The transport of goods does not only include loading and unloading at source and at destination. It also includes choosing the right mode of transport (air, land or sea), choosing the appropriate carrier or shipping provider, and considering many other factors for both fast and cost-effective shipping. When it comes to road transport, the trucking industry is responsible for most of the ground transport movement. Truck shipments can be broadly divided into two categories: FTL (Full Truck Load) and LTL (Less than full truck load, aka partial shipping).

How FTL and LTL Work ?

FTL operates on a point-to-point distribution model. In this case, the shipper loads the FTL cargo directly onto the truck that goes to the final destination without stopping. LTL or less than a truckload operates in a hub-and-spoke distribution model. At first, smaller LTL payloads are collected from multiple shippers from a particular region or area. These shipments are then brought to a regional center or center and loaded onto a single truck. The truck then travels through multiple delivery stops to its final destinations.

What are the Differences Between FTL and LTL?

Cost

LTL is cost-effective when you ship several loads at a time, as you have to pay for the space you use instead of paying for the total truck capacity. Fewer truckloads shipping providers keep your loads safe by filling products with other items that need to be transported to the same destination. Full truckload services, or FTL shipping, require a complete truck reservation, which is slightly more expensive than LTL shipping.

Transit Time

First we need to know the transit time. The interval required for a shipment to be delivered after it has been picked up from its origin. If the truck is under load, a shipment does not go directly to its destination as the LTL truck has to deliver multiple shipments. Actual LTL freight shipping time may differ from estimated delivery time. Similarly, LTL drivers do not have a fixed appointment time to pick up the shipment from the designated location. Because the FTL truck is only loaded with shipments from one shipper, transit time for FTL shipping is predictable. After receiving the shipment, the truck goes directly to its destination and arrives within the estimated time. In the case of a full truckload service, the shipment pickup time is usually fixed.

FTL Advantages

• Since goods are handled only during loading and unloading, they are less likely to be damaged.

• Faster because there is no transfer.

• It has more load capacity.

• More effective for large shipments.

• Not subject to the needs of other parties who “share” the vehicle.

• Shipped goods never leave the unit until they reach their destination, keeping them safe.

LTL Advantages:

• Cheaper for recurring posts.

• Provides access to new markets by allowing companies to submit samples.

• It shortens the time for procurement and production processes by delivering raw materials in advance.

• Reduces inventory of slow moving goods and warehouse expenses.

• Some countries move faster because customs clearance is only handled at the point of origin and destination, not at the border.

• Maximizes profit by filling unused areas in trailers and containers.

• Less controller is needed by combining loads.

• Meets the needs of more manufacturers.