Full Truckload (FTL)
Dedicated trailer space for your freight, moved point to point.
Full truckload (FTL) shipping gives your freight a trailer of its own. Instead of sharing space with other shippers, your cargo is loaded at origin and moved to its destination, which usually means fewer touches and more predictable handling.
How Full Truckload (FTL) works
In an FTL move, one shipper uses the trailer capacity for a single shipment or a series of related shipments. The trailer is generally loaded at the pickup location and unloaded at the delivery location without being consolidated with other customers’ freight.
This makes FTL a common choice when a shipment is large, heavy, fragile, or time-sensitive, or when it simply makes more sense to move everything in one trip.
Best for full truckload shipments
- Shipments that fill most of a trailer, by weight or by space
- Freight that should not be handled with other shippers’ cargo
- Time-sensitive orders that benefit from a direct move
- Multiple pallets going to the same destination
What to prepare before you request a full truckload quote
- Pickup and delivery addresses, with ZIP codes
- Commodity, number of pallets or pieces, and total weight
- Approximate dimensions and whether freight is stackable
- Preferred pickup date and delivery deadline
- Dock hours, appointment requirements or special equipment needs
What affects the quote
Every shipment is different. These are the main factors that influence a freight quote:
- Distance and lane: where the freight starts and ends
- Weight, volume and how freight is loaded
- Timing: how soon the pickup is needed
- Special requirements such as appointments or multiple stops
- Market conditions on the lane at the time of the request
Before you ship, you can verify any carrier on the FMCSA SAFER System.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need FTL?
If your shipment fills most of a trailer, is heavy, or you want it moved directly without sharing space, FTL is usually worth considering. Send us the details and we will help you compare options.
What information do you need for an FTL quote?
Pickup and delivery locations, commodity, weight, dimensions, preferred dates and any special requirements. The more precise the details, the more accurate the quote.
Can I ship a partial load as FTL?
You can, but a shipment that does not fill much of a trailer may be better suited to LTL. We can talk through both options.
Other freight services
Less Than Truckload (LTL), Dry Van, Refrigerated (Reefer), Expedited, Dedicated.
Ready to move your freight?
Send us your shipment details and request a free quote, or call us and tell us what you need.