Full Truckload (FTL) shipping is a widely used freight transportation method for businesses that need to move large quantities of goods. It involves utilizing an entire truck exclusively for one shipment, providing various advantages in terms of speed, security, and cost-efficiency for high-volume deliveries. Here’s everything you need to know about FTL shipping.

First, What Exactly is FTL Shipping?

FTL shipping means that a single shipper's cargo occupies the entire truck. It’s typically used when businesses need to transport large shipments that either physically fill up the trailer or weigh enough to make using a full truck more economical. 

FTL shipments typically travel directly from the point of origin to the destination, without any intermediate stops, reducing transit times.

What Are the Ideal Circumstances for using FTL?

FTL shipping is ideal when you have a large volume of goods—enough to fill a full truck—or sensitive cargo that requires exclusive use of the trailer. It’s also the best choice when time is critical, as FTL shipments are delivered faster than Less Than Truckload (LTL) options, which involve multiple stops for consolidating shipments from different shippers.

The 3 Main Benefits of FTL Shipping

• Faster Transit Times: Since the truck is reserved for one shipment and travels directly to its destination, FTL is quicker than LTL, where multiple deliveries and pickups are made.
• Increased Security: With fewer stops, there is less handling of the goods, which minimizes the risk of damage or loss.
• Cost Efficiency for Larger Loads: When shipping large or heavy cargo, the cost per unit can be more affordable compared to LTL.

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