When running a shipment company, there are some things you should consider for your organization to make profits while keeping your customers happy and satisfied. One important factor that seems challenging for many people is which shipping method to choose. Full truckload and Less than truckload are the most common methods of shipping used. While they both have a solid place in freight shipping, deciding which option is right for you isn’t as easy as it looks. Certain factors like the size of your shipment, delivery timelines, and freight classification can make one option better than the other one. We’ve written this guide to help you make an informed decision on the right freight shipment method.
FTL and LTL Defined
Full truckload (FTL) is a shipping method used for large shipments that take the entire truck’s space. Individuals are given the exclusivity of the truck since only their goods will be shipped on the entire trailer. Note that one can still use this method even if their freight doesn’t fill up the space of the truck.
Less than truckload (LTL), on the other hand, is when several customers ship their freight using a single truck rather than a person shipping using an individual truck. Multiple freights are put into one trailer till it is filled as close to the capacity as possible. The driver then makes several stops to deliver each cargo at its specified destination.
When to Use FTL or LTL
Some factors will help you determine which option is right for you. Generally speaking, full truckload transportation is best when one;
- Is shipping more than 12 items in one trip
- Is shipping fragile, delicate, or high-value items
- Requires their items to arrive on time or their delivery is time-sensitive.
LTL shipping is best when someone is shipping less than 12 pallets, their items are not fragile, they want to save money and they have some flexibility with shipping and delivery times.
How Are LTL and FTL Similar?
While they’re different freight shipping methods, they have some common characteristics including;
Freight is shipped over the road although some LTL shipments might use intermodal rail shipping.
- They both use semi-trucks.
- They require an expert driver who’s licensed.
- They both ship palletized freight.
What Are the Differences between FTL and LTL?
The most significant difference between these two is that with LTL, one can save money if they ship a few pallets at a time. That’s because you’re only paying for the space you’re using and not the entire truck. LTL carriers fill the remaining spaces with other shipments that are paid for by other customers.
Also, transit times are another area that these methods differ. With FTL, the driver will pick the items to be shipped and drive straight to their destination without stopping. Hence one can predict when their items will be delivered. But with LTL, the transit doesn’t go straight to the customer’s destination. The driver has to make various stops because he/she has goods for customers delivering to different destinations. Therefore, it’s not easy to tell the estimated delivery date.
Additionally, with FTL the shipper loads your product at origin, seals it on the truck, and takes it to its destination. But with LTL, your item will be loaded and unloaded throughout the shipment several times before arriving at its final destination. While many LTL shipments are delivered in good conditions, the loading and unloading increase the chances of an item being damaged.
Again, most carriers for FTL use 53’ trailers that have swing doors. They usually measure 102″ wide and have 110″ clearance height. But for LTL, while most use 53’ trailers, they measure 102″ wide with roller doors and a clearance height of 96″.
LTL or FTL: Which Is Better?
Well, both these options have their own pros and cons. However, they can be optimized to fit a customer’s needs. When choosing between them you should consider your budget, delivery time, size, and type of your item. While LTL might provide a cheaper option sometimes, it may not be suitable for large loads, those that are irregular in shape, or those that take more than ½ of the truck’s space. FTL might be worth considering sometimes even if your freight doesn’t fill up the whole space.
