FTL vs LTL Shipping: Key Differences Every Shipper Should Know

FTL vs LTL shipping is a critical concept that businesses need to understand when it comes to controlling freight expenses, delivery time, and cargo risk. Although both methods transport goods effectively along regional and national lanes, the distinction between LTL and FTL is in the size, cost, handling, and transportation of shipments.

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Making a bad decision can result in unwarranted delays, increased risk of damage, or unnecessary expenses. To shippers who engage the services of a logistics company such as ULS Freight, the choice of FTL vs LTL freight is a tactical decision that directly affects the performance of the supply chain.

What Is FTL vs LTL Shipping?

At its core, FTL vs LTL refers to how much space your shipment occupies in a truck and how that space is allocated.

Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping dedicates an entire trailer to a single customer. Even if the trailer is not fully loaded, the shipment moves as one unit from origin to destination. This makes FTL vs LTL trucking a critical comparison for businesses shipping time-sensitive or high-value freight.

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping consolidates smaller shipments from multiple customers into one trailer. This shared model allows businesses with smaller loads to reduce transportation costs, but it introduces additional handling and transit steps.

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Understanding what is LTL vs FTL is the foundation for making informed shipping decisions.

FTL vs LTL Freight: Shipment Size and Capacity Use

One of the most important FTL vs LTL comparison points is shipment size.

FTL Is Best Suited For:

• Large or heavy freight

• High-volume palletized shipments

• Loads exceeding 10–12 pallets

• Shipments that occupy a significant portion of a 53-foot trailer

LTL Is Designed For:

• Smaller shipments

• Loads typically ranging from 1–6 pallets

• Freight that does not justify a full trailer

When comparing LTL vs FTL freight, businesses must consider not only pallet count but also weight distribution, stackability, and dock efficiency.

Cost Structure: LTL vs FTL Shipping

Cost is often the first factor businesses evaluate when comparing FTL vs LTL shipping, but pricing works very differently for each.

FTL vs LTL Freight Pricing Breakdown

FTL Pricing:

• Charged per mile or as a flat rate

• Cost applies to the entire trailer

• Predictable pricing for repeat lanes

LTL Pricing:

• Based on weight, space, freight class, and distance

• Shared cost across multiple shippers

• Lower upfront cost for small shipments

While LTL is often seen as more economical, accessorial charges, reclassification fees, and terminal handling can increase total cost. This is why many businesses reassess which is better LTL or FTL as their shipment volume grows.

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Speed and Transit Time: FTL vs LTL Trucking

Speed is where the difference between LTL and FTL becomes operationally significant.

Why FTL Shipping Is Faster:

• Freight moves directly from pickup to delivery

• No intermediate terminals or consolidation stops

• Fewer scheduling variables

Why LTL Shipping Is Slower:

• Freight passes through multiple hubs

• Shipments are consolidated and deconsolidated

• Delays at one terminal can affect delivery timelines

For businesses shipping urgent or time-sensitive goods, FTL vs LTL trucking often favors FTL due to predictable transit schedules.

Handling, Risk, and Cargo Security

Handling frequency is a major differentiator in LTL freight vs FTL decisions.

FTL Shipments:

• Are loaded once and unloaded once

• Experience minimal touchpoints

• Carry lower risk of damage or loss

LTL Shipments:

• Are handled multiple times

• Move through sorting terminals

• Have higher exposure to damage or misrouting

This makes FTL vs LTL freight a critical decision for fragile, high-value, or regulated goods.

Equipment and Trailer Usage

Equipment selection further defines FTL vs LTL shipping.

FTL Typically Uses:

• 53-foot dry vans or specialized trailers

• Dedicated equipment for one customer

• Consistent loading configurations

LTL May Use:

• Various trailer sizes

• City pickups and linehaul transfers

• Multiple vehicle types during transit

These differences affect not only transit time but also load stability and freight integrity.

When to Use LTL vs FTL Shipping

Knowing when to use LTL vs FTL helps businesses align shipping mode with operational priorities.

Use FTL For:

• Urgent deliveries

• High-value or fragile freight

• Large palletized shipments (10+ pallets)

• Direct-to-customer or distribution center moves

Use LTL For:

• Smaller shipments

• Non-urgent freight

• Cost-sensitive deliveries

• Infrequent or irregular shipping needs

A balanced strategy often involves using both modes depending on shipment profile.

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LTL vs FTL Freight in Supply Chain Planning

From a planning perspective, FTL vs LTL comparison impacts inventory flow, dock scheduling, and customer satisfaction.

FTL Supports:

• Just-in-time delivery models

• Fewer delivery variables

• Better appointment accuracy

LTL Supports:

• Flexible shipping volumes

• Lower cost for small shipments

• Broader carrier networks

Shippers working with ULS Freight often analyze shipment data to determine when transitioning from LTL to FTL improves efficiency.

Take Control of Your FTL vs LTL Shipping Strategy

The decision between FTL and LTL shipping is a question of speed, risk, and control. Knowing the difference between LTL and FTL enables you to make freight choices that align with business priorities, minimize disruptions, and enhance delivery performance.

When comparing FTL and LTL freight, route optimization, or future capacity planning, ULS Freight can assist you in choosing the appropriate solution to each shipment- without sacrificing reliability.

FAQs

What is LTL vs FTL shipping?

LTL vs FTL shipping refers to two freight transportation methods based on shipment size and truck capacity usage. LTL (Less Than Truckload) combines multiple small shipments into one truck, while FTL (Full Truckload) assigns an entire truck to a single shipper. The choice depends on shipment size, urgency, and handling needs.

What is the difference between LTL and FTL freight?

The main difference between LTL and FTL freight is how shipments move through the network. FTL freight travels directly from pickup to delivery with minimal handling, while LTL freight is consolidated at multiple terminals. This makes FTL faster and more secure, while LTL is more cost-effective for smaller loads.

How many pallets are considered LTL vs FTL?

LTL shipments typically range from 1 to 6 pallets, sometimes up to 10–12 depending on weight and space. FTL shipments usually involve 10 to 26+ pallets or loads that occupy a significant portion of a 53-foot trailer.

Which is cheaper: LTL or FTL shipping?

LTL shipping is generally cheaper for small shipments because you only pay for the space and weight used. FTL may have a higher upfront cost, but it becomes more cost-effective for larger shipments since pricing is based on the full truck rather than freight class and terminal handling.

Why is FTL shipping faster than LTL?

FTL shipping is faster because the truck moves directly from the pickup location to the destination without stopping at consolidation terminals. LTL shipments are slower due to multiple loading, unloading, and hub transfers along the route.

Does LTL freight have a higher risk of damage?

Yes, LTL freight typically has a higher risk of damage because shipments are handled multiple times at terminals. FTL freight experiences minimal handling, which significantly reduces the risk of damage, loss, or misrouting.

When should I use LTL vs FTL shipping?

You should use FTL when shipping large volumes, urgent freight, high-value goods, or fragile products that require minimal handling. LTL is best for smaller, non-urgent shipments when cost savings and flexible delivery timelines are more important.

How do I choose between LTL and FTL for my business?

Choosing between LTL and FTL depends on shipment size, weight, urgency, budget, and risk tolerance. Businesses often use LTL for smaller, infrequent shipments and switch to FTL as volume increases or when delivery speed and cargo security become critical.