LTL vs FTL Freight Shipping

Top Insights

LTL (Less‑Than‑Truckload): Ships 150–15,000 lbs in shared trailers—you pay only for the space your freight occupies.
LTL Pros: More cost‑effective for smaller loads, reduces fuel emissions by consolidating shipments, and suits partial‑truck shipments.
LTL Cons: Increased handling raises damage risk, longer transit times from multiple stops/transfers, and potential extra fees for odd sizes.
FTL (Full Truckload): Uses an entire trailer for shipments over 15,000 lbs—direct pickup to delivery with no transfers.
FTL Pros: Faster delivery with direct routes, lower damage risk from single‑truck handling, and greater control over schedules.
FTL Cons: You pay for full trailer capacity even if under‑utilized, higher cost for small loads, and fewer consolidation options.
When to Choose: Opt for LTL to save on smaller, less‑urgent shipments; choose FTL for large, high‑value, or time‑sensitive loads.

A shipper calls you with a time-sensitive load that doesn’t quite fill a truck. They ask: “Should we go with LTL or book a full truckload freight for this shipment?”

As a freight broker, this is a common scenario, and your recommendation can impact cost, delivery timelines, and customer satisfaction. Knowing when to use LTL vs FTL shipping is key to running a successful brokerage.

This article will discuss their differences, benefits, and how to choose the right fit when moving freight.

What Is LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Shipping?

LTL shipping involves freight that doesn’t require an entire trailer. Multiple shippers share space on the same truck, with each paying only for the portion their cargo occupies. This makes LTL a cost-effective choice for smaller loads.

LTL is commonly used for shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds. To avoid mixing up separate shipments, each freight is properly packaged on pallets, shrink-wrapped, and labeled with a unique shipping label that includes the origin, final destination, and other details.

Pros of LTL shipping

You only pay for the space your freight occupies, which leads to higher cost savings.
It’s ideal for small to medium-sized shipments that don’t need a full truck.
LTL reduces fuel emissions by combining several shipments in one truck. This makes it an environmentally friendly option.

Cons of LTL shipping

LTL freight is handled more frequently, which increases the risk of damage.
Transit times are often longer due to multiple stops and transfers.
Limited space means larger or oddly shaped items may not be accepted without extra fees.

What Is FTL (Full Truckload) Shipping?

FTL is a shipping method where one shipper uses an entire truck to move their goods. The load fills most or all of the trailer, and the FTL carrier travels directly to the delivery location. There are no stops to pick up or drop off other cargo along the way.

FTL shipments are over 15,000 pounds. They take up full capacity or more than half the trailer space. This method is ideal for large, heavy, or high-value freight that needs to arrive quickly or without the risk of being mixed with other shipments.

Pros of FTL shipping

Faster delivery dates since the shipment moves directly to its destination.
Freight is not transferred between trucks, lowering the chance of damage or loss.
There’s better control over pickup and delivery schedules.

Cons of FTL shipping

You pay for the whole trailer space, even if your freight doesn’t fill it completely.
It’s generally more expensive than LTL for smaller shipments.
Fewer consolidation options mean less flexibility for partial loads.

LTL vs FTL Shipping: Key Differences

While both LTL and FTL move freight, their approaches differ significantly. The table below summarizes the key distinctions:

Category	LTL shipment	FTL shipment
Shipment size	150 – 15,000 lbs and doesn’t fill a full trailer	Large shipments of over 15,000 lbs fill most/all of the trailer
Trailer usage	Partial truckload shipping, where multiple businesses share trailer space	Reserved for one customer’s shipment
Transit time	Longer due to various stops and transfers	Faster, direct delivery with no extra stops
Cost	You pay only for the space used	You pay for the full trailer
Delivery control	Less control over delivery appointments	Greater control over pickup and delivery timing
Risk of damage	Higher due to frequent handling	Lower, since freight stays on the same truck
Environmental Impact	More fuel-efficient for small loads; shared route use	Less efficient unless fully loaded
Network Model	Hub and spoke with terminal cross-docks, breakbulk hubs, and linehaul between cities	Direct point-to-point on one truck with minimal handling
Pricing basis	NMFC and freight class 50-500 and weight dimensions	Per mile plus fuel surcharge
Service levels	Standard LTL or Guaranteed LTL for date‑certain delivery	Direct, multi‑stop, expedited or team service options
Tracking term	Tracks with a PRO number through terminal status events	Tracks by load or reference number on a direct route
Best for	Shippers with smaller or more frequent loads	Dedicated shipments or specialized freight

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FAQs

1. How is space divided in LTL shipping?

LTL carriers divide trailer space based on the size, weight, and number of pallets or crates being shipped. They use a freight classification system to determine pricing and space allocation.

Depending on the type of cargo and handling requirements, freight may be stacked, placed on pallets, or arranged side-by-side.

2. Can I mix LTL and FTL shipping?

Yes, depending on your shipping needs. Some shippers use a combination of LTL and FTL to balance cost and efficiency. For example, a furniture company might use LTL to ship a few chairs or tables to retail stores weekly while using FTL to move full truckloads of sofas or beds to a distribution center.

Mixing both allows businesses to reduce costs on smaller shipments while still meeting tight delivery deadlines for larger or high-demand items.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between LTL and FTL shipping is more than just picking a truck. It’s about delivering the right solution for each client’s needs.

As a freight broker, your ability to make that call confidently builds trust, improves service, and boosts your brokerage’s reputation.

Want to learn how to master decisions like this and run a successful freight brokerage? The 90-Day Freight Broker Course gives you the tools, templates, and real-world training to start and run a successful brokerage in only 3 months.

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