Logistics without surprises: Hidden costs and choosing between LTL and FTL

In business, shipping is never just about “cargo and a rate”. Companies often underestimate additional costs that aren’t visible at first glance. According to NTP Freight, small and mid-sized businesses lose up to 15–20% of their margin due to planning mistakes and hidden expenses.

To avoid this, you need to understand two key things:

1. The most common hidden costs in logistics.

2. How to choose the right shipping format: LTL or FTL.

 10 Hidden costs that eat away at profits

1. Truck detention during loading/unloading. Every 30 minutes of delay costs money.

2. Wrong rate choice (LTL vs FTL). “Saving” can lead to extra handling and damages.

3. Damages and returns. A frequent issue in furniture and e-commerce shipping.

4. Storage fees. Even one extra day can add up.

5. Urgent or overnight deliveries. Higher surcharges than standard rates.

6. Underutilized loads. Shipping “air” in half-empty pallets.

7. Paperwork mistakes. Fines and terminal delays.

8. Fuel surcharges. Often overlooked in budgeting.

9. Address errors. Re-deliveries raise the final cost.

10. Insufficient insurance. Any loss or theft ends up costing much more.

 With proper planning and digitalization, these costs can be reduced by 30–40%.

 LTL or FTL: How to choose the right option

LTL (Less-than-Truckload) — the truck space is shared among multiple shippers.
FTL (Full Truckload) — one shipment fills the entire truck.

When LTL is better:

• Shipments of 1–6 pallets.

• Flexible timing, no rush.

• Reducing transportation costs is a priority.

When FTL is better:

• Shipments of 10+ pallets or large cargo.

• Fragile goods that can’t be reloaded.

• Urgent, direct, door-to-door delivery.

❗ Common mistake: many businesses choose LTL for “savings”, but after handling and potential damages, the costs turn out higher than booking FTL in the first place.

 How to avoid mistakes

At   NTP Freight, we help clients:

• Analyze and identify hidden logistics costs.

• Select the most cost-effective shipping option (LTL vs FTL).

• Increase transparency with digital solutions.

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 Conclusion

Hidden costs and poor shipping choices can cost companies thousands of dollars every month. But these challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth.

Want to know which hidden expenses affect your business and whether LTL or FTL is the smarter choice for your shipments?

👉 Contact NTP Freight for a detailed analysis and tailored solution.