Choosing between LTL and FTL affects cost, transit time, and risk. Here is how to decide.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) are the two primary modes of freight transportation. Understanding when to use which can significantly impact your shipping costs, transit times, and the risk of damage to your goods.
LTL is ideal for shipments that are too large to be sent as parcels but not large enough to fill an entire 53-foot trailer. Typically, this covers shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds. With LTL, you share trailer space—and costs—with other shippers. However, this means your freight will be unloaded and reloaded at various terminals along the route, which increases transit time and the risk of damage.
FTL is used when your shipment is large enough to fill a trailer, or when you have a smaller shipment but require a dedicated truck for faster transit or added security. Because the truck goes directly from the pickup location to the destination without stopping at terminals, FTL is generally faster and significantly reduces the risk of handling-related damage.
Standard Connect helps you navigate this decision automatically. Our platform allows you to compare LTL and FTL rates side-by-side, taking into account the specifics of your load to recommend the most cost-effective and reliable shipping method for your business.