What Is the Difference Between FTL and LTL?

Tags: Business Guides

In general, LTL (less than truckload) freight is lighter or in a smaller quantity and thus requires less space in the truck. 

In contrast, FTL (full truckload) freight is larger and fills the truck.

Budget, type of shipment, speed, efficiency—these are all important factors when choosing between LTL and FTL freight shipping. You’re in the right place if you’re trying to select between LTL or FTL freight shipping.

LTL vs. FTL Freight

When businesses have freight to ship, they work with logistics companies to coordinate the best shipping options. Businesses typically use either for-hire trucking or in-house trucking. Within for-hire trucking segments, the most common freight movement is LTL.

What Does LTL Freight Mean?

When businesses have smaller shipments that don’t fill a full-size truck, they often turn to LTL trucking. These less-than-truckload shipments are generally between 150 and 15,000 pounds—or up to 12 pallets. 

LTL consolidates multiple smaller shipments in the same truck headed to a specific geographic region or at least along the route to a destination. Consolidating shipments increases efficiency and reduces costs compared to hiring an entire truck for a partial load.

LTL shipping uses an intricate system of consolidation centers, satellite terminals, delivery vehicles, dock workers, and drivers. Local, regional, and national LTL firms coordinate logistics to help ship cargo more efficiently.

Benefits of LTL shipping

1. Cost Efficiency: Since multiple shipments share the same truck, businesses only pay for the space they use.

2. Environmental Impact: Fewer trucks on the road mean reduced carbon emissions, making LTL a greener option than using smaller trucks or a full truck for a partial shipment.

3. Flexibility: LTL carriers offer flexible scheduling and frequent pickups for various shipping needs.

Disadvantages of LTL

1. Longer Transit Times: Because LTL shipments are consolidated, delivery might take longer than direct handling.

2. Increased Handling: More handling at consolidation points can increase the risk of damage to goods.

3. Complex Tracking: Multiple transfers and stops can complicate tracking shipments.

What Does FTL Freight Mean?

Businesses use FTL trucking when they have large shipments that can fill an entire truck. FTL stands for full truckload, meaning the shipment takes up an entire truck. FTL shipments usually head directly from the pickup point to their destination without any intermediate stops. 

Benefits of FTL Shipping

1. Overall Cost: Although FTL can be more expensive up front, it’s generally the most cost-effective shipping solution, with a full truck resulting in lower fuel and handling costs per unit shipped.

2. Less Handling in FTL: With FTL, goods are loaded once and remain on the same truck until they reach their destination. With less handling, damage risks decrease.

3. Accurate Delivery Dates: FTL shipments are typically faster and have more reliable delivery times since there are no additional stops or transfers.

Disadvantages of FTL

1. Less Flexibility: FTL requires a full load, which either results in a business waiting until they have enough volume for a complete shipment or choosing another shipping method (like LTL), which would inevitably carry a higher cost per unit shipped.

2. Limited Availability: FTL services might be less available in remote or less busy regions, leading to potential delays.

LTL vs. FTL for Small Businesses

LTL shipping often suits small businesses better than FTL because it is flexible for smaller loads and has wider availability. Without paying for a full-size trailer, businesses can still ship what they need, and LTL’s consolidation saves time and money overall.

Here are three tips for using LTL as a small business:

1. Ensure Shipment Tracking

Ensure that the carrier has a method of tracking shipments. With increased handling and various trucks and carriers potentially involved, you need to know where your shipment is at all times. You may have to invest more money in a reputable carrier that provides real-time tracking, but the security and peace of mind are worth having.

2. Package Shipments Properly

You’ll want to check with the carrier to ensure you meet the packaging requirements and avoid additional charges. Many carriers require pallets, so you must determine whether you can realistically pack pallets before shipping LTL. The proper packing and materials go a long way in protecting your precious cargo—especially with extra handling and transfers likely involved.

3. Confirm Package Dimensions

Carriers often plan their truckloads based on shipment measurements. While weight obviously matters, precise dimensions are equally important to ensure enough trailer space and to receive the most accurate quote possible.

Trailer Sizes and Configurations for LTL vs. FTL

While the shipments within the truck may differ, the actual commercial trailer size for LTL and FTL shipments is typically the same: 8.5 feet wide by 53 feet long. The legal height for most trailers is 13.5 feet. 

Dry van and flatbed trailers are commonly used for LTL and FTL, although step deck trailers are also possible, depending on the freight. Curtainside dry vans are a good fit for LTL freight since they can be unloaded from the side, avoiding potential complications of loading pallets in a last-in, first-out order. Other possible configurations include flatbeds with a Conestoga system (a rolling tarp-on-frame system) and moving floor trailers.

Trailers for LTL and FTL at Hale

Whether your cargo requires FTL or LTL shipping, Hale Trailer carries a wide selection of trailers for rent and trailers for sale across our many locations. If you’re a shipper looking to expand your LTL or FTL capabilities, we’ve got solutions for you. If you’re a business looking to get into managing your own logistics, we also have solutions for you.

Contact one of our trailer rental and sales reps today to learn how Hale can help you fulfill your shipping needs.