The primary difference between LTL and FTL is the size of the shipments. These differences primarily involve size, time, handling, and cost. Exploring LTL vs FTL ServiceĪlthough LTL vs FTL service both aim to ship your goods or products to a desired location in a cost-efficient manner, these two methods have distinct differences. Utilizing FTL service, a business’s goods are the only goods in the trailer, which means you will need to pay the entire cost of moving the goods from one location to another. Most importantly, these loads will fill an entire trailer. On the other hand, FTL services are for loads that are larger - typically ranging over 10,000 lbs. With LTL service, each business fills a portion of a trailer along with other shippers, thus splitting the cost of moving the goods. While the actual weight can vary, the most defining feature of LTL loads is that they do not occupy the entire trailer. Less than truckload (LTL) service is a method of transport for partial or smaller loads of between 100 lbs. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at FTL vs LTL service, how each method calculates cost, and other relevant information. We’ll listen closely to your needs, budgets, and goals to guide you to the shipping option best suited to check all of your boxes.ĭon’t hesitate to reach out to the team at OnTrack for fast, affordable, and tailored freight solutions. We offer decades of experience matching our customers unique shipping needs to the best, most cost-effective solution. In either case, the team at OnTrack Freight Systems can and will help. While each shipping option is relatively obvious by its name, do you know when it’s best to choose LTL vs FTL service? This lowers the clearance height to 100 inches, slightly reducing their overall capacity.If you have freight to ship regularly, you’ve more than likely heard about less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload shipping options. LTL carriers’ trailers maintain the same specifications, except for roll doors in place of swing doors. FTL carriers typically drive 53-foot trailers with swing doors that are 102 inches wide and have clearance heights of 110 inches. Unless a shipper pays a premium to guarantee the quoted transit, delivery dates are estimates.ħ. Loads moved via LTL, however, seldom follow direct routes and will likely take longer than FTL. Total mileage, hours of service, posted speed limit, and estimated traffic determine arrival time.
Ftl vs ltl driver#
FTL transit can be predictable if the driver makes a timely pickup and goes straight through to the receiver. If the dimensioner detects the product’s specifications don’t match the bill of lading, then the carrier reclassifies the freight, which could affect the rate.Ħ. With LTL, the origin terminal reinspects the load, and each order is likely reweighed by a forklift or floor scale to ensure accuracy.īased on commodity profile, the freight might go through a dimensioner, which automatically scans it to determine weight and dimensions. The exception is an FTL driver stopping at weigh stations to verify the truck is under the 80,000-pound legal limit. With FTL, product inspection doesn’t occur until the load gets to the receiver. Reweighing/reclassifying products for accuracy.
Ftl vs ltl windows#
Typically, LTL pickup times aren’t guaranteed, with two-hour (or more) FCFS windows being the industry standard.ĥ. Delays can occur and compound, which impacts delivery windows.
Ftl vs ltl drivers#
While FTL drivers schedule a firm appointment time, LTL drivers require more flexibility since they pick up multiple shipments daily. First-come, first-serve pickup (FCFS) windows.
With LTL, it is also vital to understand the requirements at delivery to improve front-end quoting accuracy.Ĥ. In these cases, remember the total potential cost savings with LTL versus FTL.
Additionally, the provider needs to stay moving to stay profitable. With LTL, delays or unexpected consignee demands often result in charges since these carriers need to be paid for services rendered. FTL drivers are likely to worry less about taking a 15-minute driver assist or detention during a multiple-day transit. Since FTL drivers stay with a load from pickup through delivery, they are closer to the process and limit accessorial charges. All LTL carriers use the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s freight classification system to categorize commodities by attempting to account for their density, value, handling characteristics, and stowability.ģ.
LTL rates often vary more significantly, even if the mixed commodities move in the same lane with the same number of pallets. Forklifts, Pallets & Materials Handling.Forklift/Pallets/Materials Handling RFP/.