The decision to ship less than truckload (LTL) or full truckload (TL) can be difficult if you are not aware of all the options. A lot of factors affect freight shipping, such as freight dimensions, freight classification, and special services.

What is LTL Shipping?

Freight that does not require an entire truck is known as LTL (less than truckload) shipping. LTL is ideal for shippers who have smaller loads because it allows multiple shippers to share the space on a truck, making it more cost-efficient. This method of shipping is best for businesses that have freight shipments that are less than 15,000 pounds. LTL loads are usually between 100 pounds and 10,000 pounds.

Items are consolidated on a single trailer to fill it to maximize capacity. To protect items so they do not become damaged, they have to be consolidated into crates or pallets. This gives shippers flexibility for smaller or medium shipments.

During the course of an LTL shipment, the items will be loaded and unloaded to trailers and warehouses several times before they reach their final destination. This increased handling means there is a greater chance of product damage as compared to truckload so the shipment must be packed correctly. Anything that causes a delay will result in added charges.

Rates can vary depending on the shipment’s freight class, even if it is within the same lane or number of pallets. All LTL carriers use a freight classification system with 18 different classes from Class 50 (least expensive) to Class 500 (most expensive). Most shipments are sent through a dimensioner to determine weight and dimensions at the origin terminal. If the results from the dimensioner are different from the specifications on the BOL (bill of lading), the carrier will correct the class, which may lead to a different rate.

What is TL Shipping?

TL are shipments that take up the entire space or weight limit of a trailer, so they are best for businesses that have high-volume shipping.  The most common equipment type is a class 8 tractor with a 53’ dry van trailer, but refrigerated and open deck trailers can also be used. Shippers choose truckload in the following situations:

• The shipment fills an entire truck.
• The shipper wants the truck exclusively.
• The freight has a deadline.
• The weight makes it more cost-effective than less than truckload.

Shipments travel on one truck to one destination directly without multiple stops as compared to LTL. Truckload shipping is the better choice when the freight weighs more than 15,000 pounds or the company has more than 10 pallets of goods. When a large amount of goods is being shipped, TL is the more economical method for shipping.

Unlike LTL, once loaded the driver may stop at a weigh station to verify that the truck is under the 80,000 lb. threshold. This is usually the only inspection of the product until the shipment reaches the delivery dock. TL freight also differs as drivers will accept firm appointment times, which is unlike the multiple pickups that LTL usually has.