Full Truckload Shipping (FTL): Services, Rates, and Benefits

Full truckload shipping (FTL) is a freight mode where one shipment occupies an entire truck or trailer exclusively. Unlike less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, where multiple shippers share space, FTL dedicates a whole 48′ or 53′ trailer to a single customer’s cargo. This exclusive use of the truck means fewer stops, minimal handling, and often faster transit times for the shipment. Businesses choose FTL shipping for large-volume, time-sensitive, or high-value freight that warrants a direct trip from origin to destination without detours.

What Is Full Truckload Shipping?

Full truckload shipping means your freight fills (or nearly fills) an entire truck trailer, and that truck hauls only your shipment. In FTL service, the carrier picks up your loaded trailer and drives straight to the delivery point with no intermediate offloading. Because the trailer isn’t shared with other shippers, FTL avoids the hub-and-spoke routing of LTL. The result is faster delivery (fewer route deviations) and less risk of damage since the cargo isn’t repeatedly handled along the way.

FTL shipments typically utilize dry van trailers (enclosed 53′ trucks) for general freight. Other equipment types like reefers (refrigerated trucks) or flatbeds may be used for specific needs (perishables, oversized loads, etc.). No matter the trailer type, FTL implies you’ve “bought out” the full capacity of that truck. This can be more cost-effective for large loads, if you have enough freight to fill most of the trailer, an FTL route often works out cheaper per unit than splitting the load into multiple LTL shipments.

How FTL Differs from LTL: In contrast to FTL, LTL shipping combines freight from several customers in one truck. LTL carriers consolidate smaller shipments and make multiple stops, which is economical for small loads but adds transit time. Full truckload vs. LTL is essentially exclusive-use vs shared use of a truck. We’ll explore the detailed differences in a later section, but the general idea is FTL = one truck, one shipper; LTL = one truck, many shippers.

Benefits of Full Truckload Shipping

Choosing full truckload shipping offers several key benefits for the right shipments:

• Faster Transit Times: With FTL, your freight goes directly from origin to destination without detours for other pickups or drop-offs. This direct route means shorter delivery times, ideal for time sensitive shipments that need to arrive quickly.
• Reduced Damage Risk: FTL shipments experience minimal handling. Freight is loaded once at pickup and unloaded once at delivery, rather than being moved through multiple terminals. Fewer touchpoints greatly lower the risk of damage or loss, making FTL a safer choice for fragile or high-value goods.
• Cost Efficiency for Large Loads: If you have enough freight to fill a trailer, FTL can be more cost-effective per unit than paying for several smaller LTL shipments. You’re utilizing the entire truck’s capacity, which often yields a better rate per pound or per pallet for bulk shipments. In other words, the cost per mile or per item is usually lower when the truck is full.
• Better Security & Control: Because only your cargo is in the trailer, there’s higher security and privacy. The trailer can be sealed from start to finish, reducing tampering or theft risks. Additionally, you can often specify conditions for the whole truck (e.g. temperature control, special handling) without worrying about other shippers’ freight. This level of control is valuable for sensitive shipments that require dedicated handling.
• Predictable Scheduling: Full truckload shipments are easier to schedule with guaranteed pickup and delivery times. You’re not dependent on a carrier consolidating other loads, so you can often arrange pick-up and drop-off appointments that suit your supply chain. This reliability helps with just-in-time inventory and tight delivery windows.

In summary, FTL shipping provides speed, safety, and efficiency for large volume freight. The trade-off is you pay for an entire truck, so it’s important to use FTL when it makes economic sense which leads to the next point: when should you choose FTL?

