Full Truck Load (FTL) refers to a type of freight shipping arrangement in the logistics industry where an entire truck trailer is dedicated to transporting the goods of a single customer. In FTL shipping, the customer's cargo occupies the entire available space within the truck trailer, and the truck is not shared with other shippers' goods. This type of shipping is often used when the shipper has a large volume of goods to transport, and the cargo is enough to fill the entire truck trailer.
Key features of Full Truck Load (FTL) shipping include:
Dedicated Space: The entire truck trailer is reserved for a single shipper's goods, ensuring that their cargo is not mixed with that of other shippers.
Efficiency: FTL shipping can be more efficient for large shipments, as there is no need to wait for the truck to be filled with multiple shipments from different customers.
Faster Transit Times: Since the truck is carrying only one shipment, it can often reach its destination faster compared to Less Than Truck Load (LTL) shipments, which involve multiple stops to pick up and deliver goods for different customers.
Reduced Handling: FTL shipments involve less handling of the goods, reducing the risk of damage that can occur during transfers.
Volume Discounts: Shippers who have enough cargo to fill a full truck trailer may be eligible for volume discounts from carriers due to the significant amount of business they provide.
Flexibility: Shippers have more control over the schedule and route of the truck, which can be important for time-sensitive or specific delivery requirements.
FTL shipping is commonly used for industries that require the transportation of large quantities of goods, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail. However, FTL shipping can be more expensive than other shipping options, especially if the shipper's cargo doesn't fully utilize the available space in the truck trailer. In such cases, shippers might opt for Less Than Truck Load (LTL) shipping, where multiple shipments from different customers share the same truck trailer to optimize space and reduce costs.