Requirements of China’s Less-Than-Truckload Shipping Industry

Domestic Requirements for Less-Than-Truckload LTL Transportation

With the rapid development of the logistics industry, less-than-truckload LTL transportation, as an important component of it, is receiving increasing attention. LTL transportation refers to a mode where multiple batches of goods are consolidated and delivered according to certain routes and schedules. This model not only effectively reduces corporate transportation costs but also improves resource utilization while meeting diverse market demands. However, to ensure the safety and efficiency of LTL transportation, relevant national departments have formulated a series of strict requirements.

Firstly, in terms of vehicles, LTL transportation enterprises must use freight vehicles that meet national standards. These vehicles need regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their technical condition is good. For instance, according to the regulations on road cargo transport and station management issued by the Ministry of Transport, all vehicles involved in LTL transportation must be equipped with GPS positioning systems and install compliant driving recorders. This not only helps monitor vehicle operations in real-time but also provides crucial evidence in case of accidents. The load capacity of vehicles also has clear restrictions, strictly prohibiting overloading to ensure road traffic safety.

Secondly, regarding personnel qualifications, relevant employees engaged in LTL transportation must possess corresponding qualification certificates. Drivers must hold valid licenses and undergo professional training courses to master basic traffic laws and emergency handling skills. At the same time, other positions such as loaders also need to receive relevant safety education and familiarize themselves with operational procedures to avoid damage to goods or safety accidents caused by human factors. It should be noted that with the development of e-commerce in recent years, the volume of express delivery-related LTL transportation has surged, which has also put higher demands on practitioners. They not only need to have good service awareness but also be able to quickly and accurately complete tasks related to sorting and delivering goods.

Moreover, concerning the management of goods, LTL transportation enterprises should establish sound systems for handing over goods. From order acceptance to loading, during transit until final delivery to customers, every step requires detailed records. Especially for high-value, fragile goods, special protection measures should be taken. For example, a well-known e-commerce enterprise in its logistics system adopts advanced intelligent warehouse management systems. By assigning unique coding identifiers to each item, it achieves full traceability. This not only enhances work efficiency but also better protects consumer rights.

In addition, environmental protection is another aspect that cannot be overlooked in LTL transportation processes. In response to the national call for energy conservation and emission reduction, many large logistics companies have begun trying to replace traditional fuel vehicles with new energy vehicles. According to the latest statistical data, by the end of 2025, more than 50,000 pure electric trucks had been put into actual operation nationwide. Meanwhile, various companies actively promote the application of green packaging materials, reducing the frequency of using single-use plastic products, striving to practice sustainable development concepts throughout the entire supply chain.

Finally, facing increasingly complex market environments, technological innovation has become one of the key forces driving continuous progress in the LTL transportation industry. By utilizing big data analysis platforms, companies can more precisely predict customer needs and optimize route planning; using Internet of Things technology makes the entire transportation process more transparent and intelligent. For example, SF Express Group launched a blockchain-based supply chain financial services solution, helping small and medium-sized enterprises solve financing problems while accumulating valuable data assets for itself.

In summary, domestic LTL transportation must strictly adhere to various rules and regulations and continuously improve service quality and technical levels if it wants to achieve long-term healthy development. Only then can it win customer trust and create greater social value. In the future, with the increasing popularity of 5G networks and the accelerated integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence into daily life, we have reason to believe that LTL transportation will usher in a brand-new golden age!