Why small businesses struggle with shipping costs

Shipping is one of the biggest challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Renting an entire truck often doesn’t make financial sense if the shipment doesn’t fill the space. As a result, small businesses either face high transportation costs or delay shipments until they have enough goods to justify a full truckload. Both options reduce profitability and slow down business growth.

That’s where freight consolidation services-sometimes called shared turckload or LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping-come into play.

What is freight consolidation?

📦 Freight consolidation is the practice of combining shipments from multiple companies into a single truck. Instead of paying for unused truck space, businesses share transportation costs with other shippers.

This method is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as companies look for cost-effective shipping solutions without compromising speed or flexibility.

Key benefits of freight consolidation for small businesses

✅ Reduced Costs
Expenses are shared among all participants, meaning small companies can ship goods at a fraction of the price of a dedicated truck.

✅ Faster and More Efficient Delivery
Optimized routes ensure shipments move quickly, without waiting to fill an entire truck.

✅ Flexibility in Shipping
Businesses can send smaller batches of goods more frequently, reducing the need for large inventory storage.

✅ Sustainability Advantage
Fewer half-empty trucks on the road mean lower emissions—helping businesses meet sustainability goals.

How freight consolidation works in practice

Imagine three small businesses:

• A furniture shop in Chicago,

• An electronics supplier in Naperville,

• A clothing retailer in Joliet.

Each has shipments too small for a full truckload. By using NTP Freight’s consolidation service, their goods are combined into one truck, each paying only for the space they use. The result? Lower costs, reliable delivery, and streamlined logistics.

Why choose NTP Freight for consolidation?

At NTP Freight, we specialize in providing tailored logistics solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. We understand that every dollar matters, which is why freight consolidation is at the core of our services.

With us, you get:

• Expert route planning and optimized schedules,

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs,

• Real-time tracking for full shipment visibility,

• Dedicated customer support that understands SME challenges.

Our mission is simple: help small businesses save money, gain flexibility, and scale without being held back by expensive logistics.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How is freight consolidation different from LTL (Less-than-Truckload) shipping?
They are very similar concepts. Both involve sharing truck space, but consolidation often means shipments are grouped by logistics providers for maximum efficiency, sometimes across longer routes.

2. Is freight consolidation reliable for time-sensitive shipments?
Yes. At NTP Freight, we plan routes carefully to ensure consolidated shipments reach their destinations on time, without unnecessary delays.

3. What types of businesses benefit most from consolidation?
Any business with regular but smaller shipments—such as furniture retailers, e-commerce stores, and distributors—can save significantly with consolidation.

4. Can I track my shipment if it’s consolidated?
Absolutely. We provide real-time tracking, so you always know where your goods are, even if they’re traveling alongside shipments from other businesses.

Conclusion: Smarter Shipping With Freight Consolidation

For small businesses, every dollar saved in logistics is a dollar that can be reinvested into growth. Freight consolidation is not just a way to cut costs—it’s a smarter, greener, and more flexible approach to shipping.

👉 Ready to see how freight consolidation can work for your business?
Contact NTP Freight today and explore how our tailored logistics solutions can help you save money and grow faster.