LTL: What Less-Than-Truckload Means

In plain English

LTL shipments typically weigh from about 150 lb to 10,000 lb, or about one to six pallets. The carrier picks the freight up locally, takes it to a terminal, combines it with other freight going the same way, moves it across its network and delivers it from a terminal near the destination.

Because the freight is handled at terminals, LTL costs less than a dedicated truck for small shipments but takes longer and involves more handling.

Why it matters when you ship

Choosing LTL over a full truckload is mostly a question of size. A few pallets are almost always cheaper by LTL; once freight nears a full trailer, or needs a direct, fast move, a truckload may cost less per pallet.

What it looks like in our data

From real quotes on 298 LTL lanes across our state pages. Your price depends on weight, class, distance and services. See the full data and limits.

Example

A shop ships two pallets of parts, 1,400 lb in total, from Atlanta to Denver. It does not need a whole trailer, so it books LTL and the carrier consolidates the pallets with other freight.

Related terms

• FTL (Full Truckload)
• Volume LTL
• Partial truckload
• Terminal
• Freight class
• Accessorial charge

Learn more

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload): common questions