Knowledge Center

  • FTL: Full Truckload

    What it means:

    • Dedicated Truck: When you ship FTL, your cargo occupies the entire truck or at least a significant portion of it, and the truck is dedicated solely to your shipment. No other shipper's goods will be on the same truck.

    • Direct Route: The truck typically travels directly from the origin to the destination, with minimal or no stops in between (other than necessary driver breaks).

    When it's used (Advantages):

    • Large Shipments: Ideal for large volumes of goods, typically exceeding 10 pallets or weighing over 15,000 pounds (though these numbers can vary).

    • Time-Sensitive Shipments: Because there are no intermediate stops for other cargo, FTL is generally the fastest shipping option.

    • Fragile or High-Value Goods: Less handling means less risk of damage or theft. Your goods are loaded once and stay put until they reach their destination.

    • Reduced Risk of Damage: Fewer stops and less handling significantly reduce the chances of freight being damaged during transit.

    • Predictable Delivery Times: With a direct route, estimated delivery times are more accurate and reliable.

    • Maximum Control: You have more control over scheduling and routing.

    Disadvantages:

    • Higher Cost: You're paying for the entire truck, regardless of whether you fill it completely. If your shipment doesn't fully utilize the space, the cost per unit of product can be higher.

    • Less Flexible for Smaller Loads: Not economical for smaller shipments.

    LTL: Less-Than-Truckload

    What it means:

    • Shared Space: Your shipment shares space on a truck with freight from other shippers.

    • Multiple Stops: The truck will make multiple stops to pick up and drop off various shipments along its route. LTL carriers operate using a "hub and spoke" model, consolidating and deconsolidating freight at various terminals.

    When it's used (Advantages):

    • Smaller Shipments: Perfect for shipments that are too large for parcel services (like UPS or FedEx ground) but don't require an entire truck. Typically, this means shipments between 150 pounds and 15,000 pounds, or 1 to 10 pallets.

    • Cost-Effective: You only pay for the portion of the truck's space that your shipment occupies, making it a more economical option for smaller loads. This is its biggest advantage.

    • Environmentally Friendly: By consolidating multiple shipments, LTL shipping helps reduce the number of trucks on the road, leading to less fuel consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.

    Disadvantages:

    • Longer Transit Times: Due to multiple stops for pickups and deliveries, LTL shipments generally take longer to reach their final destination compared to FTL. Delivery dates can be less precise.

    • Increased Handling: Your freight will be loaded and unloaded multiple times at various terminals, increasing the risk of damage or loss.

    • Less Secure: With more handling and shared space, there's a slightly higher risk of theft or misplacement.

    • Less Control: You have less control over the specific route and timing of delivery.

    • Freight Classification: LTL pricing often depends on "freight class," which is determined by factors like density, stowability, handling ease, and liability. Incorrect classification can lead to unexpected charges.

    Key Decision Factors:

    When choosing between FTL and LTL, consider:

    1. Shipment Size & Weight: The primary determinant.

    2. Urgency/Time Sensitivity: How quickly does the shipment need to arrive?

    3. Budget: What are your cost constraints?

    4. Fragility/Security: How susceptible is the cargo to damage, and what is its value?

    5. Handling Requirements: Does the cargo require special handling or minimal contact?

    In summary, FTL is about speed, security, and dedicated space for large, time-sensitive shipments, while LTL is about cost-efficiency and flexibility for smaller loads that can share truck space.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.