Full truckload shipping, often shortened to FTL, is the movement of a complete trailer load of freight for a single shipper. Instead of sharing trailer space with other companies, your cargo travels alone on a dedicated truck that drives straight from origin to destination.
That simple difference, a whole trailer for one shipper, is what makes truckload faster, lower risk, and often more cost effective for larger loads. This guide explains how FTL works, when it makes sense, and how it differs from less than truckload shipping.
How Full Truckload Shipping Works
The process is straightforward. You tender a load with the pickup location, delivery location, weight, and equipment type. A carrier or broker accepts the load and dispatches a driver. The driver loads your freight, drives it directly to the destination, and delivers it. Because nothing else is on the trailer, there is no cross docking and no waiting for other freight.
Most shippers book truckload capacity through a freight broker, which matches the load to a vetted carrier in real time. Our truckload carrier guide covers how that matching and vetting works behind the scenes.
When To Use FTL
Full truckload is the right mode when any of the following is true: the shipment weighs more than about 15,000 pounds, it fills about half a trailer or more (roughly 12 or more standard pallets), it is fragile or high value and should not be handled multiple times, or it is time sensitive and cannot absorb the extra days that shared transit can add.
| Factor | Larger loadsFull truckload | LTL |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer | Whole trailer, one shipper | Shared with other shippers |
| Typical weight | Over 15,000 lbs | Under 15,000 lbs |
| Transit | Direct and faster | Stops and transfers along the way |
| Handling | Loaded once | Handled at multiple terminals |
| Pricing | Per mile | By class and weight |
If your freight is smaller or your schedule is flexible, LTL may be the better value. The full breakdown lives in our FTL vs LTL guide, which shows exactly where the cost lines cross.
FTL Equipment Options
Truckload moves on more than one kind of trailer. Dry van is the default for packaged and palletized goods. Refrigerated trailers handle temperature sensitive freight. Flatbed and step deck carry steel, machinery, and oversized loads that will not fit inside a van. Choosing the right equipment up front avoids re quotes and delays.
What FTL Costs
Truckload is priced per mile rather than by freight class. Your rate reflects the lane, the equipment, the weight, the fuel surcharge, and current capacity in the market. For a deeper look at the math and where shippers can save, see our guide to full truckload rates.
Move Your Next Full Load
Full truckload shipping is the simplest way to move large or time sensitive freight quickly and safely. When you are ready, MyFreightWorld can match your load to vetted capacity and competitive pricing. Start at our truckload freight hub or request a quote below.
What does FTL stand for?
FTL stands for full truckload. It describes a shipment that uses an entire trailer dedicated to one shipper rather than sharing space with other freight.
How many pallets fit in a full truckload?
A standard 53 foot dry van holds about 26 standard 48 by 40 inch pallets in a single layer, or up to 52 if they can be double stacked. Weight limits may apply before you reach maximum pallet count.
Do I need a full trailer of freight to use FTL?
No. You can reserve a full trailer even if your freight does not fill it, which buyers do for speed or to avoid handling. If you have a large load that does not justify a full trailer, partial truckload is another option.
Is FTL faster than LTL?
Yes. Because the trailer goes directly from pickup to delivery with no terminal stops, full truckload transit is faster and more predictable than LTL.
