FTL (Full Truckload) transport – what is it and how does it work?

Do you have a large load to transport? Will the entire semi-trailer be just for you? This is where FTL, or Full Truckload, transport comes into play.

It is a solution designed for companies that not only have a lot to transport, but also value speed, safety and direct delivery of goods without unnecessary stops along the way.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what FTL transport really is, when it is worth using, how it differs from LTL transport, and what its advantages and disadvantages are.

Ready for a quick lesson in logistics, explained in simple terms? Let’s go!

What is full truckload transport, or FTL?

FTL (Full Truck Load) transport is simply the transport of cargo that takes up all the available loading space of a truck.

Unlike LTL transport, here the entire vehicle is dedicated to one customer – from loading to delivery. This means that it is not reloaded or shared with other shippers, and the goods go straight from point A to point B, without unnecessary stops.

FTL is the ideal choice when the load is large, heavy, fragile or requires special transport conditions. Due to the lack of additional logistics operations (such as consolidation or transhipment), the risk of damage is significantly lower and the transport itself is noticeably faster.

Read also: LTL (Less than Truckload) transport – what is it and how does it work? >>>

FTL Transport – what is it used for and when is it suitable?

FTL transport is used when time, safety and full control over the delivery process are important. It is particularly suitable for:

• large batches of goods from a single sender,
• products that are high-value or sensitive to damage,
• goods with a short shelf life that require fast delivery,
• manufacturing companies that operate on a Just in Time (JiT) model and cannot afford delays.

FTL is also a great option when the load needs to reach the recipient’s warehouse directly, without any stops along the way. This type of transport is more predictable and the entire supply chain is better tailored to the company’s needs.

FTL transport as the foundation of a well-functioning economy

FTL transport is currently one of the most popular solutions chosen by transport companies that specialise in serving large business and logistics customers.

In the transport industry, where response time, precise logistics and delivery reliability are key, full truckload freight is considered the standard for orders requiring maximum reliability.

This is why FTL plays a key role in the supply chain of many sectors, from heavy industry and FMCG manufacturing to e-commerce.

Differences between groupage and full truckload transport

FTL and LTL transport are two types of road transport using trucks. The differences between them are very important, so it is worth knowing them before deciding on a specific solution.

In FTL (Full Truckload) transport, the entire vehicle is dedicated to a single sender. The cargo goes straight from point A to point B, without transhipment or the need to stop along the way. This translates into shorter delivery times, less risk of damage to goods and full control over the shipment.

LTL transport, on the other hand, involves sharing the cargo space with other customers. Shipments are consolidated and distributed at logistics centres. Transporting goods from several senders to different recipients reduces the transport cost per customer, but usually involves longer delivery times and more points of contact with the cargo.

In summary:

• FTL transport is the right choice if your priorities are speed, safety and independence.
• The transport of small consignments, i.e. LTL transport, can be a cheaper solution and offer greater flexibility for smaller loads.

Which solution is better for your logistics? It depends on what you are transporting and how important delivery time is to you.

Pros and cons of FTL transport

Full truck loads are the option chosen by companies that prioritise speed, safety and full control over the entire logistics process. However, like any form of transport, it has both its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at what you gain and what you need to consider when deciding on full truck loads.

Advantages of FTL full truckload transport

Speed of delivery

This is the biggest advantage of FTL. Since the cargo goes directly from point A to point B, without transhipments or stops, the delivery time is significantly shorter than in the case of groupage transport.

This type of transport is suitable and works well for sensitive goods, such as food products, as well as other loads that require fast delivery.

Lower risk of damage

No transhipments, no sharing of space with other goods and a minimum of intermediate points means fewer opportunities for damage to the load. This is particularly important for fragile or high-value goods.

Full control over the loading space

With FTL, you decide what and how it will be loaded. The entire loading space is at your disposal – you do not have to share it with other shippers, so you can optimally plan your load.

The ideal solution for large loads

FTL works where smaller options (such as LTL) fail – with large volumes, larger dimensions and heavy goods.

Predictability and security in the supply chain

With a minimum number of stops along the way and greater route transparency, the entire logistics process becomes more predictable – a key issue for manufacturing companies and those operating on a just-in-time basis.

Cons of FTL freight

Higher unit costs

FTL transport means you have to use the entire truck, regardless of whether you actually fill it. If your load does not fill the entire cargo space, you will most likely overpay. For smaller shipments, this is definitely a less cost-effective option than LTL transport, where you can use space shared by several different shippers.

Insufficient flexibility for smaller loads

When you don’t have a large volume of goods to transport, it’s difficult to justify using an entire trailer. LTL transport offers greater flexibility in such cases, allowing you to better tailor the solution to your actual needs.

Need for greater logistical involvement

Loading the truck, preparing the cargo properly and coordinating pick-up and delivery times – FTL requires precise planning. Unlike LTL, where part of the logistics is handled by the carrier, here the sender is responsible for the entire coordination of the transport. For some companies, this can mean additional organisational effort.

Summary

FTL, or Full Truckload, transport is a solution designed for those who need to transport large quantities of goods quickly, safely and without unnecessary stops. The prerequisite is the use of the entire loading space and transport exclusively for one sender, which guarantees short delivery times and minimises the risk of damage.

FTL is ideal for transporting sensitive, high-value or perishable goods, and always when delivery time and reliability are important. Although the unit costs may be higher than LTL (Less than Truck Load) transport, in many cases it is an investment that pays off – especially when production and delivery continuity or end customer satisfaction are at stake.

In summary: if you have a large load (ideally filling the entire space available in a truck) that requires fast and direct delivery, FTL transport is definitely an option worth considering.