When it comes to freight shipping, choosing the right transport method can save your business time, money, and stress. Two of the most common options are Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less Than Truck Load (LTL) — but how do you know which is best for your shipment?
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between FTL and LTL shipping, and help you decide which service is right for your next delivery.
What Is Full Truck Load (FTL) Shipping?
Full Truck Load (FTL) shipping is when an entire vehicle is dedicated to a single customer’s shipment. No other freight shares the space, and the truck travels directly from pickup to delivery without intermediate stops.
Best for:
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Large, heavy, or high-volume shipments
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Time-critical deliveries
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High-value or fragile cargo
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Businesses needing direct point-to-point transit
Key Benefits of FTL:
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Faster delivery times
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Reduced risk of damage or loss
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Greater security and visibility
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No delays from multiple drop-offs
What Is Less Than Truck Load (LTL) Shipping?
Less Than Truck Load (LTL) shipping allows multiple customers to share space on a single truck. Your shipment is combined with others headed in the same direction, and delivered in stages with several stops.
Best for:
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Smaller or partial shipments
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Budget-conscious deliveries
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Non-urgent cargo
Trade-Offs of LTL:
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Longer transit times
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Increased handling (which can raise the risk of damage)
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Limited scheduling flexibility
FTL vs LTL at a Glance
|
Feature |
FTL Shipping |
LTL Shipping |
|---|---|---|
|
Shipment Size |
Full truck capacity |
Partial load |
|
Delivery Speed |
Fast – direct transit |
Slower – multiple stops |
|
Handling Risk |
Low – no transfer |
Higher – multiple touchpoints |
|
Cost Efficiency |
Best for larger loads |
Cost-effective for small loads |
|
Ideal For |
Time-sensitive, fragile, high-value |
Low-risk, non-urgent goods |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose FTL if your shipment is large, urgent, or high-value, and you want complete control over delivery timing.
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Choose LTL if your shipment is smaller, less urgent, and cost savings are a higher priority.
At H&M Distribution, we offer both FTL and LTL shipping options across the UK and Europe, with reliable haulage solutions tailored to your load size, destination, and schedule.
Get Expert Advice on Your Next Shipment
Not sure whether you need FTL or LTL? Our experienced logistics team can recommend the best option for your business.
Contact us today or Get an Instant Quote to get started.
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