Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Less than truckload, commonly referred to as LTL, is a type of shipping mode whereby a truck is available to carry more than one shipment. LTL trucking has several advantages over the alternative trucking shipment mode, FTL – a full truckload shipment.
- For smaller shipments, less than truckload shipping works out cheaper. To quickly get accurate estimates on both modes, try this freight class calculator.
- LTL loads have considerably more size and weight restrictions.
- FTL shipments get to the destination sooner, as the truck is making no other pickups or drop-offs along the way.
- FTL transport means less handling (there is no transferring between trucks mid-transit), so the shipment is less likely to get lost or damaged.
When it comes to quoting, LTL shipping is usually calculated by freight class, which usually breaks down to price-per-weight, whereas FTL shipping quotes are usually calculated by price per mile.
