The Role of E-Commerce in Increasing LTL Shipping

There is no question that the rise of e-commerce has significantly transformed the global marketplace. In fact, the majority of all individuals in the U.S. have engaged in some sort of online shopping, whether from a mobile phone or computer. Online shopping is simply more convenient for consumers, who might not have time to run out to the store every time their cat needs more kibble or their child gets a birthday party invitation from a classmate. E-commerce has changed the logistics industry just as much as it’s changed everyday life. In particular, transportation experts have noted a drastic rise in LTL shipping.

Smaller Shipments

Before the rise of Internet giants like Amazon, it was customary for people to turn to brick and mortar stores for all of their household needs. These brick and mortar locations receive large truckloads of inventory, usually once per week or once per day, depending on the store. Thanks to e-commerce, people often order small deliveries at a time, such as a bag of cat food or a child’s birthday gift. Since these small shipments cannot fill an entire truck, they are consolidated onto LTL shipments to reduce costs and streamline delivery.

Shorter Delivery Windows

E-commerce has also driven the demand for faster deliveries. When Amazon’s Prime program first debuted, a two-day delivery was considered extraordinary. Now, Prime members expect one-day or even same-day delivery services. Thanks to e-commerce and changing customer expectations, LTL shipping has become even more popular because it enables faster deliveries.

Multiple Destinations

Brick and mortar stores typically order enough inventory to completely fill a big rig, which means the driver only must go to one destination. But thanks to the rise of e-commerce, professional drivers often go to many destinations along a route. LTL shipping allows for greater flexibility when delivering to diverse destinations.

Freight delivery, including LTL shipping, is just one of the many services you will find at Xcel Delivery Services. Our team of professional drivers offers one-hour and two-hour local delivery services, as well as long-distance deliveries. If you have any questions or would like to request a quote, you can get in touch with our office in Phoenix at (602) 368-1300.

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