LTL Freight Shipping for Beginners
Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping is the mode of transport that bridges the gap between parcel shipping (individual packages under 150 lbs) and full truckload (FTL) shipping (an entire 53-foot trailer). LTL carriers consolidate shipments from multiple customers into a single truck, and you pay only for the space your freight occupies.
LTL is typically the right choice when you're shipping between 150 and 15,000 lbs and your freight can be palletized. Understanding how LTL pricing works — particularly freight classification — is essential to avoiding unexpected charges.
When to Use LTL vs Parcel vs FTL
The rough boundaries: under 150 lbs, parcel carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) are almost always cheaper. Between 150 and 10,000 lbs, LTL is typically the most economical option. Above 10,000 lbs or when you need guaranteed transit time and exclusive use of the trailer, FTL is more efficient.
Other factors that push you toward LTL: freight that requires liftgate service (no loading dock at pickup or delivery), fragile items requiring special handling, hazardous materials, or deliveries to residential addresses that need appointment scheduling.
- Parcel: under 150 lbs per package, standard consumer/ecommerce goods
- LTL: 150–10,000 lbs, palletized freight, multiple customers per truck
- FTL: over 10,000 lbs, time-sensitive, requires exclusive trailer use
- Hotshot/expedited LTL: smaller freight that needs guaranteed fast delivery
How Freight Classes Work
LTL pricing is based on freight classification, a system defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Freight classes range from Class 50 (cheapest, high-density items like steel rods) to Class 500 (most expensive, low-density items like ping pong balls). Your freight class is determined by four factors: density, stowability, handling difficulty, and liability (susceptibility to damage).
Density is the dominant factor for most common shipments. A shipment that weighs 500 lbs and occupies 20 cubic feet has a density of 25 lbs per cubic foot — that typically falls around Class 70–85. You can calculate density by dividing the total weight by the cubic footage. Most freight class lookup tools or LTL carrier websites will help you identify the correct class based on commodity type and density.
⚠️ Misclassifying freight — intentionally or by mistake — results in a 'reclassification charge' on your final invoice. Carriers inspect shipments, and if they determine your class is wrong, they reclassify and charge accordingly, plus a fee. Always classify accurately.
How to Get an LTL Quote
To get an LTL quote, you'll need: the origin and destination ZIP codes, the number of pallets, the total weight, the freight class, and any accessorial services required (liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, appointment, etc.). These accessorial services can significantly increase costs — a residential liftgate delivery might add $100–200 to a shipment.
LTL quotes can be obtained directly from carriers like Old Dominion, XPO, Estes, Saia, or R+L Carriers, or through freight brokers and load boards like Freightquote, uShip, or Worldwide Express. Brokers often have negotiated rates lower than carrier list rates, particularly for low-volume shippers.
- Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL): excellent reliability and damage rates
- XPO Logistics: large network, competitive rates
- Estes Express: strong in the eastern US
- Saia Inc: good coverage in the south and southeast
- R+L Carriers: reliable regional carrier
- Freightquote / uShip: broker platforms that compare multiple carriers
How to Prepare a Pallet for LTL Shipment
A poorly palletized shipment is one of the leading causes of freight damage and carrier refusal. LTL freight is handled multiple times — loaded, unloaded, and reloaded at carrier terminals as it moves across the country. The pallet must be sturdy enough to survive this handling.
Use standard 48x40-inch wood pallets in good condition with no broken boards or cracked stringers. Stack freight squarely on the pallet — no overhanging edges. Wrap the entire pallet with at least 3–4 layers of stretch wrap, going over the top of the freight and down the sides. Add edge protectors on corners of boxes. Apply a label on all four sides of the pallet with shipper and consignee information and the PRO (tracking) number.
- Inspect the pallet — no broken boards or cracked stringers
- Stack items to keep center of gravity low and weight evenly distributed
- Ensure no freight overhangs the pallet edge
- Wrap with 3–4 layers of stretch wrap from base to top
- Add cardboard edge protectors on corners
- Attach shipping labels on all four sides
- Note any handling requirements: 'This Side Up,' 'Do Not Stack,' etc.
💡 If your freight is particularly fragile or high-value, request 'protect from freezing' or 'top load only' services from the carrier. These add to cost but meaningfully reduce damage risk for appropriate shipments.
LTL Transit Times and Tracking
LTL transit times are longer and less predictable than parcel shipping. A cross-country LTL shipment typically takes 5–7 business days; regional shipments within 500 miles often move in 1–2 business days. Unlike FTL, your freight is being consolidated and deconsolidated at carrier terminals, so exact delivery windows are typically 4-hour appointment windows rather than specific times.
All major LTL carriers provide PRO (Progressive Rotating Order) numbers for tracking. These work like parcel tracking numbers and can be entered on the carrier's website to see status updates. Freight brokers also provide tracking portals. For high-value or time-sensitive shipments, communicate with the carrier to get estimated delivery dates and schedule delivery appointments in advance.