What Is the Difference Between LTL and Full Truckload (FTL) Transport?
Full truckload (FTL) is a transport model in which a whole vehicle is reserved for a single shipper; part-load (LTL – Less than Truck Load) is one in which the same vehicle is shared with the cargo of more than one shipper.
What Is the Difference Between LTL and Full Truckload (FTL) Transport?
Full truckload (FTL) is a transport model in which a whole vehicle is reserved for a single shipper; part-load (LTL – Less than Truck Load) is one in which the same vehicle is shared with the cargo of more than one shipper.
Full truckload (FTL)
The vehicle is planned only for your cargo and goes directly between the loading and unloading points. Because there is no transfer, transit time is short and the risk of damage is low. If the cargo nearly fills a vehicle, it is usually the best option.
Part load (LTL)
Cargo from different shippers is combined at collection points and carried in a shared vehicle. For small volumes you pay only for the space you use. Because of the collection, transfer and distribution steps, transit time can be slightly longer than for full truckload.
What is LDM?
LDM (loading metre) refers to the length the cargo occupies in the vehicle's load space and is used in LTL pricing. A standard semi-trailer has about 13.6 LDM. You can find more in the glossary.
Selection guide
- If speed and control matter: full truckload.
- If the cargo is small and regular: LTL service.
- For sensitive or valuable cargo: full truckload, with a sealed and tracked vehicle if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does LTL transport take?
Transit time varies with the route and the collection plan; it is usually a few days longer than full truckload.
Can LTL cargo be stacked?
Because cargo is carried together in LTL, stackability depends on the packaging and pallet structure; this information should be shared at the quotation stage.
Which countries have LTL service?
Logitork offers regular LTL service to European and Asian countries.