LTL(Less Than Load) Shipping

General Need to Know

Of these 3 Major Companies, I have only worked(as a Mover) with ABF the most, Old Dominion 2nd, and I've only seen Estes Trucks a handful of times. For the most part their all the same! So here is what you need to know in general, because preparation is the name of the game!

• When it comes to space, You cannot beat it with and truck that you can rent! besides the depth/length of the truck(typically about 28 ft), you get much more space in the width and at the height! For example the 26ft trucks you can rent yourself are just a couple in. above 8ft, where as with the ABF trailer you get 9ft to play with. This makes a tremendous difference.

• Don't expect them to be timely, I've heard times where they'd show up on time right on the dot and other times they're hours or even a day or two late in extreme circumstances. They're typically at worse able to come hours within their given time, or the next day.

• The Locking system, be sure to ask whichever company you use, about their locking protocol ahead of time so you come prepared, I'm still not sure because I've always just been the labor, but clients are always confused on what to do. I've had some lock the partition board, and some lock the truck, and some not do anything. Which brings me to...

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ABF Trailer Breakdown..

1. Ramp & Loading Entry

• The ramp is very heavy and can be difficult for the average person to handle.

• If not handled properly, it can be dangerous, especially without experience.

• The ramp has a checkered (grated) pattern, which helps with traction and reduces slipping.

• However, if the ramp is damaged (which does happen), it can create:

  • Pockets/holes where dolly wheels can get stuck

  • Trip hazards where you can misstep and get injured

2. Trailer Height

• You are loading into a semi-trailer, not a standard box truck.

• The loading height is typically around 3–4 feet off the ground (give or take).

• This makes the ramp angle steeper and adds to the difficulty of loading.

3. Securing Your Load (Very Important)

• ABF does NOT provide straps, so you must bring your own.

• Standard ratchet straps can work, but it’s highly recommended to use:

  • E-track straps (best option for these trailers)

• The trailer has (almost unlimited) vertical E-track rows, giving you plenty of tie-down points.

4. Bulkhead / Barrier Wall

• ABF provides a movable wall (bulkhead) to secure your load once you're done.

• Important things to know:

  • Your load needs to end right where the wall locks in

  • You can push the wall up against your items

  • You still need to strap everything down properly—the wall alone is NOT enough

5. Floor Type

• The floors are not designed for sliding items

• Unlike:

  • U-Haul trucks

  • Penske trucks (which are even better for sliding)

• Expect more friction—this affects how you load heavy items like safes, dressers, etc.

6. The Reality of Damage Risk

• A lot of the worst damage in moves happens in ABF trailers, and it usually comes down to:

  • Poor loading

  • Lack of proper strapping

I ALWAYS SAY: “The load is the most important part of the moving process.”

• If you have a great loader, even a mediocre packing job can survive the trip.

• If the load is bad, it doesn’t matter how well things were packed.

7. Finishing the Load (Final Step)

• Once everything is loaded:

  • Wrap and secure your items tightly

  • Install the bulkhead wall

• Be aware:

  • The wall can be a pain to set up

  • If you're not careful, you can hurt yourself during installation