When shipping freight with C.H. Robinson, one of the most important decisions is choosing between Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) shipping. Both options serve different business needs, and selecting the wrong service can result in higher costs, longer transit times, or unnecessary shipping complications.
If you’re wondering whether LTL or FTL shipping is the better choice for your freight, this guide explains the differences, costs, transit times, advantages, and ideal use cases for each service.
What Is LTL Shipping?
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space in the same trailer.
Instead of paying for an entire truck, you only pay for the portion of trailer space your freight occupies.
LTL shipping is commonly used for:
- Small business shipments
- Palletized freight
- Medium-sized orders
- Regular inventory replenishment
- Non-urgent freight
Typical shipment weight:
- 150 to 15,000 pounds
Because several shipments travel together, transportation costs are shared among multiple customers.
What Is FTL Shipping?
FTL (Full Truckload) shipping means one shipment occupies the entire trailer.
The freight remains on the same truck from pickup to delivery, minimizing handling and transfers.
FTL is commonly used for:
- Large shipments
- High-value products
- Time-sensitive deliveries
- Fragile freight
- Dedicated transportation needs
Typical shipment weight:
- 10,000 pounds and above
- Shipments filling most or all trailer space
With FTL shipping, businesses pay for the entire trailer regardless of whether it is completely full.
How C.H. Robinson Supports Both Shipping Options
As one of the largest logistics providers in North America, C.H. Robinson offers access to a massive network of freight carriers.
Businesses can use:
- LTL carrier networks
- Dedicated truckload carriers
- Expedited freight providers
- Regional carriers
- National transportation companies
This flexibility allows shippers to select the transportation solution that best fits their budget and delivery requirements.
LTL vs FTL: Key Differences
| Feature | LTL Shipping | FTL Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer Usage | Shared | Dedicated |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Transit Time | Longer | Faster |
| Handling | Multiple transfers | Minimal handling |
| Damage Risk | Moderate | Lower |
| Shipment Size | Small to medium | Large |
| Flexibility | High | High |
| Tracking Visibility | Good | Excellent |
While both services can move freight efficiently, the best option depends on shipment characteristics and business priorities.
Cost Comparison: Which Is Cheaper?
LTL Shipping Costs
LTL is usually the most affordable choice for smaller shipments.
You only pay for:
- Space used
- Freight weight
- Freight class
- Distance traveled
For businesses shipping a few pallets at a time, LTL can significantly reduce transportation expenses.
FTL Shipping Costs
FTL generally costs more because the entire truck is reserved for one shipment.
However, FTL may become more cost-effective when:
- Shipping large volumes
- Filling most of a trailer
- Shipping heavy freight
- Making long-distance deliveries
In some cases, multiple LTL shipments may cost more than a single truckload shipment.
Cost Winner
For smaller shipments:
✅ LTL is usually cheaper.
For large freight volumes:
✅ FTL may provide better overall value.
Transit Time Comparison
Delivery speed is another major factor.
LTL Transit Times
Because freight moves through multiple terminals and may be consolidated with other shipments, transit times are generally longer.
Typical LTL delivery times:
- Regional: 1–3 business days
- Medium distance: 3–5 business days
- Cross-country: 4–7 business days
FTL Transit Times
FTL shipments travel directly from pickup to destination.
Typical FTL delivery times:
- Regional: 1–2 days
- Medium distance: 2–4 days
- Cross-country: 3–6 days
Speed Winner
✅ FTL is typically faster.
Risk of Damage
LTL Shipping
LTL freight often passes through multiple terminals.
During transit, shipments may be:
- Loaded
- Unloaded
- Consolidated
- Repositioned
Additional handling increases the risk of:
- Scratches
- Packaging damage
- Freight movement
FTL Shipping
FTL freight remains on the same trailer throughout most of the journey.
Benefits include:
- Fewer touchpoints
- Less handling
- Reduced damage risk
Protection Winner
✅ FTL offers better cargo protection.
Which Shipping Method Is Better for Small Businesses?
Most small businesses begin with LTL shipping because:
- Lower costs
- Flexible shipment sizes
- No need to fill a trailer
- Frequent shipping options
LTL is especially suitable for:
- Retail inventory
- Wholesale products
- Manufacturing components
- E-commerce replenishment
For growing businesses with larger freight volumes, FTL may eventually become more economical.
When Should You Choose LTL Shipping?
Choose LTL when:
- Shipping 1–6 pallets
- Freight weighs less than 10,000 pounds
- Budget is a priority
- Delivery speed is not critical
- Regular small shipments are common
LTL works well for businesses looking to minimize transportation costs.
When Should You Choose FTL Shipping?
Choose FTL when:
- Freight fills most of a trailer
- Shipments exceed 10,000 pounds
- Delivery speed matters
- Cargo is fragile
- Security is important
- You want minimal handling
FTL is often preferred by manufacturers, distributors, and large retailers.
Can You Switch Between LTL and FTL?
Absolutely.
Many businesses use both services depending on shipping needs.
For example:
- Small weekly inventory shipments may use LTL.
- Large seasonal restocking orders may use FTL.
- Urgent customer orders may require dedicated truckload service.
C.H. Robinson’s transportation network allows businesses to adjust shipping strategies as freight volumes change.
Additional Services Available
Both LTL and FTL customers may have access to additional logistics services.
Examples include:
- Freight tracking
- Expedited shipping
- Cross-border transportation
- Temperature-controlled freight
- Warehousing solutions
- Managed transportation services
These services help businesses improve supply chain efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LTL shipping slower than FTL?
Is FTL always more expensive?
Which option is safer for fragile products?
Can small businesses use FTL shipping?
Does C.H. Robinson offer both LTL and FTL tracking?
Final Thoughts
Choosing between C.H. Robinson LTL and FTL shipping depends on your freight size, budget, delivery requirements, and cargo sensitivity. LTL is usually the best option for small shipments and cost-conscious businesses, while FTL offers faster transit times, less handling, and greater shipment security for larger freight loads.
For many businesses, the ideal strategy is not choosing one service exclusively but using both when appropriate. By understanding the strengths of each option, you can reduce shipping costs, improve delivery performance, and build a more efficient supply chain.