Full Truckload vs Less Than Truckload

When you’re moving freight, the two main options are full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL). FTL means your shipment occupies the entire trailer, while LTL means you share trailer space with other shippers’ freight. The right choice depends on shipment size, weight, distance, and your budget. Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide.

What Is Full Truckload (FTL)?

FTL is when you hire a truck to haul only your freight, typically because you have enough cargo to fill a trailer (usually 24 pallets or more) or because you need dedicated, non-stop transport. You pay for the whole truck, even if you don’t fill it completely. This gives you:

• Direct route: No intermediate stops, so transit times are often faster.
• Less handling: Your freight is loaded once and unloaded once, reducing damage risk.
• More control: You can specify loading/unloading times, temperature requirements, and security.

FTL is ideal for large shipments, high-value goods, or time-sensitive freight.

What Is Less Than Truckload (LTL)?

LTL is for shipments that don’t fill a full trailer, typically between 150 and 10,000 pounds, or 1 to 6 pallets. The carrier consolidates multiple shipments from different customers into one trailer, often with a hub-and-spoke network. This means:

• Lower cost per shipment: You only pay for the space you use.
• Multiple stops: Freight may be transferred at terminals, adding transit days.
• Higher handling risk: Your freight is handled multiple times, so proper packaging is critical.

LTL is best for smaller shipments, less urgent deliveries, or when you want to save money.

Cost Comparison: FTL vs LTL (2026 Figures)

Pricing varies by lane, weight, and carrier, but here are realistic ranges based on current market data:

Mode	Cost Range	Typical Shipment Size	Cost per Mile/Pallet
FTL (full truckload)	$1,500 - $3,500 per load (500-1,000 miles)	24+ pallets, 10,000+ lbs	$1.50 - $3.50 per mile
LTL (per pallet)	$150 - $400 per pallet (500-1,000 miles)	1-6 pallets, 150-10,000 lbs	$150 - $400 per pallet
LTL (per hundredweight)	$15 - $60 per 100 lbs	Varies by class	N/A

Key points:

• FTL cost per mile drops with longer distances, but you pay for the whole truck.
• LTL cost per pallet decreases as you ship more pallets, but you also pay accessorial fees (e.g., liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery) that can add $50-$150 per shipment.
• For shipments over 10,000 lbs or 10 pallets, FTL often becomes more cost-effective than LTL.

Pros and Cons of FTL

Pros:

• Faster transit times (no terminal handling).
• Lower damage risk (less handling).
• Dedicated capacity, so you can schedule pickups/deliveries.
• Better for oversized or irregular freight.

Cons:

• Higher cost if you don’t fill the trailer.
• Requires enough freight to justify the expense.
• Less flexibility for small shipments.

Pros and Cons of LTL

Pros:

• Lower cost for small shipments.
• No minimum volume required.
• Access to a network of carriers and lanes.
• Can ship to remote areas with less cost.

Cons:

• Longer transit times (multiple stops).
• Higher risk of damage or loss due to handling.
• Accessorial fees can add up.
• Limited control over scheduling.

How to Choose: Practical Steps for This Week

1. Measure your shipment: Count pallets, weigh freight, and measure dimensions. If you have 8+ pallets or over 10,000 lbs, FTL is likely better.
2. Get quotes for both modes: Use load boards (e.g., DAT, Truckstop) for FTL spot rates, and get LTL quotes from carriers like FedEx Freight, XPO, or Old Dominion. Compare total cost including accessorials.
3. Check transit time requirements: If your customer needs it in 2 days, FTL might be the only option. If 4-5 days works, LTL can save money.
4. Evaluate damage risk: If your freight is fragile or high-value, FTL’s less handling may be worth the extra cost.
5. Consider consolidation: If you have partial loads, consider using a freight broker to consolidate LTL shipments or find backhaul FTL deals.

Comparison Table: FTL vs LTL at a Glance

Factor	FTL	LTL
Cost per shipment	$1,500 - $3,500	$150 - $1,200 (for 1-6 pallets)
Transit time	1-3 days (direct)	3-7 days (hub-and-spoke)
Handling	Low (load/unload once)	High (multiple transfers)
Best for	Large, urgent, or fragile freight	Small, non-urgent freight
Equipment	Dry van, reefer, flatbed	Typically dry van or reefer
Booking	Direct with carrier or broker	Through carrier or LTL consolidator

FAQ

Q: When does LTL become more expensive than FTL? A: Generally, when you ship more than 10 pallets or 10,000 pounds, LTL costs per pound rise, and FTL becomes cheaper. Also, if you add many accessorials (residential, liftgate, inside delivery), LTL can exceed FTL cost.

Q: Can I use FTL for a partial load? A: Yes, but you’ll pay for the full truck. Some brokers offer “partial truckload” services, which are a hybrid, but they’re less common. If you have 5-10 pallets, compare LTL vs partial FTL quotes.

Q: How do I get the best LTL rates? A: Use a freight broker or LTL consolidator, negotiate volume discounts, and ensure your freight class is correct (misclassification can lead to reweigh charges). Also, ship on off-peak days (e.g., Tuesday-Thursday) to avoid higher rates.

Q: What is freight class and why does it matter for LTL? A: Freight class is a number (50-500) based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. It affects your LTL rate. Higher class means higher cost. You can find class calculators online or ask your carrier.

The Bottom Line

FTL and LTL serve different needs. Choose FTL when you have enough freight to fill a trailer, need fast transit, or have fragile/high-value items. Choose LTL for smaller shipments to save money, even if it takes longer. Always get quotes for both modes, factor in accessorials, and re-evaluate as your shipping volume changes. Start by measuring your freight and getting three quotes for each mode this week. That data will tell you which is right for your operation.