A Full Truckload is usually the carriage of a single type of cargo. The haulage could be by a general purpose (GP) container (also called a DV or Dry Van), a flatbed, a refrigerated container, etc.
Individuality
With FTL, your freight is the only freight moving on an individual truck so you have exclusivity to the truck. You can reserve the truck with its full capacity even if the load does not require occupying the entirety of the space.
Privacy and Security
Using the FTL option ensures that your shipment does not travel with other loads other than your own and minimizes the amount of handling of the freight.
FTL Checklist:
- If you are shipping more than six pallets at a time, then the full truckload may be best for you.
- If your product is fragile and you need to avoid excessive loading and unloading by multiple carriers, the full truckload option is going to be best for you because your fragile items are situated by themselves on a full truck.
- If you need firm delivery and pick-up dates the full truckload option is going to be better because you can reserve a single carrier to transport your items. For time-sensitive delivery dates, the full truckload option is the safest bet.
Some of the benefits of FTL
For shipments that are large enough to fill or nearly fill an entire shipping container, FTL rates can often be more cost-effective than shipping a partial load.
FTL shipments get to the destination sooner, as the truck is making no other pickups or drop-offs along the way.
FTL transport means there is less handling (there is no transferring between trucks mid-transit), therefore the shipment is less likely to get lost or damaged.
Full truckloads are much less encumbered by size and weight restrictions, therefore simplifying the shipping process.
Differences between LTL and FTL
- Since LTL shipments that have to pick-up and deliver at multiple locations, their pick-up times will occur in a broader window and require more flexibility on the shipper’s end. FTL is different in that carriers will arrange a rigid delivery time since they are only servicing one shipment.
- Another key difference is that with a full truckload the shipper will load your product at the point of origin, seal the trailer, and take it straight to its delivery destination. With an LTL shipment, your product will typically be loaded and unloaded in and out of trailers and warehouses not just once but several times before reaching its final destination. This means there is an increased amount of handling and exposure which means a greater chance that your products could incur damages, especially if they are sensitive or fragile.
Dry Van
A dry can is an enclosed trailer that is used to haul non-perishable foods and other dry goods.
PROS
Less expensive to ship
Can haul higher weights than a reefer
Hauls loads that require more space
Easy to load and unload
CONS
Rates are some of the lowest
Not as many loads to choose from
Fewer loads available
Refrigerated Trailer
A reefer trailer is an enclosed, insulated trailer, with an attached air conditioning unit to maintain temperatures.
PROS
Less expensive to purchase
Can haul higher weights than a reefer
Hauls loads that require more space
Easy to load and unload
CONS
Rates are some of the lowest
Not as many loads to choose from
Fewer loads available
Flatbeds
A flatbed is an open trailor with no sides or roof often used to haul equipment or building materials.
PROS
Less expensive to purchase
Can haul higher weights than a reefer
Hauls loads that require more space
Easy to load and unload
CONS
Rates are some of the lowest
Not as many loads to choose from
Fewer loads available
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