What Is LTL and FTL in Trucking?
Also called: Less-Than-Truckload, Full Truckload, LTL, FTL, TL
LTL means less-than-truckload: a shipment that does not fill a trailer, so it shares space with freight from other shippers. FTL means full truckload: one shipper's freight uses the whole trailer, or most of it. LTL is priced by freight class, weight and distance and moves through terminals. FTL is priced by the lane and usually goes from pickup to delivery without being unloaded in between.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 16, 2026
Key Points
- LTL freight shares a trailer with freight from other shippers. FHWA describes it as loads that do not by themselves meet the truckload requirement
- FTL freight has the trailer to itself. The truck goes from the shipper to the receiver, usually with no stop to unload in between
- LTL is priced by freight class, weight, distance and extra services. FTL is priced by the lane, often as a rate per mile or a flat rate
- LTL freight moves through terminals, where it is unloaded, sorted and reloaded. That means more handling and often more days in transit
- There is no federal weight line between LTL and FTL. Carriers and brokers set their own, so check the quote for your shipment
- Most owner-operators haul full truckloads. LTL carriers run their own terminal networks, and some use contractors for pickup, delivery or long hauls
LTL and FTL compared
| LTL | FTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer space | Shared with other shippers | The whole trailer, or paid for as a whole trailer |
| How it is priced | Freight class, weight, distance and extra services | The lane, often a rate per mile or a flat rate |
| Handling | Unloaded and reloaded at terminals | Usually not unloaded until delivery |
| Transit time | Often longer, because of the terminals | Often faster and more direct |
| Best for | Small shipments and a few pallets | Larger shipments that fill a trailer |
What do LTL and FTL mean?
LTL stands for less-than-truckload. FTL stands for full truckload, which many people shorten to TL. An LTL shipment is small enough that it does not need a whole trailer. The carrier combines it with freight from other shippers and shares the cost. An FTL shipment fills a trailer, or the shipper pays for the whole trailer, so the load is not mixed with anyone else's. The difference is not just size. It also changes how the freight is priced, handled and tracked.
How does LTL freight work?
An LTL carrier picks up a shipment with a local truck and takes it to a terminal. There it is unloaded, sorted by destination and loaded onto a larger truck for the long haul. At the other end it goes through another terminal and out on a delivery truck. A shipment can be handled several times on the way. This network lets small loads ship at a fair price, but it adds handling and time. The shipment moves on a bill of lading that lists the pieces, the weight and the freight class.
How is LTL priced, and how is FTL priced?
LTL pricing starts with the freight class and the weight. The carrier also looks at the distance and adds charges for extra services, such as a liftgate or a residential delivery. Many carriers give discounts off a base price. Our freight class page explains the class. FTL pricing is simpler. The rate is usually set for the lane, as a rate per mile or a flat price, and does not change with the class. Fuel, extra stops and waiting time can add to it.
When is FTL cheaper than LTL?
It depends on the size of the shipment and the lane. For a small shipment, LTL costs less because you pay only for the space you use. As the weight and the number of pallets grow, the cost of LTL climbs. At some point it is cheaper to pay for a whole truck. There is no fixed line. Ask for a quote on both. FTL also has fewer touches, so there is less handling and usually a faster trip.
Which is better for an owner-operator?
Most owner-operators work in full truckload freight. It is the freight that load boards and brokers post, and it pays by the load or the mile. LTL is mostly run by large carriers with terminals and their own drivers, though some use contractors for pickup, delivery or linehaul. Some brokers also sell partial truckload, which sits between the two. If you are weighing LTL work, ask how pay is figured, how long the waits are at the terminals, and who pays for the equipment.
Related Free Tools
Freight Class Calculator
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Load Board Rate Benchmarker
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does LTL mean in freight?+
LTL means less-than-truckload. It is a shipment that does not fill a whole trailer, so the carrier combines it with freight from other shippers. It is priced by freight class, weight and distance.
What does FTL stand for in shipping?+
FTL means full truckload. One shipper's freight uses the whole trailer, or the shipper pays for the whole trailer. It usually goes from pickup to delivery without being unloaded in between.
How does LTL freight work?+
A local truck picks up the shipment and takes it to a terminal. It is sorted, loaded on a long-haul truck, and later goes through another terminal to a delivery truck. It can be handled several times, so it often takes longer than a full truckload.
How is LTL freight calculated?+
LTL starts with the freight class and the weight. The carrier adds the distance and charges for extra services, such as a liftgate. Many carriers also apply a discount off a base price. Ask the carrier for a quote with all the charges.
Is FTL cheaper than LTL?+
Not always. For a small shipment, LTL costs less. As the weight and the number of pallets grow, a full truckload can become cheaper. There is no fixed line, so get a quote for both.
Is LTL trucking worth it for an owner-operator?+
It depends. Most owner-operators work in full truckload freight. Some LTL carriers use contractors, but the work comes with terminal waits and set routes. Ask how pay is figured and who pays for the equipment before you decide.
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.