Less than Truckload (LTL) vs. Full Truckload (FTL) freight: What's the difference?
Deciding between the less than truckload (LTL) shipping and full truckload (FTL) methods is often a hard choice when you aren’t sure of your options. A lot of factors weigh into freight shipping. Assessment of each element can steer you toward the most efficient method based on your particular needs. Factors like freight dimensions (made up of length, width and height), freight classification and special services are all things to consider when choosing a shipping method.
We've outlined some of the fundamental differences between less than truckload (LTL) shipping and full truckload (FTL) freight so shippers can book with confidence.
What are less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL)?
The transport of freight that does not require the entire space of a truck is also known as less than truckload (LTL) shipping, whereas full truckload (FTL) shipments take up the space or weight limit of an entire trailer. Depending on your specific freight requirements, one option is likely better suited than the other.
A closer look at less than truckload (LTL) shipping.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space on the same truck. It is cost efficient, with multiple companies paying for their portion of trailer space.
To protect items while in transit, it is essential to consolidate goods into large, crated or palletized packages. Prepare the shipment to endure handling during transfer to multiple trailers before it arrives at the consignee or destination.
A closer look at full truckload (FTL) shipping.
If less than truckload shipping doesn’t meet your needs, then full truckload shipping might be for you. Shippers use full truckload (FTL) when:
- There are enough items to fill an entire truck.
- The customer prefers a whole truck dedicated to their goods.
- The freight is time sensitive.
- The weight makes it more cost effective than less than truckload.
With full truckload (FTL), shipments typically travel on only one truck with one destination, so delivery time estimates are often accurate and fast in comparison to less than truckload (LTL) shipping.
The chance of possible damage to items during transit also decreases since there is less handling of the freight at multiple stops.
1. Increased Freight Handling. With FTL, a product ships straight to its destination and the seal remains unbroken on the trailer (unless it's a cross-border move). A single driver is usually responsible for both pickup and delivery.
With LTL, the goods likely load and unload across multiple trailers and terminals throughout the journey. This increased handling can escalate the likelihood of potential product damage, though LTL shipments will still arrive in good condition if proper packaging techniques are leveraged.
2. Freight Class Variation. Carriers moving an FTL shipment typically aren't as concerned with the exact commodity specifications. Product specifications—palletized, hazmat, or oversized—generally offer enough information to provide accurate pricing.
LTL rates often vary more significantly, even if the mixed commodities move in the same lane with the same number of pallets. All LTL carriers use the National Motor Freight Traffic Association's freight classification system to categorize commodities by attempting to account for their density, value, handling characteristics, and stowability.
3. Incremental Accessorial Charges. Since FTL drivers stay with a load from pickup through delivery, they are closer to the process and limit accessorial charges. FTL drivers are likely to worry less about taking a 15-minute driver assist or detention during a multiple-day transit.
With LTL, delays or unexpected consignee demands often result in charges since these carriers need to be paid for services rendered. Additionally, the provider needs to stay moving to stay profitable. In these cases, remember the total potential cost savings with LTL versus FTL. With LTL, it is also vital to understand the requirements at delivery to improve front-end quoting accuracy.
4. First-Come, First-Serve Pickup. While FTL drivers schedule a firm appointment time, LTL drivers require more flexibility since they pick up multiple shipments daily. Delays can occur and compound, which impacts delivery windows. Typically, LTL pickup times aren't guaranteed, with two-hour (or more) FCFS windows being the industry standard.
5. Reweighing/Reclassifying Products for Accuracy. With FTL, product inspection doesn't occur until the load gets to the receiver. The exception is an FTL driver stopping at weigh stations to verify the truck is under the 80,000-pound legal limit. With LTL, the origin terminal reinspects the load, and each order is likely reweighed by a forklift or floor scale to ensure accuracy.
Based on commodity profile, the freight might go through a dimensioner, which automatically scans it to determine weight and dimensions. If the dimensioner detects the product's specifications don't match the bill of lading, then the carrier reclassifies the freight, which could affect the rate.
6. Uninterrupted Transit. FTL transit can be predictable if the driver makes a timely pickup and goes straight through to the receiver. Total mileage, hours of service, posted speed limit, and estimated traffic determine arrival time.
Loads moved via LTL, however, seldom follow direct routes and will likely take longer than FTL. Unless a shipper pays a premium to guarantee the quoted transit, delivery dates are estimates.
7. Differing Trailer Specs. FTL carriers typically drive 53-foot trailers with swing doors that are 102 inches wide and have clearance heights of 110 inches. LTL carriers' trailers maintain the same specifications, except for roll doors in place of swing doors. This lowers the clearance height to 100 inches, slightly reducing their overall capacity
Final thoughts.
While there are pros and cons to each method, one option will prove to better suit your needs depending on your freight. When determining whether less than truckload (LTL) shipping or full truckload (FTL) is best for your shipping requirements
