FTL vs. LTL Freight Shipping: When to Choose Full Truckload or Less-Than-Truckload
Quick Answer: When to Choose FTL vs. LTL
Choose Full Truckload (FTL) when shipping 10 to 26 standard pallets, weights between 15,000 and 45,000 lbs, fragile or uncrated materials, or time-sensitive freight that must travel straight from origin to destination on one trailer. Choose Less Than Truckload (LTL) when shipping 1 to 6 sturdy, shrink-wrapped pallets under 10,000 lbs with flexible delivery windows.
| Factor | Less Than Truckload (LTL) | Partial / Volume Load | Full Truckload (FTL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Pallet Count | 1 – 6 pallets | 6 – 14 pallets | 10 – 26 pallets |
| Typical Weight | 150 – 10,000 lbs | 8,000 – 25,000 lbs | 15,000 – 45,000 lbs |
| Terminal Cross-Docking | Yes (multiple hub transfers) | Minimal or direct | None (stays on 1 trailer) |
| Pricing Basis | NMFC Class, density & ZIP zone | Space + weight + lane | Per-mile / flat truckload rate |
| Damage & Delay Risk | Moderate (forklift transfers) | Low | Lowest (sealed dock-to-dock) |
How LTL Pricing & Re-Classification Works
LTL carriers calculate rates using four variables:
- Origin and destination ZIP codes (and whether a dock or liftgate is required).
- Exact weight per pallet (including the weight of the wooden skid).
- Exact outer dimensions (Length × Width × Height in inches) to compute density (lbs per cubic foot).
- NMFC Freight Class (from Class 50 for dense steel/stone to Class 400 for bulky lightweight items).
Shipper Tip: Always measure height from the ground to the highest point of the pallet. Under-reporting dimensions by even a few inches can trigger an LTL carrier cubic-capacity or re-classification adjustment fee.
When FTL Costs Less Than LTL
Once a shipment reaches 8 to 12 pallets or occupies more than 16 to 20 linear feet of trailer deck, LTL linear-foot rules and accessorial charges often approach or exceed a dedicated full truckload rate — especially on regional lanes along I-75, I-64, and I-40 out of Kentucky.
Get a Side-by-Side FTL & LTL Quote
Not sure where your shipment falls? Call EBX & WRT dispatch in East Bernstadt, KY at (606) 231-2763 or request a quote with your pallet count, dimensions, and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pallets fit on a standard 53-foot dry van trailer?
A standard 53-foot dry van holds 26 standard 48"×40" pallets single-stacked on the floor (or up to 52 pallets if double-stacked and weight allows up to the ~44,000–45,000 lb legal payload limit).
At what pallet count should I switch from LTL to FTL?
Generally around 8 to 12 pallets or 10,000 to 15,000 lbs. At that volume, requesting both an LTL rate and a full/partial truckload quote helps you compare cost and transit speed.
Does EBX & WRT handle both FTL and LTL shipments?
Yes. We haul full truckloads directly on our company fleet (EBX USDOT #595612 / WRT USDOT #3442398) and coordinate LTL and partner-carrier truckload capacity from East Bernstadt, KY.
Need to Move Freight in Kentucky?
EBX (USDOT #595612) and WRT (USDOT #3442398) provide direct motor carrier hauling and partner carrier coordination from East Bernstadt, KY.