Freight Density Explained: LTL Cost and DIM Weight
Choosing the right freight shipping method can significantly impact your costs, delivery times, and supply chain efficiency. In the complex over the road logistics world, shippers have more choices than ever. Whether you have a single package to ship or several pallets, carriers are quite flexible in order to meet the evolving needs of shippers navigating the supply chain. However, when it comes to truckload shipments, there are three general options: Partial Truckload, LTL, or FTL. Each one offers shippers unique benefits and different opportunities for success.
In this blog post, we'll dig deep into what each service is, who would benefit from the service, and some general facts about these over the road shipping methods – so you can make an informed decision.
LTL – Less Than Truckload
If you're shipping larger commodities but don't have enough volume to fill a full trailer, less than truckload is likely your best option. You'll choose this method if you need to ship larger commodities (such as pallets or larger) but the volume of shipping will not fill the standard 48’ cargo container. However, there are several shipping requirements that you need to follow in order to book an LTL shipment. Here are a few of the most important things to remember about LTL over the road services.
• Weight and Size: The average LTL shipment will fall under 10,000-pounds of total weight and range from one to six pallets in size.
• Billing Structure: Billing is typically unstructured due to the complexity of LTL transportation services.
• Multiple Stops: If multiple deliveries or pick-ups are required, it can impact the overall cost of shipment as it equals more handling of the product.
• Billing Factors: Primary factors in billing include the point of origin, destination, weight, and pallet count.
• Refrigerated Shipments: Refrigerated LTL shipment is possible but with limited flexibility. Most cold supply shipments are planned in advance and scheduled for route optimization.
FTL – Full Truck Load
If you need to transport a large volume of freight to a single recipient, Full Truck Load or FTL is typically your most cost-effective option. While there are carriers that will permit FTL shipments with multiple stops, most shippers choose the FTL option for point-to-point delivery. What is not commonly known is that the entire cargo container does not need to be filled in order to book an FTL shipment. Here are some of the details and facts about FTL.
• Typical Size: The average truckload shipment includes 24 or more pallets with a total weight of 20,000-pounds or more.
• Pick-up and Delivery: The FTL is usually a single pick-up and single-delivery shipment. This permits quicker delivery times and reduced freight damage potential. Shipping rates are negotiated with carriers and the shipper with FTL. In most cases, the two parties will create a contract for FTL shipments for a pre-determined period of time. There are several factors that will determine the FTL rate including the carrier, shipping weight, destination, and frequency of services.
• Consolidation: Most shippers consolidate their shipments to comply with FTL standards in an effort to save money and to optimize efficiency.
• Temperature Control: Temperature controlled FTL carriers are more available and flexible than LTL. However, they are restricted to shipping with a single temperature setting in most cases.
Partial Truckload
So – if you don't have the volume to justify an FTL but you're not a fan of the lack of flexibility with LTL, you might wonder if there is a middle ground. Fortunately, the Partial Truck Load is an exceptional blend of both worlds. Here are several requirements and facts about Partial Truckload shipments that you should understand.
• The Sweet Spot: The general "sweet spot" for Partial Truckload services ranges from six to 18 pallets that weigh between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.
• Rate Structure: Partial Truckload rates are determined by multiple factors, but in some instances, the shipper will have to pay a truckload rate. It's important to get an accurate estimate before booking a Partial Truckload shipment – which is where working with a professional 3PL is quite beneficial for a shipper.
• Less Handling: There tends to be less freight movement with a Partial Truckload since carriers typically do not use a cross-dock facility with these services.
• Limited Availability: The main drawback is that Partial Truckload services are not offered by every carrier. In fact, many carriers don't offer this service – yet.
Final Thoughts
The right over the road mode depends on your freight volume, weight, timeline, and budget. LTL works well for smaller shipments, FTL is ideal for large point-to-point moves, and Partial Truckload fills the gap in between. The key to determining which option is best for you is to consult with a professional 4PL or 3PL who can help you navigate the complex logistics landscape.
FAQs
What is the difference between partial truckload, LTL, and FTL shipping?
Partial truckload is the middle ground between LTL and FTL. LTL is best for smaller shipments that usually weigh under 10,000 pounds and take up one to six pallets, while FTL is typically used for larger shipments of 24 or more pallets and 20,000 pounds or more. Partial truckload fits shipments that are too large for LTL but do not fully justify a full trailer.
When should you choose partial truckload instead of LTL?
Choose partial truckload when your freight is larger than a typical LTL shipment but you want more flexibility than standard LTL usually allows. It is a practical option when you have multiple pallets or a shipment that does not fit neatly into the smaller LTL range, especially if handling and routing efficiency matter. It can be a good middle ground for mid-sized freight.
When is FTL the better choice than LTL or partial truckload?
FTL is usually the better choice when you have a large volume of freight going to a single recipient and want point-to-point delivery. It is commonly used for shipments of 24 or more pallets and 20,000 pounds or more. FTL also supports quicker transit and lowers the chance of freight damage because the shipment is generally handled as one load.
How is LTL freight typically billed and what affects the cost?
LTL billing is typically more complex and less structured than FTL pricing because the shipment shares trailer space with other freight. The main cost factors are origin, destination, weight, and pallet count. Multiple stops or pickups can also increase cost because they add more handling, and refrigerated LTL is possible but usually planned with limited flexibility.
Does a full truckload shipment have to fill the entire trailer?
No, an FTL shipment does not have to fill the entire trailer. The key is that the freight is booked as a full truckload based on the service model, not necessarily because every inch of the trailer is used. Shippers often choose FTL for contract pricing, single pickup and delivery, and faster point-to-point transportation.
Can refrigerated freight move as LTL, partial truckload, or FTL?
Yes, refrigerated freight can move in all three modes, but FTL is generally more flexible than LTL for temperature-controlled shipping. Refrigerated LTL is possible, though it usually offers limited flexibility and is often scheduled in advance. FTL temperature-controlled service is more available, but it is typically limited to a single temperature setting.
What makes partial truckload a good middle ground between LTL and FTL?
Partial truckload is a good middle ground because it bridges the gap between smaller LTL shipments and larger FTL moves. It can help shippers avoid the limitations of LTL while not paying for a full trailer they do not fully need. That makes it useful when freight volume falls between the two standard shipping categories.
