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Advice and Answers from the ShipMaestro Team

Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL)

Full TruckLoad (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) are two primary methods used for transporting goods via road freight. Here's a brief overview of each:

Full Truck Load (FTL) Shipping:

Definition: FTL shipping involves the transportation of goods that fill an entire truck. The entire truck space is dedicated to a single customer's freight, whether it's a large shipment or a partial load.

When to Choose FTL:

  1. Large Shipments: FTL is ideal for businesses with large volumes of goods that require the entire capacity of a truck.
  2. Time Sensitivity: FTL shipments typically have shorter transit times compared to LTL shipments since they do not involve stops for consolidation or deconsolidation.
  3. Reduced Handling: FTL shipments involve less handling as goods are loaded at the origin and unloaded at the destination without intermediate stops.

Less Than Truck Load (LTL) Shipping:

Definition: LTL shipping involves the transportation of goods that do not require the entire capacity of a truck. Multiple shipments from different customers are consolidated onto a single truck, allowing each shipper to pay only for the space their goods occupy.

When to Choose LTL:

  1. Smaller Shipments: LTL is suitable for businesses with smaller volumes of goods that do not fill an entire truck. Shippers can share truck space and split the cost with other shippers.
  2. Cost-Efficiency: LTL shipping is cost-effective for shipments that do not warrant the expense of hiring an entire truck. Shippers pay only for the space they use, making it a cost-efficient option for smaller loads.
  3. Flexible Delivery: LTL carriers often offer flexible pickup and delivery options, making it convenient for businesses with varying shipping needs.

Choosing Between FTL and LTL:

When deciding between FTL and LTL shipping, businesses should consider factors such as the size and weight of their shipments, budget constraints, delivery timelines, and the level of handling their goods can withstand. FTL shipping is suitable for large, time-sensitive shipments, while LTL shipping offers a more economical solution for smaller shipments or shipments with flexible delivery requirements.