LTL vs FTL: choosing the right mode for your freight
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping combines freight from several shippers on one trailer, so each shipper pays only for the space used. Full truckload (FTL) dedicates the whole trailer to one shipment. The choice usually comes down to weight, volume, urgency and how fragile the cargo is.
As a rule of thumb, shipments under about 10,000 pounds or fewer than ten pallets tend to be cheaper by LTL. Above that, a dedicated truck often costs less per pound and arrives faster because it makes no terminal stops. Freight that is fragile or high value also favors FTL, since it is loaded once and unloaded once.
LTL pricing depends on freight class, which reflects density, stowability, handling and liability. Measuring and weighing pallets accurately before booking avoids reclassification fees. FTL pricing is mostly driven by lane, season and available capacity.