What is the Difference Between LTL and FTL Freight?

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Freight shipping is an essential component of supply chain management, and understanding the difference between Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) shipping can help businesses optimize their logistics strategy. Each shipping mode has its advantages and is suited to specific freight sizes, delivery times, and cost considerations. Choosing the right one can lead to significant savings and improved operational efficiency.

What is LTL Shipping?

Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping consolidates smaller shipments from multiple businesses into one truck. Each shipper only pays for the portion of the truck their goods occupy, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses that do not require a full truck. Typically, LTL shipments range from 100 to 15,000 pounds and are perfect for businesses that need to move small quantities of goods without incurring the expense of paying for an entire truck.

 

Key Benefits of LTL Shipping:

  • Cost Efficiency: LTL shipping is more affordable because you share the cost with other shippers, paying only for the space your freight occupies.
  • Additional Service Options: With LTL shipping, Mactrans Logistics offers services such as liftgate delivery, inside pickup, and specialized handling, catering to more specific shipping needs.
  • Environmentally Friendly: By sharing truck space with other shipments, LTL reduces the number of trucks on the road, lowering carbon emissions.


To learn more about LTL shipping and how it can save you money, check out
this guide on minimizing LTL shipping expenses.

What is FTL Shipping?

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping, on the other hand, involves transporting a single shipper’s freight on a dedicated truck. The cargo takes up the entire truck, even if the truck is not filled to capacity. FTL shipping is ideal for large or time-sensitive shipments that require faster delivery times and less handling.

Key Benefits of FTL Shipping:

  • Faster Delivery: FTL shipments go directly from the origin to the destination without making multiple stops, which speeds up the delivery process.
  • Reduced Risk of Damage: Since FTL shipments involve less handling, the risk of damage is significantly lower, making it a safer option for delicate or high-value goods.
  • Better Control: FTL shipments allow you to have more control over the loading, scheduling, and route, ensuring that your cargo reaches its destination on time.


LTL vs. FTL: Which Should You Choose?

Size and Weight of Shipment

LTL shipping is ideal for small shipments that are less than 15,000 pounds or less than 30 linear feet. If your shipment requires more than 15,000 pounds or occupies most of the truck’s space, FTL shipping may be a better fit.

Delivery Time Sensitivity

If you have a tight delivery deadline, FTL shipping is often the best choice. Since FTL trucks go directly to the destination without stopping at multiple locations, the delivery time is more predictable. On the other hand, if your shipment isn’t time-sensitive, LTL can offer a more affordable solution.

Cargo Fragility

For fragile or high-value goods that require minimal handling, FTL is the safest option, as it reduces the chances of damage during transit. LTL shipments are loaded and unloaded more frequently, which increases the risk of damage. However, by properly packaging your goods and partnering with a reliable logistics provider like Mactrans Logistics, you can minimize these risks.

Cost Considerations

LTL shipping is typically more cost-effective for smaller loads because you only pay for the portion of the truck that you use. However, if you frequently ship large loads, FTL may prove to be more economical in the long run.

Comparing LTL and FTL

LTL (Less Than Truckload)

Shipment Size: 1-6 pallets or up to 12 linear feet. Typically under 15,000 pounds.

Cost: More cost-effective for smaller shipments, as you only pay for the space used.

Speed: Slower, as the truck makes multiple stops and consolidates shipments.

Handling: More handling as shipments are loaded and unloaded several times at different stops.

Risk of Damage: Higher risk due to frequent handling and sharing space with other shipments.

Ideal For: Small to medium businesses shipping smaller loads with flexibility on delivery time.

Common Services: Liftgate, inside delivery, notifications, special handling.

FTL (Full Truckload)

Shipment Size: 6+ pallets or 12-53 linear feet. Typically over 15,000 pounds.

Cost: More expensive since you pay for the entire truck, regardless of how much space is used.

Speed: Faster, since the truck goes directly to the destination with no additional stops.

Handling: Minimal handling, as the shipment is loaded once and delivered without transfers.

Risk of Damage: Lower risk since the shipment stays on the same truck and has minimal handling.

Ideal For: Large shipments, high-value goods, or time-sensitive deliveries requiring dedicated trucks.

Common Services: Direct delivery, expedited services, refrigeration (if needed), higher security.

 

 

A freight truck driving down a sunny highway

Freight Class and Its Importance in LTL Shipping


In LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping, freight classification plays a crucial role in determining pricing. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) establishes a standardized freight classification system that assigns different commodities to one of 18 classes, ranging from Class 50 (least expensive) to Class 500 (most expensive). The classification is based on factors such as density, stowability, handling, and liability.

Properly classifying your freight is essential for avoiding additional charges. Incorrect classification can lead to reclassifications during transit, which may result in unexpected fees or delays. Understanding how your products are classified can help you streamline costs and optimize your shipping strategy.

