What is LTL freight?
LTL combines shipments from several customers on one trailer. Freight usually passes through carrier terminals, where it is unloaded, sorted, and reloaded. Pricing is based on weight, dimensions, distance, and often a freight class, plus accessorial charges such as liftgate, residential delivery, or appointments.
What is FTL freight?
FTL gives you a dedicated truck from pickup to delivery. The cargo is loaded once and unloaded once, and pricing is normally a flat rate per trip or per mile, regardless of how full the trailer is.
What is partial truckload?
Partial truckload, sometimes called volume LTL, sits between the two. Your freight shares a trailer with few other loads and usually goes direct or through fewer stops. As a rule of thumb, LTL covers about one to six pallets, partial truckload about six to twelve, and FTL beyond that. Carriers differ, so treat these as guides.
LTL vs FTL: comparison
| LTL | FTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small loads | Large loads |
| Pricing | Weight, class, distance | Flat rate per trip or mile |
| Handling | Several touches at terminals | Loaded once, unloaded once |
| Transit time | Longer and less predictable | Faster and more direct |
| Damage risk | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | Fixed network schedules | Custom pickup and delivery times |
How do you find the LTL vs FTL break-even point?
Break-even pallets = FTL price ÷ LTL price per pallet. In this illustrative example, LTL costs $180 per pallet and a full truck on the same lane costs $1,800. Break-even is 1,800 ÷ 180 = 10 pallets.
| Pallets | LTL cost | FTL cost | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | $1,080 | $1,800 | LTL |
| 10 | $1,800 | $1,800 | Break-even |
| 12 | $2,160 | $1,800 | FTL |
| 20 | $3,600 | $1,800 | FTL ($90 per pallet) |
LTL carriers often discount larger shipments, so the real crossover may be higher. Get quotes for LTL, partial truckload, and FTL on the same lane before deciding.
What accessorial charges can raise LTL costs?
- Liftgate service for sites without a dock.
- Residential or limited-access delivery.
- Inside delivery or delivery appointments.
- Reweigh and reclassification fees when declared details are wrong.
- Detention if the driver waits too long to load or unload.
Give accurate weights, dimensions, and freight class when booking. Incorrect details are a common reason final invoices exceed quotes.
What matters besides price?
- Damage and theft risk: fewer touches with FTL means fewer chances for damage.
- Transit predictability: dedicated trucks follow your schedule, not a terminal network.
- Cargo type: fragile, high-value, or temperature-sensitive freight often suits FTL.
- Access: LTL to residential or limited-access sites can trigger extra fees.
How can you lower LTL costs?
- Consolidate several small shipments into one larger one.
- Use accurate weights, dimensions, and freight class.
- Package freight on sturdy, stackable pallets.
- Avoid accessorials by confirming site access in advance.
- Compare several carriers and negotiate contract rates.
How do you decide?
- Measure pallet count, total weight, and dimensions.
- Get LTL, partial, and FTL quotes for the same lane.
- Compare all-in cost, including accessorial charges.
- Weigh transit time and damage risk against the price gap.
- Recheck the decision as your volume grows.
Key takeaway: Choose LTL for small loads, FTL when volume passes your break-even point or when speed and handling risk matter more than price.
FAQ
What is freight class? A classification based on density, handling, stowability, and liability that many LTL carriers use to price freight, notably in North America.
What is the difference between LTL and parcel? Parcel services handle small packages, typically up to about 68 kg (150 lb). LTL is for palletised freight.
How many pallets fit on a full truck? Around 26 standard pallets in a 53-foot US trailer, or about 33 Euro pallets in a standard 13.6 m European trailer.
Is FTL always faster than LTL? Usually, because the truck goes straight to the destination. Actual speed still depends on distance, driver hours, and traffic.
Do I need a pallet for LTL? Usually yes. Palletised, shrink-wrapped freight is easier to handle and less likely to be damaged or delayed at terminals.
Can a 3PL consolidate LTL shipments into FTL? Yes. Many 3PLs combine shipments from several orders or customers to fill a truck and lower cost per pallet.
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