What is FTL shipping?

FTL is a full truck load that works on a point-to-point model. It means that your cargo is in one truck and travels from the origin to the destination. The truck does not make any additional stops and goes directly to the final delivery point. 

If you have a large load that takes up the entire truck, this option is ideal. It is suitable for bulk transportation and allows you to send cargo directly without intermediate stops and overloads. 

FTL is the best choice for shipments with special handling requirements. If your goods are fragile, temperature-sensitive, or require extra security, having a dedicated truck minimizes the risk of damage or loss. 

Benefits of FTL:

1. Fast delivery - the cargo goes directly to the destination without intermediate stops. When time is of the essence, direct transit eliminates delays and allows you to meet tight delivery deadlines. 

2. Minimal risk of damage - goods are not overloaded at different warehouses, which is ideal for fragile goods or goods requiring special temperature conditions for transportation.

3. Savings for large shipments - if you have enough goods, this option is more profitable than LTL.

What is LTL?

LTL is a complex shipping model that combines shipments from different companies into one truck through consolidation. As a result, all participants in shipping spend less on delivery, and their goods reach their destination on time. Everyone pays only for the space occupied, which is especially beneficial for companies that cannot provide a full trailer load. LTL delivery allows you to combine practical solutions for businesses with environmental friendliness. 

Which industries use LTL the most? Due to the scalability of the solution, the ability to quickly replenish stocks and deliver raw materials, they are suitable for e-commerce, retail, and manufacturing. 

What should LTL shipping be like? Intelligent routing systems and advanced consolidation algorithms should provide:

• optimized routes;

• full visibility of the shipment throughout the entire transportation cycle;

• minimum transit stops;

• efficient cross-docking. 

AI, predictive analytics, and digital logistics management systems have significantly changed LTL delivery. They simplify the process of creating and organizing shipments, optimize routes, reduce the number of empty miles, and increase shipping efficiency, which means lower costs and better service for shippers.

E-commerce is driving LTL volume growth. It floods the market with shipments that are too large for parcels but too small for FTL. More and more carriers are taking emissions reduction seriously. That's why they optimize routes to reduce fuel consumption and offer their customers carbon footprint calculators.

The benefits of LTL go beyond mere savings, however, and include

1. Cost savings - you pay only for the space your goods take up.

2. Flexibility - the ability to ship even small shipments at least once a week or daily without overpaying, having to pay for the entire truck volume, and waiting until you have enough cargo. This helps businesses maintain the required level of inventory.

3. Environmental friendliness - reduces empty miles, half-empty trucks, and CO2 emissions

4. Convenience for small and medium-sized businesses - the best option for retail and e-commerce.

5. Transparency of shipping - most LTL carriers offer real-time tracking so that customers always know where their shipment is.

However, there are also drawbacks to this seemingly ideal type of shipping. 

• LTL is rarely fast because the cargo is combined with others, which means more points along the route and stops before reaching the final destination. This means longer delivery times compared to FTL.

• Unlike FTL, some carriers may charge hidden fees and charges.  

• The likelihood of damage or loss of goods increases. 

LTL shipping is a great way to cut costs, but it works best when you plan ahead and take the right precautions. Allow time for minor delays, or schedule your delivery in advance if you have a tight deadline. Remember the packaging! Strong and secure packaging will help reduce the risk of damage. 

To avoid headaches and disappointment in this type of shipping, it is enough to choose a reliable carrier.

How do I choose the right LTL shipping service provider?

Start with your shipping needs and requirements. Think about how often you ship small quantities of goods, whether you need national and international coverage, special shipping conditions, and additional features. 

Choose carriers that provide advanced tools such as cargo tracking, electronic document management, and a convenient payment system. Give preference to companies with a strong regional or national presence to ensure uninterrupted delivery. Check customer reviews and testimonials to assess the efficiency of on-time delivery and overall quality of service.

If you have special requirements (e.g., temperature-controlled shipments), make sure the supplier can meet them.

How do you avoid this? The CONSOLID.AI workspace allows you to save time and resources on finding carriers. Powered by AI, CONSOLID Match selects carriers whose services fully meet the shipper's requirements in seconds.

How to choose between LTL and FTL?

The main selection criteria:

1. The size of the shipment. If your shipment takes up the entire truck, the choice is obvious - FTL. If the shipment is small or medium, LTL will help you save money.

2. Cost. FTL is more expensive because you pay for the entire truck space. LTL is cheaper due to the shared use of transport.

3. Delivery time. FTL is faster because it travels non-stop. LTL can be delayed due to routing and overloading.

4. Cargo safety. FTL has less risk of damage because the goods are not overloaded. LTL has more processing points, which increases the risks.

When choosing between FTL and LTL, it is important to consider all these factors.  If speed and risk minimization are important to you, choose FTL. If the main priority is saving money and delivery time is not critical, LTL will be the best option.

With LTL, even small manufacturing companies or retailers can maintain regular deliveries without the financial burden of unused truck space.