LTL vs FTL is one of the most common decisions in road freight — and one of the most frequently made by default rather than by calculation. Road freight is the backbone of European logistics: according to European Commission transport data, road transport accounts for nearly three quarters of all inland freight in the EU. Yet many shippers automatically choose LTL for smaller loads and FTL for larger ones, without checking whether the math actually works in their favour. The wrong choice on a regular lane can cost thousands of euros a year.
This guide breaks down exactly what LTL and FTL mean, when each one is the right choice, what a third option (PTL) looks like, and how to quickly decide which works best for your next shipment.
What is LTL (Less Than Truckload)?
LTL — Less Than Truckload — means your goods share trailer space with shipments from other companies. A carrier consolidates multiple smaller loads into one truck, and each shipper pays only for the space their goods occupy. This consolidation model is part of the standardised framework for international road transport governed by the UNECE transport conventions that apply across European and cross-border freight movements.
LTL is typically used for shipments of 1–6 pallets, or loads weighing between 100 kg and roughly 6,000 kg. Because the truck makes multiple pickups and deliveries, LTL freight moves through a hub-and-spoke network of carrier terminals before reaching its destination.
LTL works best when:
- Your load is small (under 6 pallets),
- your timeline is flexible,
- cost is the priority over speed,
- and your goods are robust enough to handle multiple handling points.
What is FTL (Full Truckload)?
FTL — Full Truckload — means you book an entire truck exclusively for your shipment. The truck travels directly from your pickup location to your delivery address, with no other stops to load or unload other cargo.
FTL is used for loads that fill most or all of a standard trailer — typically 10 or more pallets, or shipments above 6,000–8,000 kg. You pay for the full truck regardless of how much space you actually use.
FTL works best when:
- Your load is large (10+ pallets),
- your goods are fragile or high-value,
- you need a guaranteed delivery time,
- or you’re shipping on a regular lane with predictable volume.
LTL vs FTL: Comparison Table
Third Option: PTL (Partial Truckload / Groupage)
Between LTL and FTL sits a lesser-known option that many shippers overlook: PTL, or Partial Truckload — known in European logistics as groupage.
According to IRU industry guidelines, groupage services are widely used across EU and Balkan freight corridors precisely because they bridge the gap between shared and dedicated transport.
PTL is ideal for shipments of 6–14 pallets — too large for economical LTL, but not enough to justify a full truck. It typically shares space with just one or two other loads, moves more directly than standard LTL, and avoids the hub-and-spoke terminal network.
Advantages of PTL:
- Better than LTL: fewer handling points, faster transit, lower damage risk
- Better than FTL: lower cost when you don’t have a full load
- Trade-off: fewer carriers offer PTL, and scheduling can be less flexible
If you regularly ship 6–12 pallets on the same lane, PTL may consistently beat both LTL and FTL on price. It’s worth asking your carrier or freight platform specifically about this option.
How to Decide: A Quick Guide
Run through these questions before booking your next shipment:
- How many pallets? Under 6 → LTL. 6–14 → check PTL. 15+ → FTL.
- How urgent is delivery? Same-day or next-day → FTL. Flexible → LTL or PTL.
- How fragile or valuable are the goods? High value/fragile → FTL. Standard goods → LTL fine.
- How regular is this lane? Consistent weekly volume → negotiate FTL contract. Irregular → spot LTL.
- What’s the total weight?
Over 6,000 kg → always request an FTL quote to compare.
The crossover rule of thumb
On most European lanes, FTL becomes cost-competitive with LTL at around 8–10 pallets or 8,000–10,000 kg. Above this threshold, always request an FTL quote — you may be surprised.
How Does LTL and FTL Pricing Differ?
LTL pricing is calculated based on several factors:
- weight,
- dimensions (volumetric weight),
- freight type, distance, and additional charges such as fuel surcharges or waiting time. You pay a proportional rate for your share of the trailer space.
- distance,
- and additional charges such as fuel surcharges or waiting time.
You pay a proportional rate for your share of the trailer space.
FTL pricing is simpler: a fixed rate for the lane, based on distance, truck type, and market conditions. You know the cost upfront and it doesn’t change based on how full the truck is.
For cross-border shipments within the EU, both LTL and FTL operations are governed by EU Regulation 1072/2009 on access to the international road haulage market — which sets the legal framework for who can operate, under what conditions, and with what documentation. This is particularly relevant for carriers and shippers operating on Balkans–EU corridors.
For a deeper look at how freight rates are structured, see our guide: Calculating Freight Rates — How to Set Them Correctly.
How HUBBIG Helps You Choose the Best Option
On HUBBIG, shippers can compare available carriers across different load types — whether you need an LTL option to share capacity or an FTL carrier for a dedicated run.
Every carrier is verified and CMR insured before being listed on the platform, so you’re comparing real, reliable options — not guesswork.
Whether your shipment is fragile, time-sensitive, or simply needs the most cost-effective routing, understanding types of logistics insurance alongside your freight mode choice gives you full visibility over your risk exposure before you book.
New to international shipping? Our guide on the life path of a shipment walks you through every step from sender to recipient, so you know exactly what happens to your freight once it leaves the loading dock.
FAQ — LTL vs FTL: Frequently Asked Questions
What does LTL mean in freight?
LTL stands for Less Than Truckload. It means your shipment shares trailer space with other companies’ goods. You pay only for the portion of the truck your load occupies, making it cost-effective for smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire trailer.
What does FTL mean in freight?
FTL stands for Full Truckload. It means you book the entire truck exclusively for your shipment. The vehicle travels directly from pickup to delivery with no intermediate stops, giving you faster transit and less handling risk.
Is LTL always cheaper than FTL?
Not always. For small loads (1–6 pallets), LTL is almost always cheaper. But above 8–10 pallets, FTL can be cost-competitive or even cheaper per pallet, because you avoid LTL’s terminal handling surcharges and the rate doesn’t scale linearly with weight.
How many pallets is considered LTL vs FTL?
As a general guide: 1–6 pallets is typically LTL territory. 6–14 pallets may suit PTL (partial truckload / groupage). 15 or more pallets is where FTL becomes the most practical and often most cost-effective option.
Which is faster — LTL or FTL?
FTL is almost always faster. Because the truck drives directly from A to B, FTL shipments typically arrive 1–3 days sooner than equivalent LTL shipments, which move through a hub-and-spoke terminal network with multiple stops and potential delays at transfer points.
What is groupage in European road freight?
Groupage is the European term for consolidating multiple smaller loads from different shippers into one truck — the equivalent of LTL or PTL in other markets. The carrier manages the consolidation and customers pay for their share of the space. It is widely used across EU and Balkan freight corridors.
Can I track my LTL shipment?
Yes, though tracking is more complex than with FTL. Because LTL freight moves through multiple terminal handoffs, tracking updates may be less frequent and visibility can vary by carrier. FTL shipments moving directly with a single driver typically offer simpler and more consistent tracking.
What regulations apply to cross-border LTL and FTL in the EU?
Cross-border road freight operations in the EU are governed by EU Regulation 1072/2009, which covers access to the international road haulage market, cabotage rules, and carrier licensing requirements. Carriers must hold a valid Community licence, and shippers should verify this before booking cross-border freight — whether LTL or FTL.
