Shipping TipsAugust 18, 2026Atlanta Freight Solutions
LTL vs FTL: Which Shipping Option is Right for Your Business?
One of the most common questions we hear from shippers is: "Should I use LTL or FTL?" The answer depends on several factors, and choosing the right option can significantly impact your shipping costs and delivery times.
**What is LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)?**
LTL shipping is used when your freight doesn't fill an entire trailer. Your shipment shares trailer space with freight from other shippers, and you only pay for the space you use. LTL is typically the best option for shipments between 150 pounds and 15,000 pounds.
**What is FTL (Full Truckload)?**
FTL shipping means your freight gets a dedicated trailer — the entire truck is reserved for your shipment alone. FTL is typically used for shipments that are large enough to fill most or all of a 48- or 53-foot trailer, usually 15,000 pounds or more.
**When to Choose LTL:**
• Your shipment weighs between 150 and 15,000 lbs
• You're shipping 1-10 pallets
• You can be flexible with delivery timing (LTL typically takes 1-5 days longer)
• You want to reduce per-shipment costs on smaller loads
• Your freight doesn't require special handling that conflicts with other cargo
**When to Choose FTL:**
• Your shipment weighs over 15,000 lbs or fills most of a trailer
• You need the fastest possible transit time
• Your freight is fragile, high-value, or hazardous
• You want to minimize handling (LTL freight gets loaded/unloaded at terminals)
• You have time-sensitive delivery requirements
**Cost Comparison**
LTL shipping is charged by freight class, weight, and distance. Freight class is determined by density, stowability, handling characteristics, and liability. FTL shipping is charged per mile or as a flat rate per load, regardless of how much space your freight uses.
Here's a general guideline: if your shipment takes up more than half a trailer (roughly 6+ pallets or 10,000+ lbs), get quotes for both LTL and FTL. You might be surprised — FTL can sometimes be cheaper than LTL for larger shipments because LTL pricing includes terminal handling fees and multiple stops.
**The Hybrid Approach: Volume LTL**
Some carriers offer "volume LTL" or "partial truckload" pricing for shipments that fall between traditional LTL and FTL — typically 6,000 to 18,000 lbs. This gives you the cost benefits of shared space with fewer stops and faster delivery than standard LTL.
At Atlanta Freight Solutions, we analyze your shipment details and provide quotes for all applicable options — LTL, volume LTL, and FTL — so you can make an informed decision based on cost, speed, and reliability.
**What is LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)?**
LTL shipping is used when your freight doesn't fill an entire trailer. Your shipment shares trailer space with freight from other shippers, and you only pay for the space you use. LTL is typically the best option for shipments between 150 pounds and 15,000 pounds.
**What is FTL (Full Truckload)?**
FTL shipping means your freight gets a dedicated trailer — the entire truck is reserved for your shipment alone. FTL is typically used for shipments that are large enough to fill most or all of a 48- or 53-foot trailer, usually 15,000 pounds or more.
**When to Choose LTL:**
• Your shipment weighs between 150 and 15,000 lbs
• You're shipping 1-10 pallets
• You can be flexible with delivery timing (LTL typically takes 1-5 days longer)
• You want to reduce per-shipment costs on smaller loads
• Your freight doesn't require special handling that conflicts with other cargo
**When to Choose FTL:**
• Your shipment weighs over 15,000 lbs or fills most of a trailer
• You need the fastest possible transit time
• Your freight is fragile, high-value, or hazardous
• You want to minimize handling (LTL freight gets loaded/unloaded at terminals)
• You have time-sensitive delivery requirements
**Cost Comparison**
LTL shipping is charged by freight class, weight, and distance. Freight class is determined by density, stowability, handling characteristics, and liability. FTL shipping is charged per mile or as a flat rate per load, regardless of how much space your freight uses.
Here's a general guideline: if your shipment takes up more than half a trailer (roughly 6+ pallets or 10,000+ lbs), get quotes for both LTL and FTL. You might be surprised — FTL can sometimes be cheaper than LTL for larger shipments because LTL pricing includes terminal handling fees and multiple stops.
**The Hybrid Approach: Volume LTL**
Some carriers offer "volume LTL" or "partial truckload" pricing for shipments that fall between traditional LTL and FTL — typically 6,000 to 18,000 lbs. This gives you the cost benefits of shared space with fewer stops and faster delivery than standard LTL.
At Atlanta Freight Solutions, we analyze your shipment details and provide quotes for all applicable options — LTL, volume LTL, and FTL — so you can make an informed decision based on cost, speed, and reliability.