How it works
Shared trailer space
Your freight shares a trailer with other shippers. You pay for the space you use based on weight, dimensions, and freight class.
Freight Glossary
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Less than truckload (LTL) is a freight shipping mode for shipments that are too large for parcel but do not fill a full 53-foot trailer. LTL carriers consolidate freight from multiple shippers onto a single trailer, and each shipper pays only for the space their freight occupies. Shipments typically range from one to twelve pallets, or roughly 150 to 15,000 pounds. LTL pricing is based on freight class, weight, distance, and accessorial services.
Why it matters
LTL is the default mode for mid-size freight because it lets shippers avoid paying for a full truck when they only need part of one. The tradeoff is longer transit times and more handling, since freight moves through carrier terminals where it is unloaded, sorted, and reloaded onto outbound trailers. Each terminal touch adds time, cost, and damage risk. Understanding when LTL is the right mode versus alternatives like partial truckload or cargo van delivery directly affects freight spend and service quality.
When to use it
Use LTL when you are shipping between one and twelve pallets to a single destination and the shipment does not justify the cost of a full truckload. LTL works best for non-urgent freight where an extra day or two of transit is acceptable. If your shipment exceeds six pallets or you are shipping to multiple stops in the same metro, compare LTL pricing against partial truckload or pool distribution, which may be cheaper with fewer handling touches.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp offers LTL through its carrier network with transparent per-pallet pricing, no hidden accessorial fees, and real-time tracking from pickup through delivery. For shippers moving recurring LTL volume, Warp can consolidate shipments through its cross-dock network to reduce terminal touches and compress transit time compared to traditional LTL carriers. The Warp platform lets you compare LTL rates against FTL, cargo van, and box truck options instantly so you always ship in the most cost-effective mode.
LTL Basics
Less than truckload shipping consolidates multiple shippers onto one trailer to reduce cost per shipment.
When it fits
1 to 12 pallets, non-urgent
LTL is the standard mode for mid-size shipments where full truckload pricing does not make sense and parcel is too small.
The tradeoff
More touches, longer transit
LTL freight moves through terminals where it is sorted and reloaded. Each touch adds time and damage risk compared to direct modes.