A shipping method where an entire truck trailer is dedicated to a single shipper’s cargo, regardless of whether the shipment fills the complete trailer capacity. In warehouse management systems, FTL shipments are typically handled as single, large orders that require dedicated dock scheduling, specialized handling procedures, and coordinated receiving or shipping processes.
FTL is particularly important for high-volume operations because it offers faster transit times, reduced handling, and better cargo security compared to shared shipping methods. Warehouses use WMS functionality to track FTL shipments separately, ensuring proper dock door assignments and adequate labor allocation for loading or unloading these larger consignments.
For example, a furniture manufacturer shipping 20 pallets of sofas would use FTL service, allowing the warehouse to schedule a dedicated time slot for receiving, verify the complete shipment against the purchase order, and efficiently direct the goods to designated storage locations without mixing inventory from multiple suppliers.