To learn more about determining the right freight class for your shipments, check out our detailed guide on freight classification for LTL shipments.

Freight Market Trends and Statistics

In 2023, the Full Truckload (FTL) market in North America reached $523 billion, making up 75.4% of the total freight transportation industry. In contrast, the Less Than Truckload (LTL) market, although smaller, contributed around $40 billion, with a 5.8% market share. These statistics highlight the importance of choosing the right shipping method depending on your business needs.

As businesses grow and expand their supply chain operations, LTL and FTL shipping options continue to play a critical role in meeting logistics demands. Mactrans Logistics provides tailored solutions for both LTL and FTL shipments, ensuring efficient, reliable service across North America.

Industries Served by LTL and FTL Shipping

Different industries have unique shipping needs, and both LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) offer distinct advantages depending on the type of goods being transported. Let’s explore how various sectors benefit from either LTL or FTL shipping:

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry often requires the transportation of large, valuable parts or entire vehicles, making FTL the preferred option for secure, timely delivery. For smaller components shipped to multiple locations, LTL services can be a cost-effective solution. Explore how we handle automotive logistics for this sector.

2. E-Commerce

E-commerce businesses typically ship smaller quantities, making LTL shipping an efficient choice for frequent or daily shipments. This allows companies to transport smaller loads without the need for a full truck. See how e-commerce companies can optimize their shipping with our e-commerce transportation services.

3. Food and Beverage

Both FTL and LTL are crucial for the food and beverage industry, depending on the nature of the shipment. For large quantities or perishable goods, FTL ensures faster and more controlled transport, while LTL can offer cost savings for non-perishable or smaller shipments. Learn more about our food and beverage logistics solutions and how we ensure safe deliveries.

4. Hot Tub & Pool Industry

Given the size of items like pools, tubs, and accessories, the hot tub and pool industry often relies on FTL for secure and efficient transportation. However, smaller shipments of accessories can benefit from LTL. Find out how we manage hot tub and pool logistics to ensure safe and timely deliveries.

5. Healthcare and Medical Supplies

For the healthcare industry, safe and timely delivery of sensitive items like medical supplies and pharmaceuticals is essential. FTL is often the preferred choice for temperature-sensitive or time-critical shipments, while LTL can be a viable option for non-urgent supplies. Learn how we support healthcare businesses with our specialized healthcare transportation services.

6. Retail Industry

The retail sector depends on both LTL and FTL services depending on seasonality and shipment size. FTL is ideal for bulk restocking during peak times, while LTL is effective for regular, smaller deliveries across various locations. Here’s how we streamline retail logistics to meet your business needs.

7. Agriculture

In the agricultural sector, FTL is frequently used for shipping bulky items like crops and machinery. However, LTL can be a great option for smaller shipments such as animal feed or fresh produce. Learn more about how we assist agricultural businesses with agriculture logistics.

8. Trade Show & Exhibits

When transporting delicate and time-sensitive materials for trade shows and exhibits, FTL is often the best solution to ensure everything arrives intact and on time. For smaller exhibit shipments, LTL can provide a cost-effective alternative. See how we handle trade show transportation logistics to ensure seamless deliveries.

9. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Consumer packaged goods companies benefit from FTL when shipping large volumes of products to retailers, while LTL is a cost-effective option for smaller, less frequent deliveries. Learn more about how we manage CPG logistics for businesses in this sector.


Whether you’re in the food and beverage industry or healthcare, Mactrans has the expertise to handle all your logistics needs.
Learn more about how we serve your industry.

Mactrans Logistics: Your Partner for Freight Shipping

Mactrans Logistics was founded to offer customized and comprehensive freight management services. Whether you’re shipping via LTL or FTL, Mactrans Logistics provides end-to-end support, from consultation to delivery. With our extensive carrier network and industry expertise, we ensure that your shipments reach their destination on time and in perfect condition. Our services include:

      • LTL Shipping Services: Learn more about our cost-effective LTL services.
      • FTL Shipping Services: Discover how our FTL services can help you meet tight deadlines and ensure secure, direct delivery.

Making the Right Choice with Mactrans

Ultimately, the decision between LTL and FTL shipping depends on your specific shipment needs. Businesses with smaller loads and flexible delivery timelines can benefit from the cost savings of LTL shipping, while those with larger, time-sensitive shipments may prefer the speed and security of FTL shipping.

Mactrans Logistics is here to help you make informed decisions about your freight shipping strategy. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, our team will work closely with you to choose the right shipping method and ensure that your supply chain runs smoothly.

For more information on how to optimize your freight shipping strategy, visit our blog on choosing the right 3PL provider or learn about freight class determination for LTL shipments.

And if you are looking for customized logistics solutions that optimize both your costs and delivery efficiency, contact Mactrans Logistics for a consultation and learn how we can design a shipping strategy tailored to your business needs. Get in touch with us today.

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