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LTL vs. FTL Shipping: What’s the Difference? 

12th March 2025 | by Sam Nardi

LTL vs. FTL Shipping- What’s the Difference - Header
Shipping is the backbone of moving goods from one place to another. Whether you’re a small business owner or a supply chain manager for a large corporation, chances are you’ve come across the terms LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipping. But what do these terms mean, and how do you decide which is right for your needs?  Let’s break it down in simple, clear terms. 

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What Is LTL Shipping? 

 

LTL stands for Less Than Truckload. This shipping method is ideal for shipments that don’t require a full truck. Think of it like sharing a ride—your freight shares space with shipments from other companies heading in the same direction. 

 

When to Use LTL Shipping: 

 

  • Small to Medium Loads: Typically, shipments weighing between 150 and 15,000 pounds. 
  • Cost Savings: Since you’re sharing truck space, you only pay for the portion of the truck you use. 
  • Flexible Pickup & Delivery: LTL carriers can handle deliveries to multiple locations on the same route. 

 

Benefits of LTL Shipping: 

 

  • Economical for Smaller Shipments: Splitting costs with other shippers means lower rates. 
  • Eco-Friendly: Sharing truck space reduces the number of trucks on the road. 
  • Access to Additional Services: Many LTL carriers offer services like liftgate delivery and inside delivery. 

 

What Is FTL Shipping? 

 

FTL stands for Full Truckload, and as the name suggests, it’s when your shipment fills an entire truck. This is the go-to choice for larger or high-priority shipments. 

 

When to Use FTL Shipping: 

 

  • Large Loads: Best for shipments exceeding 15,000 pounds or 10+ pallets. 
  • Fragile or High-Value Goods: The truck is dedicated to your cargo, minimizing handling and reducing risk. 
  • Urgent Deliveries: FTL offers faster transit times since the truck travels directly to your destination. 

 

Benefits of FTL Shipping: 

 

  • Direct Transport: No stops or transfers, so your shipment gets there faster. 
  • Lower Risk: Minimal handling reduces the chance of damage or loss. 
  • Efficiency for High Volume: Moving large quantities at once saves time and money compared to multiple LTL shipments. 

 

Key Differences Between LTL and FTL 

 

Feature  LTL Shipping  FTL Shipping 
Shipment Size  Small to medium (1–10 pallets)  Large (10+ pallets or full truck) 
Cost  Shared, lower cost  Higher cost, but flat-rate for full truck 
Speed  Slower, with multiple stops  Faster, direct route 
Handling  Multiple transfers, higher risk  Minimal handling, lower risk 
Flexibility  Ideal for smaller, flexible deliveries  Best for large, urgent shipments 

 

How to Choose Between LTL and FTL 

 

Choosing the right shipping method boils down to your specific needs. Ask yourself these questions: 

 

  • How much freight am I shipping? 

For small to medium shipments, LTL is the way to go. 

For larger loads, FTL is more efficient. 

 

  • How fast do I need it delivered? 

FTL offers quicker, direct transit. 

LTL can take longer due to multiple stops. 

 

  • How valuable or fragile is my cargo? 

Fragile, high-value goods are safer with FTL. 

Standard goods that can handle some transfers are fine with LTL. 

 

  • What’s my budget? 

LTL is cost-effective for smaller loads. 

FTL might cost more but can save time and reduce risks. 

 

Why This Matters for Your Business 

 

Choosing between LTL and FTL shipping can impact your bottom line, delivery timelines, and customer satisfaction. Understanding the differences helps you make smarter decisions, whether you’re shipping a single pallet or an entire truckload. 

 

Partner with 3PL Experts 

 

Navigating the complexities of logistics doesn't have to be a challenge. By partnering with Speedy Freight, you gain access to experienced professionals who can help streamline your shipping process—whether you're looking for LTL or FTL solutions. 

At Speedy Freight, we understand the unique needs of each customer. Whether you’re handling small shipments or full truckloads, our team offers tailored solutions designed to fit your schedule and budget. We specialize in providing flexible, cost-effective shipping options without compromising on speed or service quality. 

 

Why Choose Speedy Freight? 

 

  • Expert Guidance: Our experienced team will help you choose the best shipping method—LTL or FTL—based on your specific needs. 
  • Fast & Reliable Delivery: We offer both quick and flexible LTL services as well as efficient, direct FTL solutions, ensuring your goods arrive on time, every time. 
  • Customized Solutions: We offer personalized shipping options that match your business needs, whether you're a small business or large enterprise. 
  • End-to-End Support: From pick-up to delivery, our team is here to assist with every step of the journey, ensuring a seamless experience. 

At Speedy Freight, we believe in providing more than just a service—we're your logistics partner, ready to support your growth and streamline your shipping needs. Whether you need LTL or FTL shipping, we’ll work closely with you to make sure you get the best solution every time. 

 

Get in Touch with Speedy Freight for FTL and LTL Freight Shipping  

 

When it comes to shipping, making the right choice between LTL and FTL can significantly impact your business operations. Let Speedy Freight guide you through the process and help you select the most efficient and cost-effective shipping method.  

Connect with our team today to learn how we can improve your logistics. 

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