to Move fast? We're Here for You!

Get your free estimate now and let us cure your logistics nightmare!

Recent Case Studies

Learn How Relocation Pros Helped Prominent Businesses Decommission Their Operations or Manage Corporate Moves.

Our team was tasked with this Former Amazon Warehouse Cable Decommissioning project, focusing on the safe and efficient removal of IT infrastructure. This large-scale project involved Warehouse Decommissioning and Office Decommissioning & Cleanup services to ensure a seamless transition out of the facility.

The intricate process of dismantling and recycling the IT infrastructure was crucial to maintaining environmental compliance while preparing the space for its next use.

Commercial Moving FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about our commercial moving services and office movers in general. For more see our full FAQ page.

How far in advance should we start planning our move?

Start planning early! We recommend beginning the process at least three to six months before your move. Early planning allows ample time for organizing, notifying employees, and addressing potential challenges.

What’s the best way to minimize downtime during our office move?

Minimize downtime with a phased move. Consider relocating different departments at different times. This approach helps keep your business operational and reduces disruptions.

How can we ensure all our office equipment is properly accounted for during the move?

Conduct a thorough inventory of all office equipment, furniture, and supplies. Clearly label items to streamline the packing, moving, and unpacking process, ensuring everything is accounted for.

What steps should we take to secure sensitive data during the move?

Secure sensitive data by backing it up and storing it securely before the move. Consider professional data sanitization services for added security.

How can we keep our employees informed and reduce confusion during the move?

Communicate regularly with your team throughout the moving process. Provide clear instructions and updates to ensure everyone is on the same page and productivity is maintained.

Why is it important to hire experienced movers for our business relocation?

Hire experienced movers who specialize in commercial relocations. They understand the complexities of business moves and can help prevent costly mistakes, ensuring a smooth transition.