Full truckload (FTL) means your freight has the whole trailer. Less-than-truckload (LTL) means your freight shares a trailer with other shippers' loads. In short: ship FTL when your freight fills most of a trailer or can't wait, and LTL when it's small and the timing is flexible.
| Factor | FTL | LTL |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer use | Entire trailer for one shipper | Shared with other shippers |
| Typical shipment size | Large loads that fill most of a trailer | Smaller loads of a few pallets |
| Route | Direct, pickup to delivery | Through terminals and hubs |
| Transit time | Faster and more predictable | Slower, with more variability |
| Handling | Loaded once, unloaded once | Loaded and unloaded several times |
| Damage risk | Lower | Higher, from extra handling |
| Pricing | Per load or per mile | By weight, freight class and distance |
When should you choose FTL?
- You have enough freight to fill most of a trailer.
- Delivery time is fixed or urgent.
- The freight is fragile, high-value or easy to damage.
- You want fewer handoffs and less theft exposure.
When should you choose LTL?
- Shipments are small and delivery timing is flexible.
- Paying only for the space you use matters more than speed.
- Your freight can handle being moved between trucks at terminals.
How is LTL priced?
LTL carriers price by weight, distance and freight class. Freight class is a standard rating, from class 50 to class 500, in the National Motor Freight Classification published by the NMFTA. It reflects how dense a commodity is, how easy it is to handle and how likely it is to be damaged. Dense, sturdy freight gets a lower class and a lower rate.
What about loads in between?
Shipments too big for LTL but well short of a full trailer can sometimes move as volume LTL or partial truckload, priced by the space they take. Ask your carriers whether they offer it on your lanes.
Is there a simple rule of thumb?
Once LTL charges approach the price of a full truck, FTL usually wins on speed, safety and simplicity. Ask a carrier to quote both on your heavier shipments.
How does American Miles handle FTL?
American Miles runs full truckload freight coast to coast in 53-ft dry vans, with team drivers and 24/7 dispatch. Talk to our team.
