LTL vs. FTL Freight Transportation: Which is Right for You?

LTL and FTL freight transportation cater to different needs. If you want to ship small loads across the country and aren’t on a strict deadline, LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping should be adequate. Larger, heavier, and more fragile loads benefit from FTL (full truckload) shipments.

At Twings Supply, we specialize in providing reliable and cost-effective freight solutions tailored to your business. Whether you need the flexibility of LTL or the speed and security of FTL, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to find the perfect shipping solution for your business.

What are LTL and FTL Freight Shipping?

Less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) freight shipping are two methods used to transport goods by road. These options can be customized for diverse shipment sizes, budgets, and delivery needs.

LTL Shipping (Less-Than-Truckload)

Less-than-truckload shipping is a method where smaller shipments from various shippers are combined into a single truck. Each shipper pays for the space their freight uses, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses that don’t need a full truck. Year-on-year, North American shippers spend over $20 billion on LTL shipments.

LTL shipments weigh 150 to 15,000 pounds (6.8 tons) or accommodate up to 10 pallets. Since the truck stops at multiple locations to pick up and deliver freight, transit times can be longer for LTL shipments.

FTL Shipping (Full Truckload)

Full truckload shipping uses an entire truck for a single shipment. This method is best for larger loads that weigh more than 20,000 pounds (9.07 tons) or take up more than 10 pallets.

These shipments are delivered faster because the truck travels directly from the pickup location to the final destination, without multiple stops and deliveries in between. With less handling along the route, this option reduces the risk of damage and offers higher security for valuable goods.

What’s the Difference Between FTL and LTL Freight Shipping?

LTL and FTL differ mainly in shipment size, cost, and delivery time. LTL is cheaper and slower because your shipment shares truck space with other shipments, whereas FTL is faster but more expensive as it uses the entire truck. LTL also carries a higher risk of damage due to more handling.

Comparison Criteria	LTL Freight Shipping	FTL Freight Shipping
Size	150 to 15,000 pounds (0.075 to 7.5 tons, up to 10 pallets)	20,000+ pounds (10+ tons, over 10 pallets)
Cost	More cost-effective due to shared space	Higher cost due to exclusive use of the truck
Delivery Time	Longer delivery time due to multiple stops	Faster delivery time as it goes directly to the destination
Handling	More handling due to multiple shipments	Less handling, as the freight is not shared
Security	Higher risk as the freight is handled more often	Lower risk as freight is handled less
Ideal For	Small shipments, or companies with tighter budgets	Large shipments and businesses needing faster or more secure delivery

How Much Do LTL and FTL Freight Shipping Cost?

Costs for both LTL and FTL shipments will increase with longer distances, heavier shipments, and higher fuel prices. However, the total cost of LTL and FTL freight shipping depends on multiple factors, including the type of cargo, final destination, and supply and demand.

Consideration	LTL Shipping	FTL Shipping
Cost per Pound	$0.15 to $0.30	N/A
Cost per Mile	N/A	$2.40 to $2.80
Cost Range	$50 to $5,000+	Can range from $1,000 to $5,000+ depending on the shipment
Dimensions	Charges are based on how much space your cargo takes up in the truck	A full truck’s space is used, so rates depend on the vehicle size
Location Type	Urban destinations can lower costs, but rural areas may raise them due to added complexity	Urban and rural pricing can vary, though generally more predictable for FTL
Shipping Variables	Affected by freight class, seasonal demand, and handling needs	Influenced by cargo type, choice of vehicle, and special requirements

What are the Average LTL vs. FTL Freight Transit Times?

FTL usually takes 1 to 5 days for cross-country deliveries, whereas LTL takes 3 to 7 days for the same distance. On average, FTL transit times are faster than LTL shipments.

LTL Shipping Transit Times

LTL shipments go through multiple stops as freight is shared with goods from other shippers. As a result, LTL transit times tend to be longer than those for FTL. Several factors influence how long LTL shipments will take:

Distance: LTL shipments generally take longer for longer distances, especially if they are traveling across regions or borders.
Number of Stops: Because LTL shipments are consolidated with others, the truck may stop at several terminals, loading and unloading goods along the way. This adds to the overall transit time.
Average Time Frame: On average, LTL shipments take anywhere from 3 to 7 days, depending on the origin and destination locations. Long-distance LTL shipments may take even longer, particularly when freight is being routed through multiple terminals for sorting.

FTL Shipping Transit Times

FTL shipping exclusively uses one entire truck, so the shipment travels directly from the origin to the final destination without the stops and delays associated with LTL shipping. This results in faster and more predictable transit times.

Distance: As with LTL, the distance between the origin and destination is a major factor, but FTL shipments generally have more direct routes.
Direct Routes: Since FTL shipments do not require transfers between multiple terminals, the route is more straightforward, leading to faster delivery.
Typical Time Frame: FTL shipments can take between 1 and 5 days, depending on distance. Short-haul FTL shipments may even be completed in 1 day, however, longer hauls might take several days.

How to Choose Between LTL and FTL Freight

LTL freight is better for small shipments with flexible deadlines, while FTL is the ideal choice for fragile cargo, high-volume shipments, high-security shipments, and fast turnaround times.

Choose LTL Freight for:

Smaller Shipments

LTL shipping is the perfect choice when your shipment doesn’t require a full truckload. It’s ideal for shipments ranging from 1 to 6 pallets, allowing cost-sharing with other shippers.

No Urgency for Delivery

LTL is suitable when delivery times are flexible, as LTL shipments may involve multiple stops and longer transit times. It’s a good choice if you aren’t in a hurry to get your shipment.

Cost Savings

This kind of shipping is cost-effective for smaller loads, as you pay only for the space your freight occupies.

Choose FTL Freight for:

Fragile or Perishable Cargo

FTL shipping minimizes handling by dedicating the entire truck to your shipment. This reduces the risk of damage to delicate cargo.

Heavy or High-Volume Cargo

FTL is ideal for shipments over 10 pallets or those that fill an entire truck, providing direct transit to the destination.

Higher Security Shipments

FTL offers exclusive use of the truck, enhancing security for valuable or sensitive goods. Minimal handling also increases the security of your cargo.

Faster Transit Times

Direct transportation without multiple stops helps speed up your delivery. If you’re on a tight schedule for delivery, FTL is the better option.

LTL vs. FTL Freight Transportation FAQs

Are there restrictions on the types of goods that can be shipped using LTL or FTL?

Yes, highly perishable items or those requiring specific temperature controls may be unsuitable to ship LTL due to longer transit times. FTL is better suited for specialized or restricted cargo due to its direct and customizable service.

What are the environmental impacts of FTL and LTL shipping?

LTL shipping tends to be more eco-friendly for smaller shipments because it consolidates loads, which reduces the number of trucks on the road. While FTL is faster, it often results in higher fuel consumption if the truck is not fully loaded.