What do LTL and FTL mean?
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a part load. Your goods share the load space with other shippers' – you pay only for the space you take.
FTL (Full Truckload) is a full load. The whole vehicle is yours, whether or not it's full, and usually runs direct from pickup to delivery.
When does LTL fit?
A part load suits you with smaller volumes who want to keep the cost down:
- A few pallets (roughly 1–6)
- Not super-urgent – the goods can be reloaded en route
- Tolerates normal handling
- You want the lowest price for a small shipment
When does FTL fit?
A full load suits larger or more sensitive shipments:
- Large volumes that fill a truck
- Urgent deliveries – direct, without reloading
- Fragile or valuable goods that shouldn't be handled multiple times
- You want the fastest, most predictable transit
Price and time – how they differ
For little goods, LTL is almost always cheapest, since you share the cost. The downside is it can take longer – the truck makes several stops and the goods may be reloaded.
FTL costs more but is fastest and safest: direct route, no reloading. As the volume grows, FTL can even become cheaper per pallet than LTL.
How to choose?
The rule of thumb: small and not urgent → LTL. Large, urgent or sensitive → FTL. If you're unsure we'll price both and recommend whichever gives the best price and time for your shipment.
Common questions
Is LTL or FTL cheaper?+
For a few pallets, LTL is usually cheapest. The more you ship, the more FTL pays off – sometimes a full load is cheaper per pallet.
How many pallets does FTL need?+
It depends on the pallet and goods type, but a standard trailer holds around 33 EUR pallets. If you fill a large share of the truck, FTL is often right.
Can you help me choose?+
Yes – send us your needs and we'll price both LTL and FTL and recommend the best setup.