Choosing between less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) freight is one of the most common decisions shippers face — and getting it right controls both cost and transit time.
The basics
LTL means your freight shares a trailer with other shippers’ goods; you pay for the space you use. FTL means the entire trailer is dedicated to your shipment, whether or not it is completely full.
When LTL makes sense
- Your shipment is roughly 1 to 6 pallets or under about 5,000 kg.
- You can tolerate a few extra stops and slightly longer transit.
- Cost efficiency matters more than the fastest possible delivery.
When FTL makes sense
- You have enough volume to fill, or nearly fill, a trailer.
- The freight is fragile, high-value or sensitive to extra handling.
- You need a direct, faster transit with fewer touches.
- You have a tight or guaranteed delivery window.
A good rule of thumb: as your pallet count climbs past six, the math starts to favour a dedicated truck — and so does the reduced handling.
The hidden factors
Beyond size, consider handling risk, deadline certainty and seasonality. During Alberta’s busy build seasons, capacity tightens and the right mode can change week to week. The best approach is to price both options for your lane and let real numbers decide. Nexora can quote LTL and FTL side by side so you always ship on the most efficient option.