When to Choose Full Truckload Shipping

FTL is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but certain situations make it the best choice:

• Large Shipments: If your load is big enough to fill most of a truck, full truckload shipping is ideal. In practice, this means roughly 12 to 26 standard pallets (48″ x 40″ each) or a very heavy load approaching the truck’s weight limit. A typical 53′ trailer can handle up to ~24–30 pallets or about 44,000 lbs of freight before hitting legal weight limits. If you’re shipping at that scale, FTL ensures you efficiently use the space and avoid paying for unused capacity.
• Time-Sensitive Delivery: When speed is critical, for example, just-in-time inventory replenishment or perishable goods – FTL’s direct route is advantageous. There are no interim stops to delay your freight, so you get quicker delivery. Companies often choose FTL for expedited or guaranteed delivery deadlines that LTL might not meet.
• Fragile or High-Value Goods: Shipments that are fragile, valuable, or hazardous benefit from the controlled environment of FTL. Since there’s no mixing with other cargo, you avoid potential damage from others’ freight. Minimal handling and a dedicated truck mean delicate items (electronics, glassware, instruments, etc.) or high-value products travel with much lower damage risk.
• Special Handling Requirements: If your freight needs specialized equipment or conditions, FTL is usually the way to go. Examples include temperature-controlled loads (food, pharmaceuticals) that need a dedicated refrigerated trailer, or oversized shipments that require a flatbed or step-deck. With FTL you can secure the exact equipment (air-ride trailers, tankers, etc.) and any extra services (team drivers, GPS tracking) to meet your shipment’s needs.
• Multiple Stop Deliveries (Dedicated Route): Sometimes businesses have multiple stops but still prefer an exclusive truck (for instance, delivering to several of your retail stores on one route). FTL can accommodate multi-stop truckload deliveries tailored to your itinerary, whereas LTL would not guarantee a specific sequence of deliveries. If you need a dedicated truck to handle a route of deliveries for you, FTL with a multi-stop load is a solution.

In short, use full truckload shipping when you have enough freight volume or urgency that dedicating an entire truck is justified. If your load is small (just a few pallets) or not time-critical, LTL or other options might be more economical. The rule of thumb: FTL for large, heavy, or urgent shipments; LTL for smaller, slow, or flexible shipments.

Full Truckload (FTL) vs. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)

Understanding the differences between full truckload and LTL shipping is crucial for choosing the right mode:

• Capacity & Size: FTL means one customer uses the entire truck. Typically this is a 48′ or 53′ trailer filled to capacity with one shipper’s freight. LTL means your freight shares space with other shippers’ goods – you might occupy only a few pallet positions in the trailer, alongside other customers’ freight. LTL is ideal for 1 to 6 pallets or smaller loads, whereas FTL handles large shipments (often 24+ pallets or near 44,000 lbs).
• Cost Structure: FTL pricing is a flat rate for the whole truck, generally based on distance (miles) and sometimes weight up to the max limit. You pay for exclusive use of the trailer, so it’s more economical for big shipments but not cost-effective for small loads. LTL pricing is based on your shipment’s weight, dimensions, and freight class, and you “pay for the space you use.” LTL is cheaper for a few pallets, but if you consistently ship near truckload quantities, FTL can save money in the long run.
• Transit Time: FTL is faster – the truck goes directly to the destination with no multiple stops. LTL is slower because the truck makes stops at distribution hubs to load/unload other shipments, which adds transit days. LTL shipments often get routed through hub terminals, whereas FTL is a point-to-point service.
• Handling & Risk: FTL involves minimal handling: freight is loaded once and unloaded at final delivery. This means lower risk of damage or loss in transit. LTL shipments are handled at each hub stop, being transferred between trucks, which increases the chances of damage (though good packaging can mitigate this). FTL is preferable for fragile freight; LTL requires very secure packing due to more touches.
• Flexibility: LTL offers more flexibility for small shipments – you can ship any quantity without waiting to fill a truck, and you only pay for what you send. FTL requires having a full (or nearly full) load, which is less flexible if your volumes are inconsistent. However, for shippers with steady large volumes, FTL provides consistency and simpler logistics (one truck, one load).
• Service & Options: LTL carriers operate on set routes and schedules, and typically don’t guarantee dedicated delivery times unless you pay extra. With FTL, you can often arrange exact pickup/delivery appointments and even special services (team drivers for nonstop transport, dedicated express routes, etc.). Essentially, FTL is a bespoke service for one shipper, whereas LTL is a shared service optimized for cost efficiency.

Full Truckload Shipping Rates and Costs

One of the top questions shippers have is about full truckload shipping rates, what does it cost to book an entire truck? Unlike LTL (which has complex tariffs based on weight and class), FTL pricing is typically a door-to-door rate for moving the truck from Point A to Point B. However, full truckload costs can vary widely depending on several factors.

