You’re ready to schedule a load, and one of the first things you have to decide is if you’re going to book a full truckload or opt for less than truckload. So, what is full truckload and why would you book it?

Full truckload shipping, also called FTL, dedicates the entire trailer to a single shipment. While less-than-truckload shipping combines cargo from multiple shippers in a trailer, FTL means your goods have the space all to themselves and typically make fewer stops (if any) on their way to their destination.

Full truckload is often used when shipping large quantities of goods that will fill a trailer, but it can still be a good option even if you know you don't need the entire space. There may also be ways to consolidate smaller shipments into a single truckload so you can take advantage of FTL.

What you can get out of FTL
Full truckload has several benefits, including reduced costs, faster transit times, less handling, and peace of mind.

1. Cost savings
With FTL, you pay a flat rate that can be more cost-effective than booking multiple LTL shipments. More importantly, you can negotiate favorable rates with carriers, which significantly impacts the cost-effectiveness of FTL shipping. You may be able to secure even more savings if you can establish regular routes with predictable shipping schedules. Plus, full truckload shipping generally incurs fewer accessorial fees than LTL loads.

There are also cost savings that go beyond the rate itself. Managing a single FTL shipment is often simpler than coordinating multiple LTL shipments. With FTL, you have one bill of lading, one point of contact, and one tracking system. This simplicity can streamline the back-office side of operations.

2. Speed
FTL’s more direct route ensures timely delivery, avoiding the pitfalls of multiple stops and transfers. The truck goes directly from point A to point B. Transit times are significantly reduced since the truck is headed directly to its destination.

Another perk is that you can establish guaranteed pickup and delivery times with FTL, giving you greater ability to plan. You also reduce the risk of delays that come with an LTL load that has to make multiple pickups, transfers, and deliveries before a load reaches its final destination. FTL also enables you to utilize trailer pools, positioning equipment at your location so you can pre-load trailers for drop and hook, giving you more flexibility over loading and unloading.

3. Greater control
Your goods are valuable, and FTL can give you better control over the shipping environment. Since the entire truck is used for one shipment, you can specify the conditions required for the freight, including special loading and unloading procedures if needed (you don’t want those brand-new pickleballs getting crunched under a bunch of auto parts). By dedicating a trailer to a single shipment, you can ensure all of your handling requirements are met.

Full truckloads are easy to track and can give you more visibility into your load's location and status. Tracking a load lets you make decisions related to labor, inventory, and service.

FTL also allows means your freight is not mixed with anyone else's, which allows you to reduce the handling, loading, unloading, and number of stops your goods are subjected to before they reach their destination. As a result, your cargo is less likely to be damaged or lost.

Differences from other truck shipping modes
Full truckload and less-than-truckload are the two most common methods of shipping freight in trucking, but you may have also heard of partial truckload and shared truckload. So, what are the main differences?

Full truckload: Like we’ve talked about and, to put it simply, FTL fills an entire trailer with goods from a single shipper and the truck makes fewer stops between the shipper and the final destination.

Less-than-truckload: LTL combines multiple shippers' cargo into one trailer and is routed through hubs. Each shipment occupies a portion of the truck's space, and shippers only pay for the amount of space they occupy. LTL shipping rates are regulated by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association.

Partial truckload: PTL shipments involve sharing truck space with other shippers but not utilizing the full trailer. It works well for medium-sized shipments moving within a specific region that don't fit neatly into FTL or LTL categories. Shippers share costs with other shippers. Fewer carriers offer PTL compared to FTL and LTL.

Shared truckload: STL shipments involve multiple shippers sharing truck space without being offloaded and transferred at terminals. They are similar to FTL in that routes are optimized to avoid terminals and unnecessary stops, but they are also like LTL since cargo from other shippers is in the same trailer. STL is also less common than FTL and LTL.

Will FTL work for you?
Despite FTL's benefits, you need to be sure it is the right choice for your shipping needs. If you want to reduce handling, speed transit times, and have more control over your load, FTL is an ideal solution.

You don't have to fill a trailer completely to book a full truckload, but you may end up paying a higher cost per unit if you aren't making the most of the space available. It is advantageous to review all of your shipping needs and identify opportunities to consolidate smaller shipments into a single truckload.

Choosing an FTL carrier
Choosing a reliable and reputable carrier is crucial for successful FTL shipping. Be sure to research any carrier you plan to trust with your freight. The right carrier must have the resources, equipment, and capabilities to deliver your loads on time and damage-free.

In today's operating environment, the technology carriers use is essential. Look for providers with the technology to track shipments, optimize routes, and ensure continual improvement. You also want to work with a carrier that offers strong customer support in case any issues arise.

Why Amazon Freight?
Amazon Freight offers coverage across thousands of lanes throughout the U.S. We ship inbound to Amazon, to your facilities, and to third-party locations. We offer:

Size: We have a network of 60,000+ trailers, available to small-, medium-, and enterprise-level shippers. Our network of 53' dry van trailers have GPS tracking.

Support: We offer dedicated account managers and 24/7 customer support from our operations specialists.

Safety: Safety is integral to everything we do. Safety is the biggest driver of all our technology investments, from trailer sensors to yard tech.

Technology: We use advanced technology and AI to optimize routes and reduce empty miles, cutting costs and reducing waste.

Take the next step
If you’d like to work with Amazon Freight for your freight logistics needs, create a shipper account and get started. Once you create your account, you can begin booking shipments immediately.