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What's the Difference Between LTL and Full Truckload Freight?
If you have shipments of 12 feet or less in your network, using less than truckload (LTL) could be a great way to reduce costs while improving efficiency. If you have some experience shipping full truckload (FTL) freight but are relatively new to LTL, it’s important to first understand a few key differences between the two modes.
What is Full Truckload (FTL or TL)?
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Multiple shippers’ freight moves together on the same trailer.
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Ideal for shipments ranging from one to 6 pallets (or less than 12 feet).
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Shipments over six pallets are typically a candidate for volume LTL or partial truckload shipping.
What is Less Than Truckload (LTL)
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Most common equipment is a class 8 tractor with a 53’ dry van or refrigerated trailer.
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Only one shipper’s freight moves on the truck.
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Shipper does not necessarily fill the entire truck but has exclusively reserved the full capacity of the truck.
When should I use LTL? When should I use Full Truckload?
Full-Truckload
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You are shipping over twelve pallets at one time.
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Your product is extremely fragile or delicate.
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You require firm pick-up and delivery appointments.
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Delivery date is extremely time-sensitive.
Similarities Between Full Truckload and LTL
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Both move freight primarily over the road, though some LTL carriers will utilize intermodal rail shipping.
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Both utilize class 8 tractors (semi-trucks).
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Both require professional drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
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Both modes primarily ship palletized freight.
Differences Between Full Truckload and LTL
LTL’s core value is cost savings. If you’re only shipping a few pallets, it’s usually cheaper to use LTL instead of paying for a full truck. To support their economical pricing strategies, LTL carriers need to maintain optimal efficiency at all times—long delays, empty miles, non-standard services and underutilized trailer space have a disproportionate impact relative to their full truckload peers, creating some key differences between the two modes.
Increased Freight Handling
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Full Truckload: The shipper loads product at origin, pops a seal on the trailer and the driver takes the product straight to the destination for delivery.
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LTL: Throughout the course of any LTL shipment, you can expect your product to be loaded and unloaded in-and-out of trailers and warehouses several times before it reaches the final destination. Though an overwhelming majority of LTL shipments are delivered in perfect condition, the increased handling means greater exposure to potential product damage compared to truckload. It’s important to properly package and protect your product for LTL shipping.