What is Less Than Truckload (LTL)?
Less than truckload (LTL) meaning
Less than truckload (LTL) refers to when a shipment does not fill the entire capacity of a truck or trailer. LTL freight shipments typically share truck space with goods from other shippers, and everyone pays only for the space they use.
Benefits of freight less than truckload shipping
Choosing LTL transports may offer benefits including:
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Cost savings: With LTL trucking, pay only for the space you need. Other shippers use the rest.
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Emissions reduction: Combining multiple less than truckload (LTL) shipments on a single truck may help reduce emissions.
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More frequent shipments: LTL carriers often run services on regular schedules, which may allow for more frequent shipments.
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Smaller shipments: With LTL delivery, you don’t have to wait to accumulate enough goods for a full truckload.
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Inventory management: LTL trucking enables just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies by allowing smaller, more frequent shipments. This may also reduce the need for large warehousing spaces.
Less than truckload (LTL) vs full truckload (FTL): Which to choose
LTL vs FTL: Understanding the differences
| Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) | Full Truckload (FTL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment size | Best for small shipments that do not fill a whole truck | Best for large shipments that fill the entire truck |
| Delivery timing | Delivery schedules are usually not time-sensitive | May require faster, time-sensitive delivery |
| Frequency | Often used for frequent, smaller shipments | Often used for occasional, large shipments |
| Shipping distance | Typically used for local or regional shipments | Typically used for longer routes with minimal stops |
| Handling needs | May involve multiple transfers and stops | May be delivered direct from origin to destination |
| Sustainability | Consolidating loads and sharing truck space may reduce overall emissions | Usually not focused on load sharing |
LTL logistics may be best for businesses that ship smaller loads often, have flexible delivery times, or want to send freight to nearby locations without paying for a full truckload.
Full truckload (FTL) shipping [hyperlink to glossary item to be added]: means your freight uses the entire space in a truck. It may be the best option when you have enough goods to fill a truck or need faster delivery.
While LTL vs FTL shipping applies mostly to ground transport, FedEx offers freight delivery services for urgent or high-value goods. You can choose flexible, cost-effective shipping solutions for smaller or lighter shipments.
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