Key factors that affect FTL shipping rates:

• Distance (Mileage): This is the biggest cost driver. Longer hauls cost more in absolute terms. Carriers usually price FTL by the mile – so a 1,000-mile shipment costs roughly double a 500-mile shipment, all else equal. For example, contract van rates in the U.S. average around $2.40–$3.00 per mile in recent years. That means a 500-mile full truckload might be in the ballpark of $1,200 (500 * $2.40), while a 2,000-mile cross-country haul could be around $5,000 or more, depending on fuel prices and demand. (These figures fluctuate with market conditions, but give a sense of order of magnitude.)
• Weight and Volume: Unlike LTL, in FTL you’re paying for the whole trailer, not per pound. As long as you’re under the truck’s legal weight limit (~44k lbs for van freight), the cost is usually the same whether the trailer is half-empty or full. That said, if your shipment is very lightweight and occupies the full trailer, you still pay the full FTL rate (so maximizing the space gives the best value). Extremely heavy loads that approach legal limits might incur slight cost adjustments (or require permits if they exceed standard limits).
• Route & Market Conditions: Truckload pricing is heavily influenced by supply and demand. Certain lanes (origin-destination pairs) are more expensive due to imbalances (e.g., more freight going out than coming in). Market conditions like seasonal peaks (e.g. fall retail season, produce season) can drive rates up due to high demand. If you’re shipping during a busy season or on a lane with few return loads for trucks, expect higher quotes. Conversely, off-peak or backhaul lanes (where trucks are trying to get back home) can yield lower rates.
• Fuel Costs: Fuel is a significant expense for carriers, and most FTL freight quotes include a fuel surcharge that floats with diesel prices. When fuel prices rise, surcharges increase, which raises the total cost. In times of lower fuel prices, shippers benefit from lower surcharges. Fuel surcharges are typically added on a per-mile basis on top of the base linehaul rate.
• Timing and Urgency: If you need a truck last-minute or require expedited transit, you might pay a premium. Short lead times (e.g., same-day coverage) often invoke spot rates, which are day-by-day market prices that can be higher than contracted rates. Additionally, if you request team drivers (to drive overnight in shifts) or other special fast services, the cost will be higher than a standard one-driver transit.
• Accessorials and Special Services: These are extra fees for additional services. Common accessorial charges in FTL include things like detention (if loading/unloading delays the driver beyond a free time), layover (if the driver must wait overnight due to issues), lumper fees (hired unloading labor), or additional stops (if your FTL has multiple drop-off points). If your shipment needs special handling (hazardous materials, refrigeration, tarping on a flatbed, etc.), there may be added costs for those services as well. Always communicate any special requirements upfront so the carrier factors them into the quote.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Full Truckload? It depends on all the variables above. To give a rough idea, full truckload rates (in the U.S.) can range from as low as ~$700-$1,000 for very short local hauls up to $5,000 or more for cross-country shipments. A typical mid-range trip (e.g., 500–1,000 miles) might cost somewhere in the low-to-mid four figures. For example, at an average of about $2.43 per mile for dry van contract freight, a 1,000-mile haul would be around $2,430. Keep in mind these are general estimates – actual quotes will reflect real-time market rates, which can swing significantly. In early 2024, national van rates hovered around $2.40–$2.50 per mile, but by 2025 they could be higher or lower.

Industries That Use Full Truckload Shipping

Many industries rely on full truckload services when moving large quantities of goods. Some of the most common users of FTL shipping include:

