What is the Difference Between LTL, PTL, and FTL?

Freight shipping services, like the businesses who require them, come in many different sizes.

While LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping may be one of the most widely used of these services, other pallet shipping services such as PTL (Partial Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) may be a better option in some circumstances.

For many shippers, however, distinguishing between these different services and their uses can require some clarification.

In this blog, we’ll be looking at the differences between LTL, PTL, and FTL services, their benefits and drawbacks, and helping you make the most informed decisions about your shipping.

Understanding LTL Shipping

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a shipping method that is used when the shipment does not require the entire space of a truck.

With LTL shipping, multiple shipments from different customers are combined into a single truckload, allowing businesses to share the cost of transportation. This is particularly beneficial for small-to-medium-sized businesses or those shipping smaller quantities of goods, typically between one and six pallets in a single shipment.

LTL shipping offers several advantages. First, it is cost-effective as businesses only pay for the space their shipment occupies in the truck, rather than the entire truck. This allows them to save money on shipping expenses.

Additionally, LTL shipping provides flexibility as it allows businesses to ship smaller quantities without having to fill an entire truck.

However, there are also drawbacks to LTL shipping. Since shipments are combined with others, there may be multiple stops and transfers along the way, which can increase the transit time.

It’s also important to note that LTL shipping may have certain weight and size limitations, so businesses need to ensure their shipments fall within the acceptable range. For instance, most LTL carriers will use trailers with roll doors as opposed to swing doors, reducing the average clearance height from 110” to 96”.

Overall, LTL shipping is ideal for businesses that have smaller shipments, want to save on transportation costs, and are flexible with delivery timelines.

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Exploring PTL Shipping

Partial truckload (PTL) shipping, also known as volume LTL shipping, is a shipping method that falls in between LTL and full truckload (FTL) shipping.

PTL shipping is used when the shipment is larger than what would qualify for LTL, but not large enough to require a full truckload. It offers a balance between cost and capacity, making it suitable for businesses with medium-sized shipments.

PTL shipping provides businesses with several benefits. Like LTL, it offers cost savings compared to FTL shipping as businesses only pay for the space their shipment occupies within the truck. This allows them to save money on transportation expenses.

PTL shipping also could provide faster transit time since there are fewer stops and transfers involved. Additionally, businesses get more flexibility with PTL shipping as they can ship larger quantities without having to fill an entire truck.

However, there are also considerations to keep in mind with PTL shipping. Businesses need to ensure that their shipment falls within the weight and size limitations of PTL shipping. It’s also important to plan ahead and schedule shipments in advance to ensure the availability of PTL services.

In summary, PTL shipping is a suitable option for businesses with medium-sized shipments that want to save on transportation costs, have faster transit times, and require more flexibility than FTL shipping.

Unpacking FTL Shipping

Full truckload (FTL) shipping is a shipping method where the entire space of a truck is dedicated to a single shipment.

It is used when businesses have large quantities of goods to transport that require the entire capacity of a truck. FTL shipping provides businesses with exclusive use of the truck, ensuring faster transit times and minimal handling of the shipment.

FTL shipping offers several advantages. As previously mentioned, it could provide faster transit times compared to LTL and PTL shipping since there are no stops or transfers involved. This could be particularly beneficial for time-sensitive shipments. Additionally, businesses have the flexibility to schedule the pickup and delivery times according to their specific needs.

It is also important to note that, due to the reduced amount of handling inherent in FTL shipping, it can be a preferred option for extremely sensitive or delicate goods.

However, FTL shipping may not be suitable for all businesses. It is generally more expensive compared to LTL and PTL shipping since businesses must pay for the entire truck, regardless of the space utilized. This makes it more cost-effective only for larger shipments.

To summarize, FTL shipping is the preferred option for businesses with large shipments and the need for exclusive use of a truck.

Choosing the Right Shipping Service

To choose the right shipping service for your business, consider the following factors:

1. Shipment Size

Determine the size of your shipment to assess whether it falls within the limits of LTL, PTL, or FTL shipping.

• LTL: Between 1-6 pallets within weight restrictions
• PTL: More than 6 pallets, but less than a full truckload
• FTL: Requires the entire trucks container for transport

2. Cost

Evaluate your budget and calculate the shipping costs associated with each option. Consider the cost per unit or weight of the shipment.

3. Transit Time

Determine how time-sensitive your shipment is. If speed is crucial, FTL shipping may be the best option or selecting quicker services from LTL providers.

4. Flexibility

Consider how flexible you need the shipping service to be. LTL and PTL shipping offer more flexibility for smaller quantities, while FTL shipping provides exclusive use of the truck.

5. Special Requirements

Assess if your shipment requires any special handling or specific equipment. Some shipments may require temperature-controlled trucks, tailgates or liftgates, or other specialized equipment.

Ultimately, the choice between LTL, PTL, and FTL shipping depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. By considering these factors and evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of LTL, PTL, and FTL shipping services, you can choose the right option that best suits those needs.

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Get automated LTL quotes straight form our platform and have our specialized quote team walk you through PTL and FTL options for your shipments.

Talk to one of our shipping experts today and see how Freightcom can help choose the right shipping for your business every time.