Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping are two methods for businesses needing to ship their freight. Each one provides specific advantages and disadvantages. Full truckload shipping is typically used when you need the entire space of a trailer for your cargo or over 15,000 lbs. FTL shipping will also get your products to their destinations sooner. Less Than Truckload shipping is used when you don’t need to use the entire space of the truck or your freight weighs less than 15,000. You buy a portion of the trailer for your goods while other customers fill up the rest of the truck.
What is the difference between LTL and FTL Shipping?
Differences between LTL and FTL Shipping
Full Truckload shipping offers various benefits. One of the most important aspects is that FTL shipping means your freight goes from point A to point B, resulting in your products arriving to their destination sooner than LTL shipping. Another advantage of FTL shipping is the savings. It is more cost effective to ship the same volume at once by dividing your shipments up into smaller loads. You will experience fewer weight restrictions with FTL shipping because you are using the full truck.
Smaller shipments can also benefit from full truckload shipping. If your shipment is high risk, FTL may be the better option. FTL shipments remain on the same truck the entire duration of travel and are not transferred from one truck to the next, lowering the risk of damage. It’s also quicker than LTL shipping. With fewer stops, there is also a lower risk of having your shipment delayed.
Differences between LTL and FTL Shipping
LTL Shipping offers many benefits to businesses shipping small freight. The most significant advantage is the reduced cost. When you book an LTL shipment, you only pay for the space you use in the trailer. You do not have to pay for space you don’t use because it is loaded with goods from multiple businesses. Another benefit of LTL Shipping is the increased security.
Many LTL shipments are packaged onto pallets before being loaded into a truck. A single well packaged pallet has a better chance of remaining secure than shipments with multiple smaller handling units. When you ship LTL, you also get additional service options like liftgates and inside pickup and delivery. Finally, LTL carriers offer tracking capabilities through the bill of lading number, PRO number, PO number, shipment reference number, and pick up date range.
Why Use TKO Logistics?
TKO Logistics in Chicago uses a top of the line fleet of the latest Cascadia models, providing our drivers with comfort and the tools they need to get the job done. We are committed to safety, integrity, and more, devoting ourselves to our customers to always get it right, or to make it right. Our team works to offer unique solutions to shipping needs. We move quickly to serve our customers and employ industry leaders to ensure we deliver and adapt to your changing logistics needs. You can reach us at (630) 592-4744 or by visiting our contact us page.