• Retail & Consumer Goods: Big-box retailers and e-commerce companies use FTL to stock stores and fulfillment centers. For example, a retailer might ship high volumes of merchandise from a distribution center to stores via dedicated truckloads. The e-commerce boom has also increased FTL usage for moving goods to fulfillment warehouses and for middle-mile distribution.
• Manufacturing: Factories often produce goods or components in bulk that need to be shipped to warehouses, assembly plants, or distribution centers. Manufacturers of automotive parts, electronics, appliances, and other goods commonly book FTL for raw materials inbound and finished products outbound. The automotive industry in particular ships large volumes of parts and vehicles that fill entire trailers.
• Food & Beverage: Producers and distributors of food use FTL, especially for perishables and temperature-sensitive products. Full truckloads in refrigerated trailers (reefers) carry loads of produce, frozen foods, dairy, or meat directly to distribution points to maintain cold chain integrity. Beverage companies also ship truckloads of bottled drinks or kegs due to the weight involved.
• Agriculture: Farms and agribusinesses ship commodities like grains, produce, and livestock feed in large quantities. At harvest time, it’s common to see full truckloads of crops (e.g., a trailer of corn or oranges) heading to processing facilities. The dedicated nature of FTL ensures produce gets delivered quickly to reduce spoilage.
• Construction & Building Materials: The construction industry requires transporting heavy and bulky materials – think lumber, steel beams, cement, bricks, roofing materials – often in full truckload quantities. FTL flatbeds are frequently used for oversized or heavy construction equipment and materials to go directly to job sites. These loads are usually too large to send LTL.
• Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: Chemical manufacturers ship full truckloads of chemicals (sometimes in liquid tanker trucks or dry bulk trailers) to industrial customers. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies use FTL (often in reefers) to distribute large batches of medicines or health products to distribution centers, since these may require temperature control and careful handling.
• Furniture and Appliances: These products are large, space-consuming, and often shipped in bulk to retailers or warehouses. The furniture industry will use FTL for moving lots of furniture pieces together. Similarly, appliance manufacturers or distributors ship full truckloads of refrigerators, washing machines, etc. to regional warehouses or big retail clients.
• Logistics & Distribution Providers: This is broad, but 3PL (third-party logistics) providers and wholesalers often consolidate client freight into full truckloads for linehaul moves between cities. If a 3PL manages freight for multiple customers in one region, they might combine loads into an FTL to send to another region, improving efficiency (this is sometimes called consolidated freight or PTL – partial truckload, when different loads share an FTL without intermediate handling).

Choosing a Full Truckload Shipping Company

Selecting the right full truckload (FTL) shipping provider, whether a carrier or freight broker is key to keeping costs low and deliveries on track. Here are six essential factors to consider:

1. Competitive Pricing

Always compare quotes from multiple FTL providers. Look beyond just the base rate, check if it includes fuel surcharges, tolls, or accessorials. The lowest price isn’t always the best if it means unreliable service.

2. Transit Time & Service Quality

Make sure the provider meets your delivery deadlines. Ask about estimated transit times, on-time performance, and whether they offer service guarantees or expedited options like team drivers.

3. Reliability & Reviews

Choose companies with a solid track record. Look for on-time performance, low damage claims, and positive reviews. Well-maintained equipment and professional drivers are a must.

4. Equipment & Coverage

Ensure the provider has the right trailer type (reefer, flatbed, etc.) and coverage in your shipping region. Specialized loads may require specific equipment or permits check upfront.

5. Licensing & Insurance

Confirm the carrier is fully licensed with a valid DOT number and carries sufficient cargo insurance. For brokers, ask if they’re bonded. These are non-negotiable for freight protection.

6. Communication & Support

Strong communication is essential. Look for 24/7 support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated point of contact. A responsive team can prevent delays and resolve issues quickly.

Conclusion

Full truckload shipping plays a vital role in modern supply chains by enabling the fast, secure, and efficient movement of large freight quantities. By understanding the benefits of FTL, knowing when to use it versus LTL or other modes, and being aware of cost factors, you can make informed logistics decisions that improve your operations. Remember to optimize your FTL shipments for maximum efficiency and choose your carrier partners wisely, reliability and service quality are just as important as getting a good rate.

When you have a shipment that justifies it, FTL can offer tremendous value: faster deliveries, less handling, and streamlined logistics for your business. Whether you’re shipping full truckloads every day or just occasionally, leveraging the right strategies will ensure you reap the benefits of this mode while keeping costs in check.

For tailored full truckload solutions or any questions on optimizing your shipping strategy, contact OLIMP Warehousing. Our team can help you navigate FTL shipping challenges, provide competitive rates, and ensure your freight moves with the speed and care your business deserves. Let OLIMP Warehousing be your partner in delivering freight on time and in full, every time