FTL vs. LTL: How to Optimize Freight Choices

In today’s fast-paced logistics landscape, choosing the right shipping method is crucial for cost control, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Two key options dominate freight transport: Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL). This guide explores when to use each and how combining these strategies can revolutionize your supply chain.

 

Benefits of FTL vs LTL

	Benefits of Full Truckload Shipping	Benefits of Full Less Than Truckload Shipping
Shipment Size	Large shipments FTL is more cost-effective when your freight fills an entire truck, typically 26 pallets or more.	Smaller shipments LTL is ideal for loads under ten pallets or 15,000 pounds.
Delivery Schedules	Time-sensitive deliveries FTL ensures faster transit times by using direct routes with minimal stops.	Flexible delivery schedules Frequent smaller shipments ensure you don’t have to wait to fill a truck.
Cost Concerns	Fragile or high-value goods Reduced handling lowers the risk of damage to delicate or expensive items.	Budget-conscious shipping Share truck space and costs with other businesses to save money.
Speed vs Destination	Consistent, high-volume shipping Regular FTL usage can secure better rates and ensure dedicated truck capacity.	Diverse destination points LTL enables cost-effective deliveries to multiple locations in one shipment.

 

Real Example Scenarios of FTL vs LTL

FTL Optimization: Rapid Restocking

Picture an electronics retailer experiencing a sudden surge in demand for a hot new smartphone. Using FTL shipping, they can replenish inventory quickly by shipping directly to multiple stores. This ensures products hit the shelves without delay, keeping customers happy and reducing lost sales opportunities.

LTL Optimization: Efficient Multi-Drop Distribution

For a small artisanal food producer delivering specialty items to stores across a state, LTL shipping offers the perfect solution. They can send smaller quantities to several locations in a single shipment, ensuring product freshness and maintaining manageable inventory levels for each retailer.

 

4 Strategies to Combining FTL and LTL

While FTL and LTL serve different purposes, blending these methods can yield powerful results. Here are some practical ways to combine them:

1. Hub-and-Spoke Model 

Ship large quantities to regional distribution centers using FTL, then use LTL for last-mile deliveries to individual customers or stores.
 

2. Seasonal Flexibility

During peak seasons, FTL can handle high-volume shipments, while LTL keeps stock levels steady during slower periods, reducing inventory costs.
 

3. Product Mix Optimization

Use FTL for high-volume, fast-moving goods and rely on LTL for slower-moving or niche products to ensure efficient inventory management across your portfolio.
 

4. Risk Mitigation

A diversified shipping strategy helps protect against disruptions, such as capacity shortages in the FTL or LTL market, ensuring supply chain resilience.

 

Key Takeaways

Combining FTL and LTL strategies can unlock a more agile, cost-effective, and resilient supply chain. By analyzing shipping data, understanding product flow, and staying flexible, businesses can optimize shipping costs, improve delivery performance, and keep pace with the ever-changing demands of modern logistics.

Contact Gebrüder Weiss for expert 3PL LTL and FTL freight solutions:

Kevin Sendre, Director of FTL North America

Kate Leatherbury, Director of LTL North America