When needing to transport goods from North to South, especially small or medium-sized shipments, many businesses and individuals often face an important choice: should they combine shipments to save costs, or rent a private vehicle to take the initiative in time and ensure the safety of goods?
1. What is LTL? Characteristics of North-South LTL transportation
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a type of goods:
Has a small volume, usually <3 tons or <15m³.
Not enough to fill a truck, so it is often combined with goods from many other customers.
Delivery to multiple points, no fixed one-way route.
Characteristics of North-South LTL transportation:
Shared vehicle, more flexible time than private rental.
Fees are calculated based on volume, size or number of packages.
Often collect goods at transit warehouses at both ends before delivery.
2. Combined trip form: Economical but less proactive
✅ Advantages
Low cost: only have to pay according to the quantity of goods, no need to rent the whole truck.
Suitable for online shops, small customers, non-urgent orders.
Easy to send goods regularly with small quantities.
❌ Disadvantages
Delivery takes longer: because you have to wait for enough goods to depart, deliver to many locations.
Goods are at risk of being bumped or scratched if not packaged carefully.
Not proactive in delivery time, difficult to handle urgently.
Must transfer to many warehouses, load and unload many times → increase risk.
3. Private truck rental form: Proactive, safe but more expensive
✅ Advantages
100% proactive in time and schedule: depart immediately, deliver to destination.
Minimize the risk of collision, damage to goods because they are not mixed.
Suitable for fragile goods, high value or urgent orders.
❌ Disadvantages
Higher cost (because you bear all vehicle operating costs).
If the quantity of goods is small, the vehicle volume is not fully utilized → high unit cost.
4. Detailed comparison: Grouping and renting a truck
Criteria Grouping Renting a truck
Cost Low, calculated by kg/m³ Higher, paid per trip
Delivery time Slower (2–4 days) Faster (24–48 hours)
Initiative Dependent on the carrier Proactive on time
Goods safety Lower (due to grouping) High, because no other goods are mixed
Who is it suitable for? Online shop, small volume goods Urgent goods, high value, need to be on time
Risk of damage/loss of goods Higher Lower
5. Which form should you choose? Suggestions for each case
✔️ Choose grouping if:
Goods are not urgent, can wait 1–2 more days.
Want to save on shipping costs.
Goods are carefully packaged, not fragile.
As an online shop, mainly sending small, retail goods regularly.
✔️ Choose to rent a private car if:
High-value goods (equipment, components, cosmetics, etc.).
Need to deliver on time, on schedule (contract with supermarkets, large partners).
Deliver large quantities at once.
Want to control the entire shipping process.
6. Suggest some tips to save money when renting a private car
Rent a car with just enough capacity: avoid renting a large car but with little goods → waste.
Consolidate internal goods: if the company has 2-3 orders at the same time → combine them in one trip.
Negotiate a long-term contract with the transport unit → get a better price.
Go in the opposite direction with returned goods → take advantage of the return car.
7. Some frequently asked questions (FAQ)
❓ Do I need a contract to send retail goods?
→ There should be a receipt or delivery note. If you send regularly, you should sign a monthly/quarterly service contract.
❓ Is there insurance for combined shipments?
→ Depends on the unit. You should ask clearly about the insurance policy and compensation for lost/damaged goods.
❓ How long does it take for combined shipments to depart?
→ Usually 1-2 days after receiving the goods. Some routes have a fixed schedule.
❓ Can you track orders?
→ Most units currently have a waybill code for lookup. Renting a separate vehicle is easier to track.
Conclusion
The choice of combining shipments or renting a separate truck when transporting small goods from the North to the South by road depends on your business goals, type of goods and budget. If you want to save costs and the goods are not urgent, combining shipments is the right choice. But if you prioritize speed, safety and service quality control, renting a separate truck is a worthy investment.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to:
Pack carefully
Work with a reputable shipping company
Have clear documentation and track the shipment
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