FTL vs LTL: Making the Right Choice for Your Freight

Published on June 17, 2025 by Ashley Jo

FTL vs LTL: Making the Right Choice for Your Freight

Choosing between Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is a fundamental decision in logistics. Each mode has its own advantages and is suited for different types of shipments. Understanding these differences can help you optimize costs and efficiency.

Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping

  • Definition: FTL shipping means your freight is the only cargo on a dedicated truck. The truck travels directly from your pickup location to the destination.
  • Best For:
    • Large shipments (typically over 15,000 lbs or 10+ pallets) that can fill or nearly fill an entire trailer.
    • High-value or fragile goods that require minimal handling.
    • Time-sensitive shipments that need faster, direct transit.
  • Advantages: Faster transit times, less handling (reduced risk of damage), dedicated capacity.
  • Disadvantages: Can be more expensive for smaller shipments.

Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping

  • Definition: LTL shipping involves consolidating freight from multiple shippers onto a single truck. The truck makes multiple stops for pickups and deliveries.
  • Best For:
    • Smaller shipments (typically under 15,000 lbs or less than 10 pallets) that don't require a full truck.
    • Shipments that are not extremely time-sensitive.
  • Advantages: More cost-effective for smaller loads as you only pay for the space you use.
  • Disadvantages: Longer transit times due to multiple stops, more handling (increased risk of damage), freight class complexities.

Key Factors to Consider:

  1. Shipment Size and Weight: This is often the primary determinant.
  2. Urgency: FTL is generally faster.
  3. Freight Value and Fragility: FTL offers less handling.
  4. Budget: LTL can be cheaper for smaller loads, but FTL can be more economical for large ones.
  5. Destination: Some remote locations might be better served by one mode over the other.

At ShippingFTL.com, while we specialize in FTL, we can also guide you if LTL seems like a better fit or connect you with LTL partners. Our goal is to ensure your freight moves in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.