Understanding the Basics
When it comes to trucking freight in North America, two terms come up constantly: LTL (Less-than-Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload). These aren't just industry jargon — they represent fundamentally different approaches to moving goods, each with distinct cost structures, transit times, and use cases.
Choosing between them can have a meaningful impact on your freight spend and service quality. Here's what you need to know.
What Is LTL (Less-than-Truckload)?
LTL shipping is used when your shipment doesn't fill an entire trailer. Your freight is consolidated with goods from other shippers onto a single truck. You pay only for the space your freight occupies, sharing the overall cost of the truck with others.
Typical LTL shipment: 1–10 pallets, 150–15,000 lbs
Common use cases: Smaller businesses, B2B deliveries, restocking shipments, trade show freight
What Is FTL (Full Truckload)?
FTL means your freight exclusively occupies an entire trailer — whether or not it fills it completely. You pay for the dedicated use of the truck and its capacity. The driver typically goes directly from origin to destination without stops.
Typical FTL shipment: 10+ pallets or over 15,000 lbs (though shippers sometimes use FTL for smaller loads when speed or security matters)
Common use cases: Large manufacturers, retailers, time-sensitive or high-value cargo
LTL vs. FTL: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower for small loads | Lower per lb for large loads |
| Transit Time | Longer (multiple stops) | Faster (direct route) |
| Damage Risk | Higher (handling at terminals) | Lower (minimal handling) |
| Tracking | Good, but multi-leg | Excellent, single journey |
| Flexibility | High — ship any volume | Less flexible for small loads |
| Security | Moderate | High — no shared space |
When to Choose LTL
- Your shipment is under 10 pallets and doesn't fill a trailer
- Cost efficiency is the priority over speed
- You ship frequently in smaller quantities to multiple locations
- Your goods are not highly time-sensitive or fragile
When to Choose FTL
- You have 10 or more pallets, or a heavy/dense shipment
- Speed and reliability are critical (e.g., production line supply)
- You're shipping fragile, high-value, or temperature-sensitive goods
- Security concerns make shared trailer space unacceptable
- The freight cost for LTL approaches FTL pricing anyway
A Note on Volume LTL
There's a middle ground worth knowing about: Volume LTL (also called Partial Truckload). This applies when a shipment is too large for standard LTL pricing but doesn't justify a full dedicated truck. Carriers will quote volume rates for these loads, often yielding meaningful savings over standard LTL.
Making the Decision
The right mode depends on your specific load, lane, timeline, and budget. Many shippers benefit from a blended strategy — using LTL for routine restocking and FTL for large seasonal or time-sensitive moves. A Transportation Management System (TMS) can automatically compare rates and recommend the optimal mode for each shipment.