Difference Between FTL and LTL Shipping Methods!
Transportation can seem like an extremely complex process, as there are many options available to both the freight forwarding company and the customer. There are numerous factors, shipping methods and possibilities, all of which influence certain aspects of transportation (price, time, safety). We would like to help you better understand freight forwarding terminology, so we will explain the differences between FTL and LTL shipping methods, as these two terms are probably among the most commonly used concepts in this market! Both freight coordinators and customers need to consider which shipping method is the most suitable, and for this they need to take into account three factors: size, speed, price and whether the goods are fragile. Based on these factors, we will explain the differences between the two shipping methods. The terms FTL and LTL are used in road freight transport, but FCL and LCL shipping methods also exist! Click on the link and get to know these terms as well!
Size
In freight forwarding, the most important factor is size, as this characteristic will have the greatest influence on the other factors as well. FTL is an abbreviation derived from Full Truck Load, which can be translated as “complete load.” The essence of this shipping method is that only the customer’s cargo is loaded onto the truck used for transportation. It follows that LTL stands for Less than Truck Load, which is usually translated as “partial load.” In this case, the truck transports not only the customer’s cargo, but also cargo belonging to other customers. FTL shipments are generally over 9,000 kilograms, while LTL shipments are in most cases between 2,000 and 5,000 kilograms.
Price
Since an LTL shipment does not occupy the entire truck, it is cheaper than FTL transportation. It is extremely important to choose the correct shipping method, because if the wrong decision is made, the customer may unnecessarily pay for space that is not being used.
Speed
Generally speaking, FTL shipments reach their destination faster than LTL shipments. The reason is simple: in the case of LTL transportation, your cargo is not the only shipment on the truck, so the truck may have to stop several times to load or unload cargo. This does not occur with FTL transportation, so the truck can continue its journey without additional loading and unloading stops.
Fragile Cargo
If fragile or damage-sensitive cargo needs to be transported, we definitely recommend the FTL shipping method, because in this case the cargo will not change trucks and will not be moved, so there is a much lower chance of damage occurring. With LTL transportation, however, the cargo may change trucks several times, so the risk of damage is considerably higher.
Choosing the right shipping method is one of the most important factors in saving money and time. Ask for advice from true professionals who have been working in freight forwarding for many years!