By Martin Vassilev / 11 Jul, 2025
In today’s fast-paced logistics environment, choosing the right shipping method is more important than ever. Whether you’re scaling a startup or managing enterprise-level freight, selecting between LTL (Less-than-Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipping can drastically affect your bottom line, delivery speed, and customer satisfaction.
LTL shipping involves sharing truck space with other shippers. It’s ideal for businesses that don’t need to move enough product to fill an entire trailer.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, LTL services account for a significant portion of domestic freight traffic, especially for mid-sized businesses and retailers.
When you’re managing multiple small shipments, especially from a smart warehousing hub, LTL offers a flexible and cost-effective solution.
In contrast, FTL shipping involves reserving the entire trailer for your goods—whether or not the truck is fully loaded. It’s perfect for large, high-priority, or delicate shipments.
According to Wikipedia’s freight transport overview, full truckload services are often used for long-haul logistics involving heavy or time-sensitive freight.
When coordinating with an outsourced fulfillment center, FTL becomes a strategic choice for fast, secure delivery.
| Aspect | LTL Shipping | FTL Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Shared cost; pay only for your space | Higher flat rate; full trailer reserved |
| Speed | Slower due to multiple stops | Faster direct routes |
| Handling Risk | More handling; higher risk | Less handling; reduced risk |
| Ideal Shipment Size | 150–10,000 lbs | 10,000+ lbs or full trailer |
| Environmental Impact | Lower emissions due to consolidation | More emissions per shipment unless optimized |
For companies committed to sustainable shipping, LTL remains a cornerstone of modern eco-conscious logistics, particularly when combined with other green initiatives in warehousing.
LTL is best suited for:
If you’re using warehouse optimization techniques like real-time tracking systems, LTL shipping can fit neatly into your larger logistics ecosystem.
Additionally, small e-commerce brands benefit from LTL when dealing with fulfillment through 3PLs that provide customer-focused solutions.
Choose FTL if:
FTL is a solid match for businesses dealing with seasonal surges, where time-sensitive deliveries must align perfectly with customer expectations.
For example, companies navigating international freight complexities often combine FTL with custom clearance services to minimize border delays and handling risk.
LTL costs are determined by:
Use tools like ByExpress’s rate shopping system to find the best carrier rates and service combinations.
FTL shipping is usually priced per mile. Though higher in cost, it often results in better cost-per-unit efficiency for large shipments.
Modern logistics tools make the decision between LTL and FTL easier than ever.
If you’re struggling with warehouse space, pairing AI-powered inventory planning with FTL can drastically reduce holding costs, especially when aligned with lean warehousing principles.
Retailers with weekly outbound shipments to distribution hubs will benefit from LTL due to its affordability and frequency. Leveraging bulk cargo shipping through LTL helps streamline logistics while maintaining cost-efficiency.
Consider this guide on the hidden costs of poor warehousing to better understand how freight decisions impact your operations long term.
These firms often require FTL to ensure that large volumes of goods move efficiently between production facilities and warehouses. In this case, using FTL ensures delivery times are met and inventory flows without disruption.
According to the EPA SmartWay program, freight consolidation through LTL reduces greenhouse gas emissions significantly when compared to under-utilized full truckloads.
Meanwhile, FTL shipping has evolved to support time-critical freight through technology integrations like ELDs (electronic logging devices) and real-time route planning.
Businesses can combine both LTL and FTL in a hybrid logistics model, depending on seasonal demands or product types. For example, a company might ship high-volume inventory via FTL to regional hubs, then use LTL for local distribution.
You can explore how this model supports efficiency by checking out this article on optimizing your supply chain for global challenges.
The decision between LTL and FTL shipping should be based on shipment size, urgency, budget, and risk tolerance. Each method brings unique benefits and challenges, and the smartest shippers often use both depending on need.
To learn how to apply these methods in your operation, explore ByExpress’s range of services including freight management, inventory management, and distribution solutions.
Need help? Contact us today and let our logistics experts tailor a shipping strategy that suits your business perfectly.
“Thanks to Byexpress all my shipping and fulfillment costs are in line now”
“All my issues were solved by Byexpress team that I had with pervious 3pl provider.”
“Thank you Byexpress team could not done it without you guys.”
“Their integration and customer service were the key for me”
“Outstanding delivery service! The package was well-packaged, and
the delivery team was professional and courteous”
“Great and knowledgeable team to work with.”
Thanks, guys, for reducing my shipping rates
Ottawa Office
2411 Holly Lane
Ottawa, ON, K1V 7P2
Toronto Office
13-280 West Beaver Creek Road Unit #136
Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3Z1
Alexandria Office
173 Kenyon Street West
Alexandria, ON, K0C 1A0
Montreal Office
4388 Saint-Denis Street Unit #200
Montreal, QC, H2J 2L1
California Office
155 North Riverview Drive
Anaheim Hills, CA, 92808
Call Us
Toll-Free: 1-866-744-7122
Local : 613-739-3000
Email Us
Multilingual Services
