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07/01/2025

The Essential Guide to Shipping Sealers: LTL or Full Truckload?

Understanding the best transportation modes for concrete, wood, and masonry sealers.

Industrial shipping container of sealer for concrete, wood, and masonry on a concrete floor, emphasizing logistics options in LTL and full truckload shipping methods.

Key Takeaways

  • Transporting sealers requires careful logistical planning due to their liquid nature and specific packaging needs.
  • Choosing between Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) shipping options depends on the shipment's quantity, weight, and urgency.
  • Best practices for shipping sealers include using leak-proof containers, clear labeling, and ensuring compliance with freight service requirements.

Introduction to Sealer Shipping

Transporting sealers, whether for concrete, wood, or masonry, demands logistical precision due to their liquid nature and specific packaging requirements. In this guide, we explore the most effective methods for shipping sealers using Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) services, highlighting Freight Sidekick's expertise in surface transportation across North America.

Understanding Sealers: Types and Shipping Needs

Sealers serve as protective coatings for concrete, wood, and masonry, enhancing durability and aesthetics. Typically in liquid form, these materials require meticulous handling and transportation strategies to prevent leakage and contamination. The choice of freight service is critical for ensuring cost-effective and secure delivery.

Shipping Solutions: LTL vs. Full Truckload

Choosing between Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) shipping options depends significantly on the quantity, weight, and urgency of your sealer shipment.

  • LTL Shipping: Ideal for smaller shipments up to 15,000 lbs. It allows multiple shippers to share space within the same truck, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses with modest inventory.
  • FTL Shipping: Best suited for larger quantities requiring the entire truck's capacity. This method minimizes the risk of damage and simplifies logistics as your sealers are the sole cargo.

Sealer Shipping Best Practices

  1. Ensure that sealers are properly packaged in leak-proof and durable containers.
  2. Label packages clearly with contents and handling instructions to prevent mishaps.
  3. Verify that load weight and dimensions comply with selected freight service requirements.
  4. Select the appropriate freight service considering the shipment size and urgency.
  5. Use our Freight Quote Tool to compare costs for each option.

Freight Service Types and Equipment Needs

  • FTL Options: Dry Van, Refrigerated, Flatbed, Step Deck, Drop Deck, Heavy/Over-dimensional.
  • LTL Options: Suitable for smaller, palletized shipments.
  • Partial/Shared Truckload: Ideal for shipments between 12-36 feet and up to 30,000 lbs.
  • Smaller Equipment: Includes Box Trucks, Hotshots, Cargo Vans, and Gooseneck Trailers.

Loading and Unloading Procedures

  1. Use pallet jacks or forklifts for safe loading and unloading of heavy containers.
  2. Ensure that containers are securely fastened to prevent movement during transit.
  3. Engage in regular communication with carriers for smooth coordination at loading docks.

Regulations and Permits Considerations

For standard shipments of sealers, regulatory permits generally aren't required unless transporting hazardous materials or over-dimensional freight. Ensure to check for any state-specific regulations concerning the transportation of chemicals. Use our State-by-State DOT Regulations resource for detailed information.

Cost-Saving Strategies

  • Select LTL for smaller, non-urgent shipments to benefit from shared trucking costs.
  • Evaluate shipment dimensions and weight accurately to avoid additional costs.
  • Leverage our Freight Class Calculator to determine the correct freight class for accurate pricing.

Personalized Assistance

Get a quote today, call 877-345-3838, or email support@freightsidekick.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between LTL and FTL shipping for sealers?

LTL (Less Than Truckload) is ideal for smaller shipments up to 15,000 lbs, allowing multiple shippers to share truck space, making it cost-effective. FTL (Full Truckload) is best for larger quantities requiring the entire truck's capacity, minimizing damage risk and simplifying logistics.

What best practices should I follow when shipping sealers?

Ensure sealers are packaged in leak-proof containers, label packages clearly with handling instructions, verify load weight and dimensions, select the appropriate freight service based on shipment size and urgency, and use the Freight Quote Tool to compare costs.

Are there any regulations or permits required for shipping sealers?

Generally, standard shipments of sealers do not require regulatory permits unless transporting hazardous materials or over-dimensional freight. It's important to check state-specific regulations concerning chemical transportation.