LTL Trucking Explained: How It Works
LTL (less-than-truckload) trucking is a freight shipping method where multiple shippers share space on the same truck. LTL carriers use terminal networks and wiggle wagons (double trailers) to efficiently move consolidated freight across the country. This guide explains how LTL works, how pricing is calculated, and how it differs from full truckload shipping.
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O TruckingLTL Trucking Explained: How It Works (2026)
How LTL Freight Works: Step by Step
1. Shipper Books a Shipment
A shipper has freight that does not fill an entire trailer — anywhere from a single pallet (150 lbs) to several thousand pounds. They book with an LTL carrier, providing weight, dimensions, freight class, and pickup/delivery details.
2. Local Pickup
A local pickup driver (P&D — pickup and delivery) collects the shipment from the shipper's dock along with shipments from other nearby shippers. The driver makes multiple stops, filling the truck with freight from various customers.
3. Terminal Consolidation
All collected shipments arrive at the origin terminal. Dock workers unload, sort, and reload freight based on destination. Shipments headed to the same destination terminal are loaded into 28-foot pup trailers.
4. Linehaul Transport
Linehaul drivers hook up doubles (two pup trailers) and run them to destination terminals — often hundreds of miles overnight. At intermediate terminals, trailers may be swapped for different destinations.
5. Destination Terminal and Delivery
At the destination terminal, pup trailers are unloaded and shipments are sorted onto local delivery trucks. P&D drivers deliver individual shipments to each consignee.
LTL vs FTL: Key Differences
| Factor | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment size | 150-15,000 lbs | 15,000-45,000 lbs |
| Trailer sharing | Multiple shippers | One shipper |
| Transit time | 1-7 days | 1-3 days |
| Pricing | Per hundredweight (CWT) | Per mile or flat rate |
| Handling | Multiple touches | Minimal handling |
| Damage risk | Higher (more handling) | Lower (direct) |
Why Doubles Are Essential to LTL
LTL Pricing Factors
LTL pricing is more complex than FTL. Key factors include:
Freight class (50-500) — Determined by density, handling difficulty, stowability, and liability. Lower class numbers = lower rates. Most general freight falls in class 50-125.
Weight — LTL is priced per hundredweight (CWT). Heavier shipments generally get better per-pound rates due to volume discounts.
Distance — Longer distances cost more, but the cost-per-mile decreases for longer hauls because the linehaul portion becomes more efficient relative to terminal handling costs.
Accessorials — Liftgate delivery, inside delivery, residential delivery, limited access locations, and notification requirements add extra charges to the base rate.
When LTL Breaks Even with FTL
Major LTL Carriers
The LTL industry is dominated by several large national and regional carriers:
- FedEx Freight — Largest LTL carrier by revenue. National network.
- XPO Logistics — Major national LTL carrier with extensive terminal network.
- Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) — Known for premium service and low claims ratio.
- SAIA — Fast-growing national LTL carrier.
- ABF Freight — Part of ArcBest. National network.
- Estes Express Lines — Largest privately held LTL carrier.
- Southeastern Freight Lines — Regional leader in the Southeast.
LTL Trucking FAQ
Common questions about less-than-truckload freight shipping
What is LTL trucking?
LTL (less-than-truckload) trucking is a freight shipping method where multiple shippers share space on the same truck. Instead of one shipper filling an entire trailer, several shippers each send smaller shipments (typically 150-15,000 lbs) that are consolidated together. LTL carriers operate hub-and-spoke terminal networks where freight is picked up locally, sorted at terminals, and delivered to destinations — often using double trailers (wiggle wagons) for efficient linehaul between terminals.
How is LTL pricing calculated?
LTL pricing is based on several factors: freight class (determined by density, handling, stowability, and liability — classes range from 50 to 500), shipment weight, distance, origin and destination zip codes, and any accessorial charges (liftgate, inside delivery, residential delivery, etc.). LTL carriers publish tariff rates but most shippers negotiate discounted rates based on volume. Unlike FTL, LTL is priced per hundredweight (CWT) rather than per mile.
How long does LTL shipping take?
LTL transit times are typically 1-5 business days depending on distance and the number of terminal transfers required. Local and regional shipments (under 500 miles) usually take 1-3 days. Cross-country shipments (2,000+ miles) take 4-7 days. Transit times are longer than FTL because LTL freight passes through multiple terminals where it is unloaded, sorted, and reloaded onto different trucks heading to the next terminal or final destination.
What is the difference between LTL and FTL?
FTL (full truckload) means one shipper fills an entire trailer, which goes directly from pickup to delivery without stops. LTL means multiple shippers share trailer space, and freight passes through terminal networks with multiple stops and transfers. FTL is faster (direct), simpler (one pickup, one delivery), and usually cheaper per pound for large shipments. LTL is cheaper for smaller shipments (under 10,000 lbs) because you only pay for the space you use.
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