For businesses shipping large or heavy orders, choosing the right freight method—less-than-truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL)—is essential for balancing speed, cost, and cargo protection. Both options serve different needs, and the wrong choice can lead to delays, damaged goods, or inflated shipping expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of when to use LTL vs. FTL freight, how pricing is structured, and what logistics professionals need to consider before booking a shipment.
What Is LTL Freight?
LTL shipping is used when your freight doesn’t require a full trailer—typically between 150 and 15,000 pounds. Your shipment shares space with other companies’ freight, and pricing is based on:
- Freight class (based on density and handling requirements)
- Weight and dimensions
- Distance and zones
- Additional accessorial fees (liftgate, residential delivery, etc.)
LTL is ideal for companies shipping pallets, crates, or boxed goods that don’t require exclusive truck space.
What Is FTL Freight?
FTL shipping uses the entire trailer for one company’s freight. Whether your shipment fills the truck or not, you’re booking it exclusively. FTL is most cost-effective when:
- Your shipment exceeds 10+ pallets or 15,000 lbs
- You want faster delivery with fewer stops
- Your goods are fragile or high-value and need minimal handling
When to Choose LTL
- You’re shipping fewer than 6 pallets or under 10,000 lbs
- You want to minimize costs and are flexible on delivery windows
- You can tolerate multiple touchpoints (cross-docking, terminal stops)
LTL Advantages:
- Lower cost for smaller shipments
- Frequent pickups from major carriers
- Accessible even for businesses without high shipping volume
Top LTL carriers include Old Dominion and Saia.
When to Choose FTL
- You’re shipping 10+ pallets or loads close to 20,000+ lbs
- You need strict control over pickup and delivery timing
- Your freight is sensitive to damage or delay
FTL Advantages:
- Faster transit with no transfers
- Reduced risk of damage
- Predictable scheduling
Top FTL carriers include J.B. Hunt, Schneider, and Werner.
Freight Class Matters in LTL
LTL pricing relies heavily on frieght class, which is determined by density, stowability, handling, and liability. Misclassifying your freight can result in reclassification fees or delays, so it’s crucial to calculate it correctly or use a freight broker to assist.
How to Book Smart Freight: Use a Freight Marketplace or Broker
Freight marketplaces like Freightos, Redhawk Logistics, or Freightquote allow you to compare rates across LTL and FTL carriers instantly. They also offer tools for class estimation, tracking, and documentation—ideal for businesses without in-house logistics teams.
Ways to Save: Plan Ahead and Avoid Accessorial Charges
Accessorials (liftgate service, inside delivery, limited access pickup) can increase LTL costs significantly. Properly preparing shipments—such as using a pallet jack, shrink-wrapping items, or having a dock—can help avoid surprise charges. FTL, while more expensive upfront, eliminates many of these variables.
Can You Earn Cashback on Freight?
Most freight carriers accept credit cards or digital payments for certain services, but few offer rewards directly. However, you can earn cashback with a FedEx virtual card or get rewards with a UPS virtual card when handling small parcel or ground shipments tied to your freight operation. Platforms like Fluz offer an easy way to recapture a portion of your spend, especially if you regularly use both freight and standard shipping channels.
Choosing between LTL and FTL isn’t just about shipment size—it’s about control, cost, timing, and cargo sensitivity. If you’re shipping smaller loads with flexibility, LTL is the way to go. For larger, time-sensitive, or fragile shipments, FTL offers peace of mind and streamlined service.
