If your business depends on shipping goods, choosing between LTL vs. FTL shipping is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re moving a few pallets or filling an entire truck, the right freight option can help you cut costs, speed up delivery, and keep customers happy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the difference between LTL and FTL freight, show how each one works, and help you decide which fits your shipping needs best.
Understanding the Basics: LTL & FTL Freight
Before we dive into comparisons, let’s cover what these shipping modes actually mean.
What Is LTL?
LTL, or Less Than Truckload shipping, is perfect when your shipment isn’t big enough to fill a whole truck. Think smaller loads usually between 150 and 15,000 pounds that share trailer space with other businesses’ freight. It’s like carpooling, but for cargo.
Because LTL freight shares space, it’s more affordable and efficient for smaller shipments. However, your freight may be loaded and unloaded several times before it reaches its destination, which is something to consider if your goods are fragile.
In a nutshell, LTL is best for:
- Small to medium-sized shipments
- Cost-conscious businesses
- Non-urgent or less sensitive deliveries
What Is FTL?
FTL, or Full Truckload shipping, is just what it sounds like you get the whole truck to yourself. Whether you’re filling the trailer completely or just want your shipment to travel alone for safety or speed, FTL is the way to go.
It’s often faster, with fewer stops and less handling along the way. That makes it ideal for large, delicate, or time-sensitive deliveries.
FTL works well when you need:
- Full truck capacity or close to it
- Faster transit times
- Minimal handling and added security
LTL vs. FTL: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Now that you know what LTL and FTL freight are, let’s compare them across the most important shipping factors: load size, cost, timing, flexibility, and more.
Load Size and Capacity
This is where the difference between FTL vs. LTL freight is most obvious.
If your shipment takes up only a portion of a trailer, a few pallets, LTL is your go-to. It’s designed for smaller loads that don’t need the whole truck.
If your freight fills up the trailer or you’re moving heavy, bulky items like machinery or furniture, FTL makes more sense. Even if you don’t use every inch of space, having the truck to yourself can make logistics easier and safer.
Quick tip:
- Choose LTL for partial loads or regular smaller shipments.
- Go with FTL for large, heavy, or high-priority shipments.
Cost Efficiency
One of the biggest questions businesses ask is: Which one is cheaper: LTL or FTL freight?
LTL shipping is more affordable for smaller loads because you only pay for the space you use. The rest of the cost is shared among other shippers using the same truck.
FTL shipping has a higher upfront cost, but can be more economical for large loads or high-value freight. You’re paying for exclusive use of the truck, which gives you more control, fewer delays, and less risk.
The takeaway:
- LTL helps you save money on smaller shipments.
- FTL may offer better value for large or high-risk loads.
Transit Time
When speed matters, FTL vs. LTL shipping can make a big difference.
FTL is usually the faster option because the truck travels directly from pickup to delivery without multiple stops or transfers.
LTL, on the other hand, makes several stops along the way to load and unload other shipments. That extra time might not be a dealbreaker for non-urgent freight, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Bottom line:
- Use FTL for tight deadlines or time-sensitive goods.
- Use LTL when delivery times are flexible.
Flexibility and Handling
Handling is another area where LTL vs. FTL freight shipping really differs.
LTL shipments are moved around more often loaded and unloaded at different terminals before they reach the final destination. That can increase the risk of damage, especially for fragile goods. It also means you may have to work within set pickup and delivery schedules.
With FTL, your goods stay on one truck from start to finish. That means fewer hands on your cargo and fewer opportunities for anything to go wrong. Plus, FTL carriers are often more flexible with scheduling.
In short:
- LTL works for durable, non-fragile freight.
- FTL gives you more control and reduces handling risk.
Environmental Impact
If sustainability is a priority for your business, this is a great area to consider.
LTL shipping is more eco-friendly for smaller loads because it reduces the number of half-empty trucks on the road. By combining shipments from multiple businesses, LTL helps minimize fuel use and emissions.
FTL, while efficient for full loads, can be less sustainable if trucks aren’t running at full capacity.
Eco tip:
- Use LTL for smaller, routine shipments to lower your carbon footprint.
- Use FTL when needed, but optimize it with full loads and efficient routes.
Real-World Scenarios: LTL or FTL?
Sometimes the best way to decide is to look at examples from real businesses. Here’s how LTL and FTL shipping would apply in everyday shipping situations:
Example: Furniture Store Restock
A furniture store is restocking couches, beds, and dining sets. These items are bulky and take up most of the trailer. They also need extra care to avoid damage.
Best choice: FTL
Why: Large size and delicate nature make full truckload the safest, most efficient option.
Example: Retail Store Apparel Shipment
A boutique clothing store needs to replenish inventory for a sale. The shipment is lightweight and only includes a few boxes of folded clothes.
Best choice: LTL
Why: Smaller size and flexible delivery window make shared trucking more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between LTL and FTL freight really comes down to the specifics of your shipment. If you’re sending smaller loads and looking to save on costs, LTL shipping is often the smarter choice. It’s especially useful when delivery times are flexible and the products aren’t overly fragile.
On the other hand, if your shipment is large, needs to arrive quickly, or contains high-value or delicate goods, FTL shipping offers the speed, control, and reduced handling that can make all the difference. It may come at a higher price, but the added reliability and security often justify the cost.
Ultimately, the best option depends on what you’re shipping, how much of it you have, how quickly it needs to arrive, and how sensitive the items are. Many businesses find that using both LTL and FTL at different times depending on the shipment, it gives them the flexibility to stay efficient and competitive.
Still unsure whether FTL or LTL freight shipping is right for your next move? Reach out. We’ll help you assess your needs and create a logistics plan that saves money, meets deadlines, and supports your business growth.