LTL vs. FTL Shipping: Which Option Is Right for Your Business

Choosing between less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping is one of the most impactful freight decisions a business makes. The wrong choice can mean paying for empty truck space or waiting days for a consolidated load to fill. This guide breaks down the practical differences so you can make an informed decision for your next shipment.

What Is LTL Shipping?

LTL shipping means your freight shares trailer space with cargo from other shippers. Your goods occupy only the space they need, and you pay based on the dimensions, weight, and freight class of your shipment. A typical LTL shipment ranges from one pallet to around twelve pallets, or roughly 150 to 15,000 pounds.

The main advantage of LTL is cost efficiency for smaller loads. If you are shipping four pallets of product from Spartanburg to Charlotte, there is no reason to pay for an entire 53-foot trailer. LTL lets you split the cost with other shippers heading in the same direction.

The trade-off is time. Because LTL carriers make multiple stops to pick up and deliver freight from different customers, transit times are longer. A direct run that takes six hours by FTL might take two to three days via LTL due to the routing and handling involved.

What Is FTL Shipping?

FTL shipping means you book an entire trailer for your freight alone. The truck picks up at your location, drives directly to the destination, and delivers without intermediate stops. FTL is the standard choice for shipments that fill most or all of a trailer, typically ten pallets or more, or any load exceeding 15,000 pounds.

FTL offers faster transit, reduced handling, and lower risk of damage since your freight is not being loaded and unloaded alongside other cargo. For time-sensitive shipments or fragile goods, FTL is often the safer choice even if the load does not physically fill the trailer.

When to Choose LTL

• Your shipment weighs less than 10,000 pounds
• You are shipping fewer than six pallets
• Transit time flexibility of two to five business days is acceptable
• You want to minimize per-unit shipping costs
• Your freight is durable and can withstand standard handling

When to Choose FTL

• Your shipment exceeds 10,000 pounds or fills more than half a trailer
• You need delivery within 24 to 48 hours
• Your freight is fragile, high-value, or temperature-sensitive
• You require a dedicated pickup and delivery time window
• You are shipping to a single destination with no intermediate stops needed

Cost Comparison

LTL pricing is based on freight class, which considers density, handling requirements, and liability. A four-pallet shipment of packaged consumer goods traveling 200 miles might cost between $400 and $800 via LTL, depending on the carrier and current market conditions.

FTL pricing is typically quoted per mile. A full truckload covering the same 200-mile route might cost between $400 and $600, making FTL surprisingly competitive when your freight fills enough of the trailer. The crossover point where FTL becomes more economical than LTL usually falls around six to eight pallets for regional routes.

Making the Decision

The simplest way to decide is to request quotes for both options. At Dogan Logistics LLC, we provide side-by-side LTL and FTL estimates so you can compare total cost, transit time, and service level before committing. There is no obligation, and most quotes are returned within two hours during business hours.