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LTL vs Full Truck Load: How to Choose the Best Option

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Trying to decide between LTL vs Full Truck Load for your shipments?

LTL, or Less Than Truckload shipping, is designed for smaller shipments that do not require the entire space of a truck. On the other hand, FTL, or Full Truckload shipping, is used for larger shipments that fill an entire truck.

Choosing the right option can significantly impact your shipping costs, speed, and overall efficiency.

This guide will break down the differences, helping you choose the best freight option for your business.

Key Takeaways

  • LTL shipping is designed for smaller shipments, while FTL shipping is used for larger shipments, optimizing cost and efficiency based on shipment size.

  • LTL offers cost savings by sharing truck space among multiple shippers, whereas FTL provides faster delivery with a direct route and reduced handling risks.

  • Choosing the appropriate shipping method involves considering factors such as shipment size, urgency, and specific cargo needs, with 3PLs offering valuable expertise and competitive rates.

What is LTL Shipping?

LTL, or Less Than Truckload shipping, is designed for smaller shipments that do not require the entire space of a truck. It combines multiple smaller shipments into one trailer, often from multiple shippers, to reduce the overall shipping costs for each shipment.

LTL shipping is primarily used for shipments less than 10,000 pounds, making it ideal for smaller commercial deliveries or direct distribution. It allows you to move smaller quantities of goods more efficiently and cost-effectively, offering added flexibility because you don’t need to fill an entire truckload to ship parcels and freight packages.

What is Full Truckload Shipping?

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping refers to shipping that fills an entire truck’s trailer. This method is used for freight shipping and larger shipments that can utilize the entire truck capacity for one shipper instead of sharing space with others.

FTL shipments typically consist of more than 10 pallets and can carry loads up to 44,000 pounds, with a maximum legal weight limit of 80,000 lbs. It’s ideal for large freight shipments with sensitive handling requirements or strict delivery times because there are no additional stops or transfers required for other shippers’ deliveries. Shipments simply go from point A to point B with minimal handling.

What’s the Difference Between LTL vs Full Truck Load Shipping?

Knowing the difference between LTL and FTL shipping, especially in terms of cost and delivery times, can significantly impact your business’s logistics strategy. You must be sure you’re choosing the right shipping method based on your specific needs, taking into account each method’s pros and cons.

Here’s a comparison on some of the most important criteria for shipping.

Load Size and Weight Limits

LTL shipments usually range from one to six pallets and weigh up to 15,000 pounds, so it’s best reserved for smaller loads that do not require the full capacity of a truck.

FTL, on the other hand, can transport a freight shipment of up to 44,000 pounds by filling the entire trailer. It’s ideal for larger shipments, often consisting of more than 10 pallets.

Transit Times and Delivery Speed

LTL shipments often experience longer transit times due to shipment consolidation time and multiple stops for various deliveries along the way. These additional steps can also lead to longer or less reliable delivery times due to shipments being transferred between multiple trucks.

In contrast, FTL freight shipping typically offers faster delivery times and more predictable delivery dates because it utilizes a direct service model, minimizing interruptions for time-sensitive shipments.

Handling and Risk of Damage

LTL shipping requires more handling than FTL due to the necessity of transferring cargo at various terminals. This increased handling can lead to higher risks of damage and theft, making FTL a safer option for fragile or high-value shipments.

Shipping Costs

Less-than-truckload shipping is generally the more cost-effective option when it comes to shipments smaller than a full truckload. When you and other shippers share a trailer, you split the full cost of transport based on the space your shipment occupies instead of paying the full price. In some cases, larger shipments can be spread amongst multiple LTL carriers, but it’s not the most cost-effective strategy.

Full truckload shipping becomes the more cost-effective option when your shipment exceeds the available space in shared truckloads. With a single destination and no additional stops, the logistics behind FTL shipping are easier and less costly for carriers, helping you save money over splitting the shipment between LTL carriers.

How to Find the Right Shipping Method for Your Business

A graphic showing different shipping methods suitable for businesses.

The right shipping method for your business will depend on your needs, priorities, and flexibility. If you don’t make the right choice, it’ll cut into your bottom line and greatly increase shipping costs.

Here’s what you need to consider before choosing LTL vs FTL shipping:

  • Shipment Size: Large shipments, especially those nearing pallets or 40,000+ pounds are often better suited for FTL shipping. Using LTL for smaller shipments is more cost-effective.

  • Shipment Frequency: If you’re shipping large quantities consistently, it makes more sense to consolidate them into a single truckload to save time and money. Infrequent shipments work better with the flexibility of LTL shipping, allowing you to reserve space when needed.

  • Handling Requirements: With fewer stops and less handling, FTL shipping is best for fragile and sensitive shipments. Less than truckload shipments may require additional consolidation or handling during each stop, increasing the chances of damages.

  • Shipping Speed: If you have specific delivery windows, full truckload shipments will arrive faster and more reliably on time due to fewer stops and simpler routes than shared truckloads.

Together, all of these factors will determine whether it’s better to choose LTL or FTL as your shipping method, both for cost efficiency and performance.

The Benefits of a Third-Party Logistics Provider for LTL and FTL Shipping

Partnering with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) can help you choose the right strategy, improve performance, and reduce costs. With their specialized knowledge, resources, and tools, they can:

  • Help find and organize LTL shipment opportunities

  • Secure favorable rates

  • Ensure shipments remain on schedule

  • Monitor shipments with real-time tracking

  • Identify logistics improvements to lower costs

With the help of supply chain experts like Zero Down, you can improve all aspects of your shipping process and choose the right shipping method for your business.

Optimize Your Shipping with FTL or LTL Shipping

If you want to maximize your cost savings and shipping performance, it’s essential to under the differences between LTL and FTL shipping.

LTL shipping is ideal for smaller, less urgent shipments, offering cost savings through shared truck space. Conversely, FTL shipping is perfect for larger, time-sensitive shipments, providing faster delivery times and reduced handling risks.

When making your choice, consider shipment size, frequency, special requirements, and cost versus speed trade-offs. You should also consider partnering with third-party logistics providers to improve your efficiency even further.

If you’re not sure what to choose, we can help. Get in touch with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does LTL shipping generally compare in cost to other shipping methods?

LTL shipping is generally more economical than other shipping methods, offering a cost-effective solution for transporting smaller freight volumes.

What is a disadvantage of LTL shipping?

A disadvantage of LTL freight shipping is that it typically involves longer transit times and shipping delays, resulting in less control over the items compared to TL shipping.

What is FTL shipping best reserved for?

FTL shipping is best reserved for large, heavy, or bulky shipments that cannot be efficiently combined with other items.

What is the weight limit for LTL shipments?

The weight limit for LTL shipments typically stands at 15,000 pounds or less, ensuring efficient handling and transportation of goods.

What advantage does full truckload shipping offer for fragile items?

Truckload shipping offers superior control for fragile items, ensuring they receive the special attention necessary to prevent damage during transit.

 

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Author: Brad McBride

Brad McBride, CEO and Founder of Zero Down Supply Chain Solutions is a dynamic leader with over 30 years of experience in the supply chain sector. His journey began at Consolidated Freightways in 1988, where he mastered freight logistics and pricing. His career led him to Eagle Global Logistics, diving into international freight forwarding and leading high-volume shipping projects.

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