Overview
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) events let you run RFPs for LTL freight directly in Emerge — collecting tariff- or class-based rates from your carrier network, without forcing your bid into a standard truckload template.
Unlike Full Truckload (FTL) templates, which come with a fixed, bundled set of fields, LTL templates are fully flexible. You choose exactly which fields to collect, and you define your own rate types (e.g., tariff discount percentage) instead of relying on Emerge's default truckload rate types.
Pro feature. LTL event support is available to Pro Shippers with LTL access enabled. If you don't see LTL as a mode option when creating a template, contact your Customer Success Manager to request access — this is enabled per account and isn't automatically turned on for all Pro shippers.
How LTL Events Differ from a Standard RFP Event
| Standard FTL Event | LTL Event |
Template fields | Bundled, fixed set | Fully customizable — you build the template field by field |
Rate types | Line haul / all-in (fixed) | Custom (e.g., tariff discount %, cost per hundredweight) |
Volume commitment | Typically required | Optional — you can publish primary or backup awards with zero awarded volume |
Default invitees | Emerge brokerage + Premier Carriers | Not invited by default — you control the participant list directly |
Optimization | Available by default | Only available if your template includes a volume field and you collect volume from participants |
Address type | Standard origin/destination | You can flag residential addresses as a custom field if relevant to your accessorials |
⚠️ Important: If you remove the volume field from your template to simplify it, you'll lose access to automated optimization. You can still run manual allocations and publish awards using the bid rank column in your event results — you just won't get an auto-generated lowest-cost scenario.
Step-by-Step: Build Your LTL Lane Template
Step 1 — Start a new template and select LTL
Go to Template Configuration and choose LTL as your mode type.
Step 2 — Define your origin and destination
At minimum, you need an origin and destination field (city/state or zip). If residential delivery matters for your accessorials, add a custom field to flag it.
Step 3 — Set your rate response type
Choose from Emerge's defaults (line haul, all-in) or select Other to create a custom type — e.g., "Tariff Discount %" or "Cost per Hundredweight." Add a description so carriers know exactly what to submit.
Step 4 — Customize your lane fields
Your base template includes lane name, origin, destination, estimated volume, and volume frequency. From here:
Search Emerge default fields first for consistency and easier reporting
Use Add Custom Field for anything not covered — for LTL, this often includes freight class or residential flag
If a field is required for a feature you want (optimization, hidden lanes, incumbency), Emerge will flag that when you try to remove it
Step 5 — Configure your participant response fields
Add the fields you want carriers to bid on — for example, tariff discount percentage, minimum rate, and accessorial charges.
Step 6 — Set up your cost formula
Emerge auto-populates your primary rate field as the cost formula. Edit it to add accessorials, minimum rates, or conditional logic as needed.
Step-by-Step: Create and Publish Your LTL Event
Step 1 — Start a new event and select your LTL template
Step 2 — Upload your lanes
Use the lane template you built above to upload your lane data (Excel upload, same as a standard event).
Step 3 — Invite your participants
Remember: Emerge brokerage and Premier Carriers are not invited by default to LTL events. Build your participant list manually.
Step 4 — Publish your bid
Review and publish. Once bidding opens, participants will see only the fields you configured.
Awarding Without Volume
If your template doesn't include volume, you won't be able to generate an automated lowest-cost scenario — but you can still allocate manually (or via upload) and publish primary or backup awards, even at zero awarded volume. Carriers can still accept their award, and you'll have your rates on file.
Need Help?
Chat with us: Click the chat bubble in the bottom right of your screen
Contact support: Reach out to your Application Support Team for technical issues, or your Customer Success Manager for strategy or access questions