FTL and LTL what is it and what is the difference?

There are various transportation methods used in logistics. However, not all customers understand what FTL and LTL are and which option suits them best. Both options are the main types of cargo transportation that the EA Logistic transport company regularly handles, reducing costs and delivery times. The first option involves full loading, and the second — partial. Below you will find out how they affect logistics.

FTL and LTL in logistics

First of all, it is important to understand what FTL means. This method allows you to fully load a truck or container with goods from one customer. In this case, the cargo is not reloaded en route, and delivery is carried out directly to the customer in a short time and without delays.

As for LTL, this option allows you to carry out partial loading of trucks or containers for international cargo transportation. In this case, several clients can use the services of an international transport company, since the client’s goods are loaded into one vehicle at the same time and delivered to the warehouse. Then all the cargo is delivered to the end consumers at a low cost.

Key differences between FTL and LTL

To fully understand which method of cargo delivery is better, it is important to understand their key differences. Each of them may seem profitable, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at the main differences:

• Cargo volume. FLT offers full loads, while LTL — partial;
• Cost. When choosing FLT, the cost per kilometer will be more profitable for large volumes. LTL provides low transportation costs for small cargo;
• Delivery speed. FLT provides the fastest delivery, since it does not require stops, while LTL delivers slower;
• Safety. FLT guarantees high protection against damage, and LTL — low, since the goods go through numerous stages of sorting and reloading.
• What works in one case may not work in another. For some, the most important thing is to get the lowest possible price, because every penny counts. Others, on the contrary, do not want to wait, preferring to overpay for faster delivery. There is no single answer. It is best to simply think about what is most important to you and make a decision based on this.

How to choose between full and partial freight (LTL)

Sometimes you need to transport a whole load — then there is no need to hesitate, you just take the whole truck and go. This is FTL. It is fast, without transfers, without unnecessary hassle.

But if the cargo is small, and paying for empty space is impractical, it is better to combine cargo transportation with other ones. In such a situation, transportation by consolidated cargo will be the best option — and here the question arises: what is consolidated cargo? Simply put: you share space with other shippers and pay only for what you actually transport. That's LTL — cheaper, though a little slower.

What to choose? It all depends on the volume of your cargo, the time it takes, and how important safety is to you. Sometimes it's better to pay more and be calm, and sometimes it's enough for the goods to arrive «somehow.»