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What is less than truckload (LTL) freight shipping? Know uses, benefits, and cost
In LTL shipping, multiple small cargoes or shipments are shipped together in one truck. Learn more about its benefits and working in this blog.
For many exporters, freight costs are a critical factor shaping competitiveness in global markets. Exporters may find themselves stuck between paying high charges for full truckload shipping or delaying deliveries until they have enough goods to fill a truck. This is where less than truckload freight shipping becomes a practical solution. It allows multiple businesses to share truck space, which reduces costs and ensures timely movement of goods. This blog explores what is less than truckload shipping, how it works, its benefits, disadvantages, and cost factors.
What is less than truckload?
Less than truckload (LTL) is a shipping method where multiple cargoes from different companies are consolidated into a single truck. LTL freight typically ranges between 150 and 15,000 pounds, and they do not require a full truckload.1
How does less than truckload (LTL) work?
LTL shipping works by consolidating multiple shipments from different companies into a single truck, which reduces transportation costs and increases efficiency. The common process for LTL is as follows:
Shipment pickup:
The LTL carrier picks up the shipment from the shipper’s location.
Shipment consolidation:
The LTL carrier then collects multiple shipments from different companies and consolidates them into a single truck at a hub or terminal.
Transit:
The shipments are then transported to their destination. LTL shipments can take longer to arrive at their destination than full truckload shipments as they often have multiple stops along the way.
Shipment delivery:
The LTL carrier delivers the shipment to the consignee’s location.2
Benefits of less than truckload (LTL) shipping
Some of the key advantages of LTL shipping are:
1. Cost effective:
LTL shipping is a cost-effective option for businesses that do not have enough products to fill an entire truck.
2. Reduced risk of damage or loss:
LTL shipments are typically handled with greater care and attention because they are consolidated with other shipments.
3. Lower carbon footprint:
LTL shipping can help reduce a business’s carbon footprint by consolidating multiple shipments into a single truck.
4. Flexibility in scheduling:
LTL carriers offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate the needs of businesses.3
Disadvantages of less than truckload (LTL) shipping
While LTL is cost-effective, it is not always the best solution for every business. Some disadvantages include:
Longer transit times:
Since LTL shipments have multiple stops and consolidations, they may take longer to arrive at their destination.
Higher risk of damage:
Frequent handling at terminals can increase the chances of goods being damaged.
Complex pricing:
Costs depend on weight, dimensions, and freight class, which can confuse first-time exporters.
Limited for large shipments:
If cargo is close to full truck capacity, LTL may not be cost-efficient.4
Which factors determine LTL shipping rates?
Some of the key factors that impact LTL shipping rates are:
● Distance: Longer distances generally result in higher shipping rates due to the increased fuel and labor costs.
● Weight and dimensions: Heavier and larger shipments require more space on the truck and may incur additional handling fees or surcharges.
● Freight class: Higher freight classes may lead to higher shipping rates.
● Accessorial charges: Additional fees can apply for services such as inside delivery, liftgate services, and residential delivery.
● Fuel surcharge: Fuel surcharges are added to account for fluctuations in fuel prices.
● Carrier selection: Different carriers may have different pricing structures, service offerings, and transit times.5
When to choose less than truckload (LTL) shipping?
You should consider LTL shipping under the following circumstances:
● The shipment does not require the use of an entire trailer.
● The shipment involves large, bulky, or crated goods.
● The freight requires residential delivery or pick-up.
● There are no urgent time constraints on the delivery.
● The pickup or delivery location requires a liftgate for loading or unloading the freight.
Less than truckload versus full truckload
Feature
Less than truckload (LTL)
Full truckload (FTL)
Load size
Generally, between 150 to 15,000 pounds
Entire truck capacity
Cost
Shared, lower for small loads
Higher but cost-effective for large loads
Transit time
Longer, multiple stops
Faster, direct delivery
Risk of damage
Higher due to frequent handling
Lower due to minimal handling
Suitable for
Small to mid-sized shipments
Large, time-sensitive shipments7
Conclusion
Less than truckload freight shipping is a practical solution for exporters navigating evolving customer demand, especially Indian businesses engaging with foreign markets. It is beneficial as it is a cost efficient, flexible, and adaptable method for shipments that fall below full truckload thresholds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum weight for LTL freight?
The minimum weight for LTL freight varies by carrier, but it typically ranges from 150 to 15,000 pounds.
2. What is the difference between partial load and LTL?
A partial load typically refers to a shipment that takes up more than half of a truck’s capacity, but less than a full truckload. LTL, on the other hand, refers to a shipment that does not require a full truckload and is consolidated with other smaller shipments in a single truck.
3. What are the different types of LTL shipments?
There are several different types of LTL shipments, including:
• Standard LTL: These provide comprehensive LTL shipment services to businesses. Typically, Standard LTL is provided by national and regional carriers.
• Asset-light LTL: These shipments are lower cost as the logistics provider may outsource shipment and delivery to other carriers.
• Expedited LTL: These are used for urgent shipments with faster transit times. Carriers offering expedited LTL usually provide guaranteed delivery times and priority handling.
• Specialized LTL: These shipments are specific to a freight class or product type and requirement. These may include shipment of hazardous materials, refrigerated goods, sensitive freight, or oversized products.8
• Standard LTL: These provide comprehensive LTL shipment services to businesses. Typically, Standard LTL is provided by national and regional carriers.
• Asset-light LTL: These shipments are lower cost as the logistics provider may outsource shipment and delivery to other carriers.
• Expedited LTL: These are used for urgent shipments with faster transit times. Carriers offering expedited LTL usually provide guaranteed delivery times and priority handling.
• Specialized LTL: These shipments are specific to a freight class or product type and requirement. These may include shipment of hazardous materials, refrigerated goods, sensitive freight, or oversized products.8
4. How can one determine LTL and freight class?
To determine the LTL and freight class of a shipment, consider several factors including the weight and dimensions of the shipment, the type of product being shipped, and any special handling requirements.
5. What are the different types of LTL packages?
LTL packages come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including boxes, crates, pallets, drums, and tubes.
Published on May 25, 2023.
Updated on November 11, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.freightright.com/kb/what-is-less-than-truckload
2. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-less-than-truckload-ltl-shipping
3. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-less-than-truckload-ltl-shipping
4. https://fulcrumslgroup.com/disadvanatges-of-ltl-freight/
5. https://www.freightright.com/kb/what-is-less-than-truckload; https://www.credlix.com/blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-less-than-truckload-ltl-shipping
6. https://redstagfulfillment.com/ltl-shipping/
7. https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained/transportation-and-freight/2024/03/11/what-are-full-truckload-less-than-truckload-freight
8. https://dclcorp.com/blog/shipping/types-of-ltl-freight-carriers/
Updated on November 11, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.freightright.com/kb/what-is-less-than-truckload
2. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-less-than-truckload-ltl-shipping
3. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-less-than-truckload-ltl-shipping
4. https://fulcrumslgroup.com/disadvanatges-of-ltl-freight/
5. https://www.freightright.com/kb/what-is-less-than-truckload; https://www.credlix.com/blogs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-less-than-truckload-ltl-shipping
6. https://redstagfulfillment.com/ltl-shipping/
7. https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained/transportation-and-freight/2024/03/11/what-are-full-truckload-less-than-truckload-freight
8. https://dclcorp.com/blog/shipping/types-of-ltl-freight-carriers/
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