GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
Less Than Truckload (LTL) Freight
Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight makes road transport cost-effective for shipments that do not fill an entire truck: multiple shippers share trailer space, each paying only for their portion.
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Definition & Explanation
Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight makes road transport cost-effective for shipments that do not fill an entire truck: multiple shippers share trailer space, each paying only for their portion. LTL is typically suited to consignments from around 100 kg up to the threshold of a full truckload—roughly 20 to 24 tonnes of payload depending on vehicle type. Carriers consolidate freight at hub terminals, enabling dense regional networks with daily departures. Unlike Full Truckload (FTL), LTL shipments usually pass through one or more intermediate cross-dock points, which can extend transit times. The result for shippers is a clear trade-off: lower per-unit costs in exchange for reduced precision in delivery windows.
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Transit index
Check transit time: city-to-city index
P50/P80 transit times for sea, air and road — sourced and confidence-rated, not a carrier quote.
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