FTL vs LTL

What Is the Difference Between FTL and LTL?

FTL (Full Truckload) means a shipment uses an entire truck exclusively. LTL (Less Than Truckload) means a shipment shares truck space with other shippers' freight, with each shipper paying only for the space and weight they use.

How Each Method Works

FTL shipments move directly from origin to destination without additional stops. LTL shipments are consolidated with other freight at a terminal, and the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver different shippers' goods along a route, which adds transit time but reduces cost for smaller loads.

When to Choose FTL vs. LTL

• FTL: shipments large enough to fill (or nearly fill) a trailer, time-sensitive freight, high-value goods where minimizing handling matters
• LTL: smaller shipments that don't justify a full trailer, less time-sensitive freight

Why This Choice Matters

Choosing LTL for a shipment that's actually large enough for FTL rates can mean overpaying and adding unnecessary transit time, while choosing FTL for a small shipment wastes truck capacity and money. Getting this right for each shipment size is a basic but consistent lever for freight cost control.