FTL Freight

What Is FTL Freight?

FTL stands for full truckload, sometimes called truckload or TL. With FTL, a shipper books a whole trailer for its goods. The truck is not shared with other shippers, so it usually travels directly from the pickup location to the destination without stopping at sorting terminals. FTL is common for large inventory moves, such as transferring a full container of goods from a port or a manufacturer to a warehouse.

How It Works

FTL shipping is booked and priced differently from LTL:

• Dedicated trailer: the shipper pays for the whole truck, whether or not it is completely full.
• Direct route: freight typically moves straight from origin to destination, which can shorten transit time.
• Less handling: pallets are usually loaded once and unloaded once, reducing the chance of damage.
• Pricing: rates are commonly based on distance, equipment type, market demand and any extra stops or services.

For example, a beverage brand moving a large production run from its co-packer to its fulfillment warehouse may book an FTL shipment, since the volume fills most of a trailer and direct delivery reduces handling of heavy pallets.

Why It Matters for Ecommerce Brands

As brands grow, inbound shipments get larger, and FTL can become more economical than paying for several LTL shipments. Direct transit also makes delivery dates more predictable, which helps when planning launches or restocking before peak season. Brands should coordinate FTL deliveries with the receiving warehouse in advance, sharing the bill of lading and a packing list, so the dock and team are ready for a large inbound load.