Full Truck Load (FTL)

What is Full Truck Load (FTL)?

Full Truck Load (FTL), also called full truckload, is a road freight shipping mode where a single shipper books the exclusive use of a truck or trailer for one pickup and one delivery (or a planned sequence of direct stops). In FTL shipping, the cargo either fills the trailer by weight or volume—or the shipper pays for dedicated capacity even if the equipment is not fully utilized—to move goods faster, more securely, and with minimal handling.

FTL contrasts with Less Than Truckload (LTL), where multiple shippers’ consignments share space and are consolidated through terminals. Because Full Truck Load (FTL) avoids cross-docking and intermediate transfers, it is typically faster and reduces the risk of damage.

How FTL Works in Road Transportation

In road transportation, Full Truck Load (FTL) is organized around direct, point-to-point moves. Shippers tender a load specifying pickup/delivery windows, equipment type (e.g., dry van/box, refrigerated/reefer, flatbed), and any handling or security requirements. The carrier assigns a tractor-trailer and driver, plans the route, and executes the trip with limited or no intermediate stops. Many shippers rely on a Transportation Management System to plan, tender, and track these moves; a modern TMS for FTL centralizes planning, execution, and ROI analysis.

Key operational details include:

• Equipment fit: matching trailer type and dimensions to cargo (e.g., palletized FMCG in a dry van, temperature-sensitive pharma in a reefer, steel coils on a flatbed).

• Capacity constraints: loads can “weigh out” (reach max weight) or “cube out” (fill available volume/pallet spaces) before both limits are hit.

• Loading methods: live load/unload, drop-and-hook, or use of loading aids (ramps, tail-lifts where applicable).

• Documentation and compliance: bill of lading/CMR, temperature records for reefer FTL, ADR for hazardous goods, and site safety rules.

• Visibility and control: telematics/GPS, estimated time of arrival (ETA) updates, and electronic proof of delivery.

Improving dock scheduling, turn times, and on-site flow can meaningfully reduce dwell. See practical guidance for reducing FTL loading and dock time to boost capacity and profitability.

Because FTL uses dedicated capacity, it is favored for time-sensitive shipments, high-value goods, consistent lanes, and large replenishment moves between plants, warehouses, and distribution centers.

Key Benefits

• Speed and reliability: direct transit with fewer touchpoints shortens lead times and reduces delays.

• Lower damage risk: minimal handling compared to hub-and-spoke consolidation.

• Security and control: exclusive use of the trailer improves seal integrity, temperature compliance, and chain-of-custody.

• Predictable scheduling: clear pickup and delivery appointments on consistent lanes.

• Cost efficiency at scale: for high-volume or full-pallet shipments, Full Truck Load (FTL) can be more economical per unit than LTL.

• Flexibility: choice of equipment and special services (temperature control, high-cube, tautliner/curtain-sider, escorts for oversize on flatbed/low-loader).

Common Use Cases

• Retail and FMCG replenishment: 26–33 pallet moves from central DCs to regional hubs on fixed weekly lanes.

• Automotive and manufacturing: just-in-time deliveries of components to assembly plants where time windows are tight.

• Temperature-controlled food and pharma: reefer FTL at specific setpoints, continuous temperature logging, and sealed loads.

• Project and construction freight: full flatbed loads of lumber, machinery, or steel with specific securement.

• Seasonal peaks: harvests, holiday inventory builds, or product launches where dedicated capacity protects service levels.

Pricing and Planning Considerations

Full Truck Load (FTL) pricing typically reflects origin–destination distance, market capacity, equipment type, and accessorials. Common elements include:

• Linehaul rate (per trip or per mile/km)

• Fuel surcharge indexed to diesel prices (see the worked example and formulas for an FTL fuel surcharge calculation)

• Accessorial charges (detention, layover, loading aids, multi-stop)

• Equipment premiums (reefer, specialized trailers)

• Lane balance and seasonality (peak demand can raise spot rates)

Effective FTL planning focuses on:

• Consolidating orders to “fill the truck” by weight or cube

• Building repeat lanes to secure contract rates and dedicated capacity

• Coordinating time windows to avoid detention

• Using real-time visibility for proactive ETA and exception management

Beyond load building and scheduling, optimizing fleet for FTL improves asset utilization and cost-per-mile through better routing, capacity planning, and driver deployment.

Conclusion

Full Truck Load (FTL) is the go-to road transport mode for large, time-sensitive, or high-value shipments that benefit from direct routes and exclusive capacity. By minimizing handling, improving control, and optimizing consistent lanes, FTL shipping delivers reliable transit times and cost efficiency when volumes justify a dedicated truck.