Basics
LTL or full truckload?
LTL combines multiple customers’ freight within a carrier network. Full truckload generally purchases a dedicated truck’s capacity for one customer. The best option depends on size, price, handling, and delivery requirements.
Choose by the shipment
- LTL: Share trailer space with other shippers. Often suits smaller, standard pallet loads; transfers and freight class can affect service and price.
- Full truckload: Book dedicated capacity. Often suits larger loads or shipments that benefit from fewer transfers.
- Compare the full service: Size, fragility, timing, and total price matter more than a fixed pallet-count rule.
What to check
- Confirm the number of handling units, not just the number of boxes.
- Measure the total occupied pallet footprint and height.
- Determine whether freight is stackable or fragile.
Common mistake: assuming that six pallets must be LTL or that ten pallets must be full truckload. Carrier rules and economics differ by shipment and lane.