When dealing with bulk quantities, it's important to understand different lot sizes so you can bid and buy accordingly. (And avoid big surprises!)
Lots can be packaged up and shipped differently according to their category, size, or weight. You may even need special equipment to receive the shipment. In this post, we'll break down the different lot sizes you'll find across B-Stock storefronts and the unique terms you should be familiar with.
Common Lot Size Terms
There are several key listing terms and abbreviations that you will see repeatedly on the platform. Let's identify these:
* Trailer: Another way to refer to a truck, which is often used interchangeably.
* Freight: Goods transported in bulk
* Accessorial: Services performed above what is considered standard (e.g., liftgates, inside delivery, etc.) Lift gate: The device used to raise and lower items from ground level to the level of a tractor-trailer.
* Pallet: A flat transport structure. It is the structural foundation of a unit load, which allows for handling and storage efficiencies. There are multiple sizes for a pallet: single, oversized, double, and triple.
* Pallet spaces: How much space a pallet takes up in the bed of a truck. Pallet spaces are indicated on the Listings Details page. (e.g., "This lot will have 8 pallets across 16 pallet spaces.)
* LTL: Less-than-truckload (up to 12 pallets)
* FTL: Full truckload (24 pallets)
* Floor loaded: Inventory is not shipped on pallets but instead loaded directly onto the truck. Lift gates may not be used for unloading. (Generally applies to appliance deliveries.)
Below, we break down each lot size.
Individual Box
Individual boxes (or parcels) are used for small shipments and physically small items like jewelry, small electronics, or mobile phones. Depending on the listing and/or seller, these may be sent via UPS or FedEx as a standard parcel shipment.
Case Pack
This is the standard shipping practice used for mobile phones. A case pack is a box with individual slots for wrapped mobile phones. These boxes usually range in size from 30 to 50-unit case packs.
Pallet
There are two common ways in which goods are packed and palletized. Buyers tend to see both of the following in their shipment deliveries:
* Gaylord: One giant box that fits the dimensions of the pallet, allowing for the shipment of soft goods and products in a large, single container.
* 'Stacked and Wrapped': Hard goods and larger items like furniture, small appliances, sporting goods, or larger boxed items are assembled on the pallet and then wrapped.
'Stacked and Wrapped' Example: Items are stacked and fitted in a Tetris-like fashion and secured with giant plastic wrap before being loaded onto the truck.
Gaylord Example: Soft goods (items that won't break) are usually packaged up this way. This includes merchandise like apparel, bedding, and smaller, lighter items.
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
LTL shipments are made up of one to 10 or 12 pallets. It's important to note that LTLs only take up a portion of an entire trailer. Multiple shippers share space on the same truck, only paying for their portion.
LTL shipments require the use of a liftgate and pallet jack. During registration, you will be asked if your address is zoned for commercial or residential and if you are able to unload trucks at this location. Please select if you require a liftgate; otherwise, you may incur accessorial fees from the carrier and subsequent delays in receiving your order.
Check out our infographic How Shipping Works: LTLs for more information.
Full Truckload (FTL)
In a full truckload, the trailer is dedicated to one shipment only. The standard amount is usually 24 pallets. FTL shipments require access to a receiving dock. Generally, residential deliveries are prohibited.
Want to know more? Head to How Shipping Works: FTL.
Exploring Lot Sizes on B-Stock
Utilize filters on the All Listings Page to explore Transport Mode (Parcel, LTL, and Truckload) and Shipment Type (Standard/Binding, Buyer Arranged, Flat Rate, and Free). Learn more about B-Stock Shipping Methods here.
The manifest and listing details will also include shipment information like packaging type, number of pallet spaces, dimensions, and weight.
Listing Details: Shipment Information Example
Pro Tip: Use the manifest to calculate shipping costs so you know how much to bid or offer and still turn a profit.
Start Exploring Listings
Ready to start searching for inventory by your desired lot size? We have hundreds of listings available every day across dozens of categories and lot sizes. As always, if you have any shipping questions, feel free to contact us directly!