In plain English
P&D drivers run local routes from a terminal with straight trucks or short trailers. They make several stops a day, which is why LTL pickup windows are wide, often a day or part of a day.
P&D is where most accessorial charges arise, because it is where freight meets real-world locations: loading docks, residential driveways and tight sites.
Why it matters when you ship
Details of your pickup and delivery site, such as a dock, a liftgate need or a residential address, affect the price and are best given up front.
Example
A driver arrives at your dock between 1 and 5 p.m., loads three pallets and returns to the terminal at the end of the day.
Related terms
Learn more
Pickup and delivery (P&D): common questions
Why is the LTL pickup window so wide?
Because P&D drivers make many stops on a route. Ask the carrier about a scheduled appointment if you need a narrower window, which may cost extra.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Pickup and Delivery (P&D): Meaning in LTL”, https://transportli.com/glossary/pickup-and-delivery/, updated November 11, 2026.
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