FTL Shipping: What It Means and When to Use It

FTL stands for Full Truckload and refers to a freight shipping service where one shipper occupies the entire trailer for a single shipment. For beginners, think of FTL like hiring a single taxi for a big move rather than taking multiple passengers on the same ride: the truck goes directly from pickup to delivery without making stops to add or remove other customers' freight.

This directness is the core advantage of FTL.

Because the truck isn’t picking up or dropping off other loads along the way, transit times tend to be faster and more predictable. There’s also generally less handling of goods during transit, which lowers the risk of damage. FTL is commonly used for large shipments that nearly fill a trailer by weight or volume, time-sensitive deliveries that need a direct route, or when the items are high value or fragile and should not be mixed with other cargo.

How big is an FTL shipment?

A full truckload usually fills most or all of a typical 48- or 53-foot trailer, though some shippers use FTL even if they don’t fully occupy the space—because they value the speed, reduced handling, or simplicity. In terms of weight, FTL often applies when the shipment reaches the carrier’s minimum for a full truck (commonly around 10,000 to 15,000 pounds, but this varies) or when pallet count and cubic feet make better use of the trailer.

FTL vs LTL (Less-than-Truckload): what’s the difference?

The main difference is whether multiple shippers share the same truck. LTL consolidates many small shipments into one trailer, which can be cost-effective for small loads but often means longer transit times and more handling. FTL gives a direct route and fewer touchpoints, usually at a higher price per shipment but often lower cost per unit when the shipment is large. For a beginner deciding between the two, choose LTL for smaller, non-urgent shipments and FTL for large, time-sensitive, or delicate freight.

When is FTL the best option?

• Large volume: Your goods fill or nearly fill a trailer by space or weight.
• Time-sensitive deliveries: You need faster, more predictable transit times.
• High-value or fragile items: You prefer fewer transfers and less handling.
• Single-origin or single-destination loads: The pickup and delivery points are straightforward.
• Oversized or special cargo: Loads that require the whole trailer because of unusual dimensions or specialized equipment.

Cost considerations are important for beginners to understand. FTL typically costs more than a single LTL shipment, but when you compare the cost per pallet or per unit for a large load, FTL can be more economical. Other cost factors include fuel surcharges, accessorial charges (like liftgate service, residential delivery, or detention time), and lane-specific pricing. Negotiated contract rates and consistent volumes can lead to lower per-trip costs.

Practical examples:

• A furniture manufacturer shipping a full truck of sofas to a retail distribution center will choose FTL to minimize handling and reduce delivery time.
• An electronics wholesaler sending several pallets of high-value items directly to a store will use FTL to lower damage risk and ensure a direct route.
• A small business with a moderately sized shipment that won’t fit on a standard LTL pallet might opt for FTL for simplicity, even if the trailer isn’t full.
• 
  

Common mistakes beginners make with FTL include underestimating trailer capacity (leading to paying for unused space), not accounting for accessorial charges, and failing to compare spot-market rates with contract rates. Another frequent error is choosing FTL out of habit rather than analyzing whether LTL consolidation could be more cost-effective for smaller or less urgent loads.

Best practices when using FTL include planning shipments to maximize trailer utilization, understanding accessorial fees, using clear, accurate documentation, and working with reliable carriers that provide tracking and communication. For businesses with recurring FTL needs, negotiating contract rates or exploring backhaul arrangements can lower costs. Finally, consider using a transportation management system (TMS) or freight broker if you’re new to shipping—these tools and partners can simplify rate comparisons, booking, and tracking.

In short, FTL is a straightforward, efficient option for large, time-sensitive, or delicate shipments because it dedicates a whole truck to your load. As a beginner, weigh the size and urgency of your freight, total cost (including extra charges), and the value of reduced handling and faster transit to decide whether FTL is right for your shipment.