LTL vs FTL: Which is right for your shipment?

What is LTL shipping?

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping combines freight from multiple shippers into a single trailer. You pay only for the space your freight occupies, measured by pallet count, dimensions, and weight. LTL carriers consolidate shipments at regional terminals, route them through a hub-and-spoke network, and deliver to the destination.

LTL works best for shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds that do not fill a full trailer. Typical transit is 1-5 business days depending on distance and the carrier's terminal network.

What is FTL shipping?

Full-truckload (FTL) shipping dedicates an entire trailer to a single shipment. The truck picks up your freight and drives directly to the destination without stopping at terminals or consolidating other shippers' freight.

FTL works best for shipments over 15,000 pounds or when you need the trailer to yourself for security, temperature control, or scheduling reasons. Transit is typically 1-3 business days for distances under 1,000 miles.

Cost comparison

LTL pricing is based on freight class (density, stowability, handling, and liability), distance, and accessorial charges. FTL pricing is based on a flat rate per mile or a door-to-door quote that accounts for fuel, driver hours, and lane demand.

The break-even point is typically around 10-12 pallets. Below that, LTL is usually cheaper. Above it, FTL becomes more cost-effective because you stop paying LTL's per-pallet premium.

Transit time comparison

LTL transit includes terminal stops for consolidation and deconsolidation. FTL is point-to-point.

If your customer needs freight in 2 days and the distance is 1,200 miles, FTL is your only reliable option. If delivery is flexible and the distance is 300 miles, LTL will get it there in 1-2 days at a fraction of the cost.

When to choose LTL

When to choose FTL

How a TMS helps you decide

A transportation management system (TMS) automates the LTL-vs-FTL decision by comparing real-time rates from multiple carriers against your shipment parameters. Enter origin, destination, weight, and class, and the TMS returns the cheapest option that meets your transit requirement.

Riven Logistics includes a built-in rate comparison engine that pulls live rates from connected carrier networks. You can set rules — for example, "always choose FTL if the rate difference is under $100 and transit improves by a day" — and the system applies them automatically.

Bottom line

LTL saves money on smaller shipments. FTL saves time and reduces handling risk on larger ones. The right choice depends on your freight profile, delivery timeline, and budget. A TMS makes the decision data-driven instead of guesswork.