LTL-ly Speaking, Is FTL the Better Freight Fit?

Choosing the right delivery method matters 🫡

Greetings, Vendorville 👋

When it comes to getting your products on Walmart's shelves, understanding the difference between LTL and FTL shipping isn’t just logistics—it’s a strategic advantage.

LTL Shipping 🚗

Think of LTL shipping like carpooling. Your shipment shares the ride with packages from other suppliers, which helps cut the cost. It’s economical but does come with a few detours. Multiple products from different suppliers mean your package might take the scenic route, adding a little bit more length to the trip. With a few pit stops along the way, there's a higher chance of minor hiccups—think dings or delays.

Walmart’s vendor pooling kicks that carpool up a notch by converting regular LTL shipments to FTL shipments. By grouping shipments from various suppliers heading to the same place, Walmart makes LTL smoother and more efficient. This means saving money and increasing the chances your products arrive in top condition.

On the other hand, if LTL is the carpool, FTL is like taking the express lane directly to the destination. Your products get top tier treatment, having the whole truck to themselves—no sharing, no stops, just straight to the destination. This may be a little bit more pricey but it is considered a more premium option, as it ensures that your shipment arrives faster, safer, and exactly when the retailer expects it. 💅

Walmart’s Must Arrive By Date (MABD) policy makes FTL a strong choice, especially for important items. When Walmart needs your goods by a specific date, FTL is the best way to ensure you meet those deadlines and stay in Walmart’s good graces.

Package Ordered

✨How To Meet Delivery Appointments ✨ Learn about Walmart's MABD, Process, Walmart's Delivery Windows, Delivery Windows by Mode and Network, and how to meet those delivery appointments! 😉

Why It Matters for Suppliers 🛒

Here’s the kicker: Walmart has high performance expectations when it comes to On Time and In Full deliveries. Whether you’re sending a full truckload or sharing space, precision is key. Late deliveries, damaged goods, or incomplete shipments can lead to penalties and nobody wants that.

Not to worry! You can stay on track with this Basics of Supply Chain Logistics eBook! Gain valuable insights into various shipping methods, master the art of documentation for smoother logistics, and decode industry terminology to make informed shipping decisions!

Deciding What’s Right for You 🤔

So, what’s your move? If you are aiming to be more cost-effective, your shipments are on the lighter side and you’re okay with sharing the ride, LTL—especially with Walmart’s vendor pooling—might be your best bet. But if speed, safety, and meeting Walmart’s strict timelines are your top priorities, FTL could be worth the extra investment.

At the end of the day, your shipping strategy should align with your business needs and how you aim to meet Walmart’s expectations. Now that you’re in the know, you can choose the best path to keep those shelves stocked and customers happy. 🫶

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Rick’s Tips 💘

Rick understands that being a Walmart supplier isn’t always easy. Finding the right help at the right time can be a game-changer. That’s why our trusty mascot has outlined two essential ways to ensure you get the support you need, when you need it.

“One way to find the help you need is through the ticketing system provided by Walmart's support team. This system offers a variety of categories to assist you with specific issues, making it a versatile way to get support. Another way to find help is by utilizing Walmart's Supplier Help Portal. To receive assistance you will need to log in to your Retail Link account where you can find help for categories like EDI, Item Setup, Payments, Retail Link, and Returns.”

Package Delivered 📦
Receive the full package on Supplier Help when you open,✨ Walmart Supplier Help: Who Should I Reach Out To?✨Whether you need to resolve issues with Retail Link, understand your OTIF performance, or get assistance with Walmart Luminate, this guide provides you with the tools and contacts you need to quickly address your concerns.

Let's Circle Back ⭕

In this circle back edition, we are embracing ✨LTL Shipping ✨, and with limited space, we can only send 2 special packages to our beloved Vendorvillians. But here's the twist—you get to choose which ones!

Let the debates begin! 😏 Which two would make your Vendorville life a breeze?

❤️ Until next week, Your Friends in Vendorville

SupplierWiki