Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Your freight shares trailer space with other shipments, making it a practical option when you do not need a full truck. You pay for the portion of the trailer your shipment uses.
Over-the-road
Full Truckload (FTL)
A dedicated truck reserved exclusively for your shipment. Your freight travels directly from pickup to delivery without sharing trailer space with other shippers.
When to choose it
When a full truckload makes sense
FTL is a good choice when your shipment needs a dedicated truck because of its size, weight, timing, value, or handling requirements.
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Your load fills the trailer
When your shipment takes up most of a trailer’s available space or weight capacity, booking a full truckload can be a practical and efficient option.
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It’s on a deadline
When timing is critical, a dedicated truck allows your freight to travel directly from pickup to delivery without being combined with other shippers’ freight.
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It’s fragile or high-value
For fragile, high-value, or sensitive freight, dedicated FTL transportation can reduce handling and keep your shipment separated from other cargo.
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It shouldn’t share space
Some freight is better transported on its own, especially when its size, weight, characteristics, or handling requirements make shared trailer space impractical.
What to expect
How we handle your full truckload
From the initial quote to final delivery, we plan and coordinate your full truckload shipment around your freight, schedule, and delivery requirements.
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A clear FTL quote
Tell us what you’re shipping, the pickup and delivery locations, approximate weight, and your preferred dates. We’ll review the shipment and provide the right full truckload options.
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Pickup and delivery on your schedule
We coordinate pickup and delivery times that fit your operation and supply chain, with a dedicated truck moving your freight directly to its destination.
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City to city, state to state
Full truckload transportation between cities and across state lines, with dedicated trucks for shipments throughout the United States.
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Updates until it arrives
Stay informed about your shipment from pickup and loading through delivery. If something changes along the way, you hear it from us.
Compare
Full truckload or less than truckload?
The main difference is whether your freight has the truck to itself.
| Feature | Full Truckload (FTL) | Less Than Truckload (LTL) |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer space | The whole trailer | Shared with other shipments |
| Stops along the way | No stops for other shippers | Additional stops and transfers may occur |
| Handling | Typically handled at pickup and delivery | May be handled at several points |
| You pay for | The full truck or trailer | The space your freight uses |
| Best for | Large, urgent, or sensitive shipments | Smaller shipments or a few pallets |
FAQ
Questions about FTL
What is full truckload (FTL) shipping?
FTL, or full truckload shipping, means your freight travels in a truck or trailer dedicated exclusively to your shipment. Unlike less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, where freight from multiple customers shares trailer space, FTL reserves the full trailer for your shipment.
What kind of cargo is a good fit for FTL?
Palletized goods, machinery, equipment, and other shipments that require the exclusive use of a truck or trailer can be a good fit for FTL. We also coordinate refrigerated freight, perishables, and dry bulk cargo, depending on the requirements of each shipment. Tell us what you’re moving, and we’ll help determine the right transportation option.
What are the advantages of FTL over LTL?
FTL provides dedicated trailer space and direct transportation from pickup to delivery, which can mean fewer stops and less handling than LTL. This can be a practical option for large, time-sensitive, fragile, or high-value shipments that need greater control over how the freight is transported.
Can you handle time-sensitive FTL shipments?
Yes. Tell us your delivery deadline when you request a quote, and we’ll work with our carrier network to coordinate pickup and delivery around your timing requirements.
How do I get an FTL quote?
Use the quote form on this page or give us a call. Share your pickup and delivery locations, dates, what you’re shipping, and approximate weight, and we’ll review the details and get back to you with FTL transportation options.
Next options
Other ways to move your freight
Drayage
The transportation of a container between the port or rail ramp and its next destination.
Flatbed & Specialized Transportation
Open deck transportation for freight that is too wide, too tall, oversized or the wrong shape for a standard enclosed trailer.
Not sure FTL is the right fit?
Answer a couple of quick questions and our assistant will point you to the right service.
Free quote
Get a quote for Full Truckload (FTL)
Share the pickup and delivery locations, your dates and what you’re shipping. We’ll get back to you with options for your full truckload.