Full Truckload (FTL)
A dedicated truck or trailer for your shipment, providing direct transportation from pickup to delivery without sharing trailer space with other freight.
Over-the-road
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
For freight that doesn’t fill a trailer. Your LTL shipment shares the truck with other loads, so you only pay for the space and weight your freight uses.
When to choose it
When LTL is the smart choice
LTL makes sense when paying for a whole trailer would mean paying for unused space.
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Your shipment is a few pallets
If your freight takes up only part of a trailer, sharing the truck can keep transportation costs aligned with the amount you ship.
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You ship often, in smaller batches
Regular, smaller shipments can move without waiting until you have enough freight to fill a truck.
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Your timeline has some flexibility
LTL shipments may make additional stops along the route, so transit can take longer than with a dedicated truck.
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Your cargo is well packed
Freight that is properly secured on pallets can travel safely alongside other shipments.
What to expect
How we handle your LTL shipment
Getting the details right up front helps keep your LTL shipment moving smoothly.
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A quote based on your freight
Share the weight, dimensions and number of pallets, along with the pickup and delivery locations, and we’ll come back with options for your LTL shipment.
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Pickup and delivery that fit your schedule
Tell us your preferred pickup and delivery windows and any time constraints when you book.
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Special handling requests
Let us know about fragile items, special handling needs or delivery instructions before pickup so they can be planned for.
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Updates along the way
You stay informed about your LTL shipment from pickup through delivery.
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Same-day delivery when it’s needed
For smaller loads, we can often provide same-day delivery, depending on the locations, timing and shipment requirements.
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Terminal pickup and delivery
We can collect from or deliver to a terminal, planned around the last free day so your cargo keeps moving.
Compare
Less Than Truckload or Full Truckload?
The main difference is whether your freight shares the truck.
| Feature | Less Than Truckload (LTL) | Full Truckload (FTL) |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer space | Shared with other shipments | The whole trailer |
| Stops along the way | May include additional stops and transfers | Typically direct, with no stops for other shippers |
| Handling | May be handled at multiple points | Typically handled at pickup and delivery |
| You pay for | The space and weight your freight uses | The truck |
| Best for | A few pallets or smaller shipments | Larger, time-sensitive or sensitive loads |
FAQ
Questions about LTL
What is less than truckload (LTL) shipping?
LTL combines smaller shipments from different customers in one trailer. Each shipper pays for the space and weight their freight uses rather than paying for the entire truck.
How are LTL rates calculated?
LTL rates usually depend on the shipment’s weight and dimensions, density and freight class, distance, and any additional services it requires.
What affects LTL transit times?
LTL transit times can be affected by the distance between pickup and delivery, the route, the number of stops and transfers, and conditions such as weather and traffic.
Can I request special handling or delivery instructions?
Yes. Tell us when you request a quote, and we’ll confirm what can be arranged for your shipment, such as a liftgate or a delivery appointment.
How should I prepare my freight for LTL?
Pack your freight securely, preferably on pallets, and label it clearly. Accurate weight and dimensions help avoid delays and changes to the rate.
Next options
Other ways to move your freight
Transloading
Cargo is unloaded from one container or trailer and transferred to another for the next leg of its journey.
Drayage
The transportation of a container between the port or rail ramp and its next destination.
Not sure LTL is the right fit?
Answer a couple of quick questions and our assistant will help you find the right service for your freight.
Free quote
Get a quote for Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Share the weight, dimensions and number of pallets, along with the pickup and delivery locations. We’ll get back to you with options for your LTL shipment.