Long-Distance Less-Than-Truckload Freight Rates

Long-distance less-than-truckload LTL transportation prices are an important component of the logistics industry, directly impacting the cost of goods from origin to destination and the efficiency of the entire supply chain. With the booming development of e-commerce and the growing demand for fast delivery from consumers, the LTL transport market is also facing new challenges and opportunities.

In recent years, China's logistics industry has undergone significant changes and development. According to relevant data, in the first half of 2025, the total social logistics volume nationwide reached 150 trillion RMB, increasing by about 6% year-on-year. Among them, road freight accounts for the largest proportion of total logistics volume, and as one of the important forms of road freight, the demand for LTL transport is also continuously growing.

Less-than-truckload transport refers to the method of consolidating goods from multiple customers onto a single truck for delivery. This approach offers greater flexibility compared to full truckload transport, catering to different customer needs regarding transport scale. However, due to issues such as the integration of goods from multiple customers, loading and unloading, and route planning, cost control in LTL transport is particularly crucial.

There are many factors that influence long-distance LTL transportation prices. First, fuel prices are a key variable. In recent years, international oil prices have fluctuated frequently, leading to adjustments in domestic refined oil prices. For instance, at the beginning of 2025, influenced by global economic recovery, international crude oil prices rose, resulting in an increase in domestic diesel retail prices, which directly increased the operating costs of logistics companies.

Secondly, labor costs cannot be overlooked. As urbanization accelerates, changes occur in the labor market supply-demand relationship, leading to an increase in the salary levels of professionals such as drivers. To ensure service quality, logistics companies often need to offer better welfare benefits to attract talent, further driving up costs.

Additionally, infrastructure conditions also affect LTL transport prices. The degree of perfection of the highway network, the number and maintenance status of bridges and tunnels all impact vehicle passage speed. If a route has many obstacles or sections under repair, it may lead to extended transportation times, thereby adding extra costs.

Furthermore, the competitive landscape in the market plays a crucial role in pricing strategies. Currently, the market includes large state-owned enterprises like China Railway Express and SF Express, as well as numerous small and medium-sized private enterprises participating in competition. Each company adopts differentiated strategies based on its own resource endowments. Some focus on deepening their operations in specific regional markets, while others aim to build national platforms. This diverse range of business models makes market prices complex and ever-changing.

It is worth noting that technological innovation is becoming an important force driving industry transformation. The application of Internet of Things IoT technology enables real-time monitoring of cargo status; big data analysis helps optimize scheduling plans and improve efficiency; and the research and development of new energy vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions. These new technologies not only enhance service quality but may also bring more reasonable pricing standards in the future.

In summary, long-distance LTL transportation prices result from the combined effects of various factors. In the future, with technological progress and changes in the socio-economic environment, this field will continue to evolve. For practitioners, balancing cost control with customer needs will remain a long-term challenge. At the same time, relevant departments need to strengthen regulatory efforts to ensure stable and healthy market order, thereby better serving the overall development of the national economy.