Comparing FTL vs LTL requires you to understand what both of these mean. If you’re tasked with coordinating shipments during your relocation, it’s crucial that you understand the differences between LTL and FTL.
By the end of this guide, you will possess the knowledge necessary to confidently order transportation for your business relocation.
LTL Freight and Shipping Meaning
LTL means “less than truckload.” Whenever you have a shipment of 12 linear feet or less, using LTL shipping is a good way to lower your costs and improve the efficiency of your shipment. Many factors determine when you should and should not use LTL shipping.
Typically, you should use LTL when you are shipping 12 pallets or less or your product is properly packaged for increased handling. If you have some flexibility with your shipping and delivery timing for your corporate relocation, using LTL shipping might be the best option for you. In addition, LTL allows you to save money by taking fewer trips or loads.
FTL Freight Meaning
What does FTL mean? FTL means “full truckload”, and usually means surface transportation using a semi-truck. A class 8 tractor with a 53 foot dry van trailer is the most common equipment type of FTL. However, open deck trailers are also very common.
FTL is mostly used when the shipper does not fill the entire truck but reserves the full capacity of the truck for the shipment. When using FTL, there is only one shipper’s freight being moved on the truck.
Differences of FTL vs LTL in Logistics
Shipping freight can be a difficult process because of the options available for shipping. When making this decision, LTL freight forwarding is ideal. You must know the differences between LTL shipping and FTL shipping because these types of shipping are the most commonly used transportation options in North America.
There are a multitude of factors for shippers to consider, like speed, size, and price when choosing between LTL shipping and FTL shipping. To get a better understanding of the differences between the two, here are the main differences which should help you decide which shipping method is best for your commercial relocation.
Price
LTL shipping is typically less expensive than FTL shipping because the shipments are smaller and leave room for other shipments. FTL shipments usually take up the entire truck and cost more than LTL shipping because of the extra space used in the truck.
Choosing between LTL vs FTL shipping for your company’s relocation is important because if you choose the wrong option, you will likely have to pay for space that you are not going to use.
Handling
Before making a decision on which shipping is best for your company, evaluate how delicate or fragile your shipment will be. When you use FTL shipping, your shipment will remain on the same truck and will not be transferred elsewhere. Since the shipment will stay on the same truck with FTL shipping, there is less of a risk for missing items or any damage to your items.
When you use LTL shipping, your shipment will likely be switched to a different truck or transferred a few times before it is delivered. This can increase the likelihood of your shipment becoming damaged or missing. Choosing carefully between LTL shipping and FTL shipping is important, especially if you have a fragile shipment or are shipping household goods.
Size
The freight size is an important factor when choosing between LTL shipping and FTL shipping. LTL shipments are smaller than FTL shipments and usually weigh somewhere between 100 and 5,000 pounds. Since these types of shipments are smaller, they will not typically fill an entire truck. This will save extra space for other small shipments.
FTL shipments are large, and typically fill up a whole truck. These shipments can weigh around 20,000 pounds or more. If your shipment weighs between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds, it can be either LTL shipping or FTL shipping.
Time
If you need your shipment to be delivered quickly, FTL shipping could be best for you. Since LTL shipments typically have multiple shipments using multiple trucks, they require many stops before your shipment gets delivered.
If you choose FTL shipping for your shipment, you will not have to worry about time being an issue since they pick up and deliver your shipment using the same truck.
When to Choose One over the Other
Many factors are a part of the decision to choose LTL shipping or FTL shipping. While these suggestions do not set in stone how you should ship your shipment, they will help guide you to make the right choice for your shipment.
Use LTL Shipping When:
- You have flexibility when it comes to shipping time
- You are trying to save money
- If you are shipping less than 12 pallets
- You have a sturdy product that will most likely not get damaged
Use FTL Shipping When:
- Your company has a tight schedule for the pick-up and delivery times
- Your delivery date is very time-sensitive
- You are shipping over 12 pallets at one time
- Your shipment is fragile, delicate, or can easily be damaged
Similarities Between LTL Shipping and FTL Shipping
While LTL shipping and FTL are different from one another, they do have some things in common. Both LTL and FTL shipping move your shipment primarily over the road. However, some LTL shipments can be shipped using intermodal rail shipping.
Both types of shipping use class 8 tractors or semi-trucks and ship mostly palletized freight. LTL shipping and FTL shipping both require their professional drivers to have a CDL license.
Key Differences Between FTL vs LTL
These are the main differences of what is FTL vs LTL.
- LTL is handled more than FTL freight
- You need to know your freight class for LTL to determine pricing
- FTL shipments might be reweighed at a weigh station, while LTL usually is just weighed once
- Transit time is longer using LTL shipping
- Fragile shipments are best for FTL shipping, because of the multiple stops with LTL shipping
Final Takeaway
Now that you know the differences between FTL vs LTL shipping, schedule a consultation with ARC Relocation today for help with your corporate relocation and shipping needs!