LTL stands for “less-than-truckload” and refers to shipments that do not fill an entire trailer, so the space is shared with other shippers’ freight. FTL stands for “full truckload” and means your shipment fills, or is large enough to justify, an entire dedicated trailer. The choice between them comes down to shipment size, speed, budget, and how much handling your freight can tolerate.
What is LTL shipping?
LTL shipping is used when freight is too large for parcel but too small to need a full trailer—typically one to six pallets, or roughly 150 to 15,000 pounds. Because several shippers share the same truck, you pay only for the portion of the trailer your freight occupies. LTL carriers move freight through a hub-and-spoke network, consolidating and sorting shipments at terminals along the way.
What is FTL shipping?
FTL shipping dedicates an entire trailer to a single shipment. It is the right choice when you have enough freight to fill a truck, when your goods are fragile and you want to minimize handling, or when you need the fastest, most direct transit. Because the truck goes straight from origin to destination without terminal stops, FTL is faster and lower-risk for the cargo.
LTL vs. FTL: the key differences
Cost
LTL spreads trailer cost across multiple shippers, so it is cheaper for small loads. FTL costs more per shipment but can be cheaper per unit once you have enough volume to fill a trailer.
Speed
FTL is faster because it travels directly. LTL takes longer due to terminal stops, consolidation, and re-sorting.
Handling and risk
LTL freight is loaded and unloaded multiple times, increasing the chance of damage. FTL freight stays on one trailer the entire trip, reducing handling.
Freight class and paperwork
LTL pricing depends on NMFC freight class, weight, density, and accessorials. FTL pricing is typically a flat rate for the lane.
When to choose LTL vs. FTL
Choose LTL when you are shipping a few pallets, your timeline is flexible, and cost matters more than speed. Choose FTL when you have ten or more pallets, your freight is fragile or high-value, you need fast direct transit, or you are shipping time-sensitive goods. A useful rule of thumb: once your LTL shipment approaches the cost of a full truck, it is usually time to switch to FTL.
LTL and FTL freight in South Florida
Go Freight offers asset-based LTL and truckload freight across Florida, backed by 100+ owned trucks. Because the fleet is asset-based with its own chassis pool, freight is not double brokered, and importers can combine port drayage with onward LTL or FTL delivery in a single coordinated move from PortMiami or Port Everglades.
Frequently asked questions
What size shipment is best for LTL?
LTL is ideal for shipments of roughly one to six pallets or 150 to 15,000 pounds—too big for parcel, too small for a full trailer.
Is FTL always more expensive than LTL?
Not per unit. FTL costs more per shipment, but once you have enough freight to fill a trailer, the cost per pallet can be lower than LTL—plus you gain speed and reduced handling.
What is a partial truckload (PTL)?
Partial truckload sits between LTL and FTL. It suits shipments of about six to twelve pallets that are too large for economical LTL but do not need a full dedicated trailer, and it usually involves less handling than LTL.
Get the right freight mode
Not sure whether LTL or FTL fits your shipment? Go Freight will help you choose and price it. Request a quote or call (786) 445-0150.