LTL freight meaning

How LTL works

A local truck picks up shipments from several shippers and brings them to a terminal. There they're sorted and loaded onto linehaul trucks to other terminals, then onto local trucks for delivery. Each shipment has its own bill of lading and moves through several hands.

Shipment

2 pallets, 1,150 lb

Pickup

Local truck to origin terminal

Linehaul

Terminal to terminal overnight

Delivery

Local truck from destination terminal

Priced by

Freight class, weight, distance

Handled

Several times

EXAMPLE shipment. Classes and rates come from each LTL carrier.

LTL vs partial vs full truckload

• LTL: small shipments, terminal network, priced by freight class.
• Partial truckload: bigger than LTL, moves direct without terminal sorting.
• Full truckload: one shipper fills the trailer.

Where small carriers fit

Running an LTL network takes terminals, dock crews and pickup routes, so most small carriers don't. But there's related work:

• Linehaul runs between terminals for LTL carriers, often on a schedule.
• Partials and multi-stop loads that sit between LTL and full truckload, common for 26 ft box trucks and hotshots; see box truck loads.

What is freight class?

A rating that LTL carriers use to price shipments, based mostly on density, along with handling, stowability and liability. Higher classes cost more per pound. It's set on the bill of lading.

Is LTL slower than truckload?

Usually, because shipments are sorted at terminals along the way. Truckload and partial shipments move direct.