Shipping Guide
LTL vs FTL: Which Shipping Method is Right for You?
Choosing between LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipping can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. After moving thousands of shipments in both modes, here's how I help shippers decide.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Best for weight | 150 - 10,000 lbs | 10,000+ lbs |
| Transit time | 3-7 days | 1-5 days |
| Handling | Multiple touches | Direct, minimal |
| Cost structure | Per cwt/class | Per mile/flat rate |
When to Choose LTL
LTL shipping is ideal when:
- Your shipment weighs between 150 and 10,000 pounds
- You have 1-6 pallets to ship
- Time is somewhat flexible (not urgent)
- You want to save money on smaller shipments
- Your freight can be palletized and stacked
From my experience: LTL is the workhorse of freight shipping. About 70% of the shipments I handle are LTL because most businesses don't need a full truck. The key is getting your freight class right—I've seen shippers overpay by hundreds of dollars because they used the wrong NMFC code.
When to Choose FTL
FTL shipping makes more sense when:
- Your shipment exceeds 10,000 pounds or 10+ pallets
- You need the fastest possible transit time
- Your freight is fragile or high-value
- You're shipping hazardous materials
- You need temperature control (reefer)
Real example: I had a customer shipping expensive machinery worth $200,000. Even though it only weighed 4,000 lbs, I recommended FTL. Why? With LTL, that freight would be loaded and unloaded at multiple terminals, handled by different workers. One forklift incident could cost more than the FTL premium. The customer agreed, and the machinery arrived without a scratch.
Cost Comparison Example
Let's say you're shipping 5,000 lbs from Dallas to Chicago:
- LTL: ~$600-900 (pays for just your space)
- FTL: ~$1,800-2,200 (pays for whole truck)
In this case, LTL saves money. But if you had 20,000 lbs, FTL would be more economical because you'd fill most of the truck anyway.
The Crossover Point
Here's something I tell every shipper: there's a crossover point where FTL becomes cheaper than LTL, even if you're not filling the truck.
My rule of thumb: Once you're shipping more than 10,000 lbs or more than 10 pallets, always get quotes for both LTL and FTL. I've saved customers thousands by switching them to FTL when their LTL shipments got heavy enough. The math doesn't lie—run the numbers every time.
What About Partial Truckload?
There's actually a middle ground called "partial truckload" or "volume LTL" that sits between traditional LTL and FTL. It's ideal for shipments between 5,000-15,000 lbs. You get better rates than standard LTL and faster transit because there are fewer stops.
The Bottom Line
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your shipment size, timeline, and budget. When in doubt, get quotes for both and compare—that's exactly what I do for every customer.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Submit your shipment details and I'll recommend the best option and provide quotes for both LTL and FTL so you can see the real numbers.
Written by
Jeff ConboyFreight Logistics Specialist
Freight industry professional with hands-on experience in LTL, FTL, flatbed, and refrigerated shipping. Helping businesses find the right carriers at the right prices.
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