Every business that ships freight eventually faces the same question: should I use LTL or FTL shipping? The answer depends on your shipment size, urgency, budget, and cargo type. Getting it wrong can mean paying too much, accepting unnecessary delays, or risking freight damage.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) freight so you can make the right call every time.
What Is LTL Shipping?
Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping means your freight shares trailer space with other shippers' cargo. Because you only pay for the space your freight occupies, LTL is the most cost-effective option for smaller shipments — typically 1 to 10 pallets, or 150 to 15,000 lbs.
Your freight moves through a network of LTL carrier terminals, where it may be consolidated, transferred, and re-sorted before reaching its final destination. This adds transit time compared to FTL but significantly reduces cost for shipments that don't fill a truck.
When LTL Makes Sense
- Shipments under 10,000–12,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets
- Non-urgent freight where 1–5 day transit times are acceptable
- Regular, recurring small shipments without time pressure
- Freight that can withstand handling at multiple terminals
- Budget-conscious shipping where cost per pound is the priority
What Is FTL Shipping?
Full Truckload (FTL) shipping means your freight has exclusive use of an entire trailer — typically a 53-foot dry van, flatbed, or reefer truck. You pay for the whole truck regardless of how much space you use, but you get a direct, non-stop move from origin to destination.
FTL eliminates terminal transfers, reduces handling, and delivers faster transit. It's the preferred choice for large, fragile, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments.
When FTL Makes Sense
- Shipments over 10,000–15,000 lbs or 10+ pallets
- Time-critical freight requiring guaranteed delivery windows
- Fragile, high-value, or hazardous goods needing minimal handling
- Temperature-controlled cargo requiring a dedicated reefer trailer
- Oversized or irregularly shaped freight on flatbed equipment
LTL vs FTL: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Size | 150–15,000 lbs / 1–10 pallets | 10,000+ lbs / 10+ pallets |
| Pricing | Per hundredweight (CWT) + freight class | Flat rate per lane / mile |
| Transit Time | 1–5 days (multiple terminals) | Direct, typically faster |
| Freight Handling | Multiple transfers at terminals | No transfers — direct delivery |
| Cargo Safety | More handling = higher damage risk | Minimal handling = lower damage risk |
| Best For | Smaller, non-urgent shipments | Large, urgent, or fragile loads |
| Carbon Footprint | Lower per shipment (shared truck) | Higher (dedicated truck) |
How LTL Pricing Works
LTL rates are calculated based on several factors:
- Freight class (NMFC) — Classes 50 to 500 based on density, stowability, and liability. Higher class = higher rate.
- Weight — Actual weight vs. dimensional weight (whichever is greater)
- Distance — Origin-to-destination lane mileage
- Accessorial charges — Liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, fuel surcharges
Working with a freight broker like MyExpressFreight gives you access to negotiated LTL rates across 500+ carriers — typically 20–40% lower than published tariff rates.
How FTL Pricing Works
FTL rates are simpler: you pay a flat rate per truckload based on the lane (origin and destination pair), current market conditions, and equipment type. FTL pricing is not affected by freight class, which can make it more predictable. Spot rates fluctuate with market capacity, while contract rates offer stability for regular lanes.
Not sure which shipping method is right for your freight? Our logistics experts will analyze your shipment details and find the most cost-effective solution — whether that's LTL, FTL, or even intermodal.
Get a Free Freight Quote →The LTL-to-FTL Crossover Point
There's a sweet spot where LTL and FTL pricing converge — typically around 10,000–14,000 lbs or 8–10 pallets, depending on freight class and lane. At this crossover point, booking FTL can actually cost the same or less than LTL while providing faster, safer delivery.
A good freight broker will run both options and advise you when upgrading to FTL is the smarter move. Volume LTL (or partial truckload) is another option in this middle range — you get more of the truck's space at a blended rate between LTL and FTL.
Choosing Between LTL and FTL: A Quick Decision Guide
- Weigh your shipment. Under 10,000 lbs? LTL is usually cheaper. Over 15,000 lbs? FTL almost certainly wins.
- Count your pallets. Fewer than 8 pallets? LTL. More than 10? Consider FTL or volume LTL.
- Consider your freight class. High freight class (100+) inflates LTL costs dramatically. FTL avoids class entirely.
- Assess urgency. Need it there in 1–2 days, direct? FTL. Can it move through terminals over 2–5 days? LTL.
- Evaluate cargo fragility. Breakable, high-value, or temperature-sensitive? FTL reduces handling risk.
- Check accessorials. Residential delivery, liftgate, or inside delivery on LTL add cost fast — FTL may be competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?
LTL shares trailer space with other shippers' freight and is ideal for shipments under 15,000 lbs. FTL gives you exclusive use of an entire trailer — best for larger loads that need faster, direct transit with less handling.
Is LTL or FTL cheaper?
For smaller shipments under 10,000 lbs, LTL is almost always cheaper. For larger loads above 15,000 lbs, FTL is typically more cost-effective because freight class surcharges on LTL can exceed FTL flat rates.
When should I use FTL instead of LTL?
Use FTL when your shipment fills more than half a trailer, when you need faster direct transit, when shipping fragile or high-value goods, or when cargo requires temperature control for an entire trailer.
Can a freight broker help me choose between LTL and FTL?
Yes. A licensed freight broker like MyExpressFreight will quote both options for your shipment and recommend the most cost-effective choice based on your freight's weight, class, timeline, and destination.
The Bottom Line
Both LTL and FTL have their place in a well-optimized supply chain. Most businesses use a mix of both depending on shipment volume, urgency, and cargo type. The key is getting competitive rates on both — which is where partnering with an experienced LTL freight broker and FTL freight broker like MyExpressFreight makes all the difference.
With access to 500+ LTL carriers and 4,000+ FTL carriers nationwide, we find the best option for every load — and negotiate the rates that keep your freight costs down.