Choosing Land Freight: Full Truckload or Shared Truckload?
When arranging land freight, you might often hear these questions:
“Do you want to book the entire truck or share a truck?”
“For smaller shipments, shared trucking is more cost-effective.”
Let’s explore the differences between full truckload (FTL) and shared truckload (LTL) and figure out which is best for your needs!
⟦Cargo Loading Method⟧
FTL (Full Truckload):
The entire truck is dedicated to one consignee's goods and is delivered directly to the destination.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload):
The truck space is shared with goods from other consignees. Deliveries are scheduled based on the route, with goods delivered to multiple addresses along the way.
⟦Safety⟧
FTL:
Offers higher safety compared to LTL.
Since the entire truck is loaded with goods from one consignee, there’s less risk of damage due to collisions with other shipments. FTL is ideal for fragile items, furniture, or machinery. Additionally, customs clearance is simpler and faster as the truck carries a single set of shipping documents.
LTL:
Is LTL unsafe? Not necessarily!
LTL is perfect for small shipments and saves costs and space. While the safety level may not match FTL, each shipment is properly labeled (markings) to prevent misdelivery. However, customs declarations need to be complete to avoid clearance issues.
General Rule:
For large, heavy, or bulky shipments, FTL is more reasonable. For smaller, lighter shipments, LTL is more economical. For valuable but small shipments, FTL is also ideal to reduce risks.
⟦Delivery Time⟧
Both FTL and LTL typically take 3-5 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
⟦Cost⟧
FTL:
Costs more as the entire truck is booked, but it provides better safety and faster delivery.
LTL:
Charges are calculated based on the space occupied by the shipment, making it ideal for budget-conscious customers and smaller shipments.
Whether you choose FTL or LTL, it’s essential to pick the right transportation channel. Only the right plan can ensure safe and efficient delivery.
For example: If you’re shipping 5 sofas, FTL is recommended. Sofas require extra protection and reinforcement before being loaded, and booking the entire truck ensures safety and sufficient space.
We also offer door-to-door pickup services, with pickup charges determined by the pickup location.
Look no further—our star sales agents are here to provide you with exclusive VVIP quotes!
For special items, we’ll recommend tailored solutions based on the nature of the goods.
Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email us at [email protected] for more details!