What is LTL in transport logistics?

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) is the shipping of smaller consignments that do not fill a whole truck, larger than a parcel but below a full truckload (FTL). Several shippers' loads share one vehicle, so each pays only for the space used.

How LTL works

LTL carriers collect shipments from several customers, consolidate them at a hub or terminal, move them together on the line-haul leg, then sort and deliver them locally. Freight is rated by weight, dimensions, density and freight class.

LTL, part loads and groupage

LTL overlaps with partial-truckload and groupage shipping: all share vehicle space between consignments. LTL is cheaper than FTL for small volumes but slower, because of the extra handling and stops.

Costing shared loads fairly depends on knowing the route and cost of each leg. In the Planner Module from IMPARGO the route, per-country toll and tour cost are calculated up front.