FTL Or LTL? What You Need To Know And Which Works Best For You.

Shippers have a variety of options available to them based on the size of their shipment. LTL and FTL Freight offer the perfect solution for different situations and it’s important to understand the key differences between both modes, especially if you’re new to the terms.

What are LTL and FTL?

LTL refers to less than truckload. FTL refers to full truckload freight. LTL is when multiple shippers’ freight is moving concurrently on the same trailer rather than having your freight exclusively on an individual trailer. This is perfect for shipments that are between one and six pallets or effectively any shipment that is less than 12 linear feet because it makes the most out of the available shipping space. In situations like these, any shipments that are over six pallets can typically still qualify for items like volume LTL or a partial truckload shipment.

FTL is commonly used for shipments that require a full truckload, such as a Class 8 tractor that has a refrigerated trailer or a dry van. With FTL, your freight is the only freight moving on an individual truck so you have exclusivity to the truck and theoretically are filling the truckload. Of course, you can exclusively reserve the truck with its full capacity even if you don’t fill it. Doing so would still provide you with that exclusivity and you won’t have to worry about your goods changing hands at any time or your goods being stuck with other products.

LTL and FTL Similarities

There are many similarities between LTL and FTL. Primarily both options move your freight across the road; although, in rare cases, LTL carriers can capitalize on an intermodal rail to move your shipment. Both options utilize Class 8 semi trucks which require a professional driver who has a commercial driver’s license. Both options also ship primarily palletized freight.

The trailer size for both FTL and LTL is usually the same with a width of 102 feet, a length of 53 feet and with swing doors.

Should I use FTL or LTL?

We recommend you using FTL or LTL depending on the below situations:

USE FULL TRUCKLOAD	USE LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD
You are shipping over twelve pallets at one time.	You are shipping twelve pallets or less.
Your product is extremely fragile or delicate.	Your product is sturdy enough or properly packaged for handling.
You require firm pick-up and delivery appointments.	You have a little bit of flexibility with shipping and delivery.
The delivery date is extremely time-sensitive.	You want to save money.

Shippers Can Use Both Modes Effectively

One shipping method isn’t necessarily better than the other. There are plenty of situations where shippers can benefit from using both LTL and FTL. If you have a smaller shipment that is very sturdy and has flexible shipping and delivery dates, you can use LTL to save money. This would help combat the cost associated with the times you have to ship a more delicate product and you need to utilize the FTL method.

Hence, to get guaranteed, on-time, safe and speedy delivery, Redoxcorp Shipping and Logistics Limited is the best option to ship the goods.