How not to overpay for transportation? FTL vs LTL - what you need to know
How not to overpay for transportation? FTL vs LTL - everything you need to know
When we talk about transporting goods, shortcuts quickly appear on the horizon FTL and LTL. Understanding, namely, is the first step to optimizing the supply chain. To the layman, these terms may sound mysterious, but behind them lies the crux of efficient road logistics. The choice of transportation method determines the cost, timeliness and security of the goods being transported. So let's discover what the differences are between FTL vs LTL And which way will be the best solution for your business.
Table of contents
What is LTL and when does it pay to use it?
LTL stands for general cargo, but what it is In practice? Abbreviation for Less than Truckload, which is the transportation of objects that do not occupy the entire cargo space of a vehicle. Your goods then travel together with shipments from other shippers, sharing costs and space in the truck.
The advantage of LTL is undoubtedly to save money. This solution is most often used by small and medium-sized companies that ship small batches of goods. As a result, they do not need to have a large inventory, which reduces the cost of doing business. An additional advantage LTL are additional services offered by some companies, such as door-to-door transportation and real-time tracking of shipments. This type of transportation is also a sensible choice when flexibility in terms of timing takes precedence over speed of delivery.
FTL transportation - what is it?
A lot of people hearing about the transportation method FTL, he reflects, namely. We are talking about this method of distribution when the entire delivery vehicle is reserved for the needs of a single customer. Full truckload transportation (Full Truck Load) is that your products occupy the entire trailer, without sharing space with other goods. This type of carriage is great for companies that deliver sizable amounts of cargo, or when they are concerned about fast delivery. Method FTL during transportation eliminates the need for stops at distribution points, which significantly reduces delivery time. An additional advantage is the increased level of safety, since there is no risk of damage to the goods during handling. If you are shipping expensive or particularly delicate products, the method of FTL w transportation is the best strategy.
FTL versus LTL - which to choose?
The choice between FTL vs LTL depends on the specific requirements of the order. There is no one perfect answer, as it all comes down to what is most important to you.
If you manage a large volume of goods that must reach their destination in the shortest possible time or are particularly vulnerable to damage, then FTL is the best solution. It provides exclusivity of space, eliminating the risk of overloading.
On the other hand, when your assortment is small in size and budget is a priority, it is worth considering carriage by method. LTL. You pay only for the vehicle space used, which reduces costs, although you must expect longer delivery times.
Differences between FTL and LTL - table
To fully understand how the transport method differs FTL, a what distinguishes LTL It is worth looking at the most important features of both options. The following table succinctly presents the characteristics of each and their impact on the execution of a logistics order.
| Feature | FTL (Full Truckload) | LTL (Less than Truckload) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of | The entire space in the trailer is used by one shipper. | The trailer is filled with shipments from many different customers. |
| Costs | Higher initial fees, but cost per unit of goods can be lower. | Lower, because you only pay for the space occupied by your product. |
| Delivery time | Usually very fast, without unnecessary stops. | Longer, which is due to the need to consolidate distribution at terminals. |
| Security | Maximum. Less risk of damage because there is no additional handling of the goods. | The facilities are susceptible to damage during sorting and handling. |
| Type of cargo | Ideal for large, heavy deliveries and high-value shipments. | A good choice for small packages, as well as small batches of products. |
Summary of FTL vs LTL transportation methods
Choosing the right distribution method is always an individual matter. Both FTL, as well as LTL have their advantages, and an informed decision translates into savings. If your logistics needs include large, full loads and speed is a priority, full truckload transport is the optimal solution. On the other hand, for smaller batches when time is not a pressure, general cargo is a more economical option.
Whether you need to deliver an assortment using the system FTL or LTL, it is important to work with a reliable logistics partner. Choose a company that understands the nuances of both types of transportation and will help you match the best solution to your requirements. Contact us today!
