A shipping method where an entire truck trailer is dedicated to a single shipment or customer, regardless of whether the cargo physically fills the entire space. The shipper pays for the full capacity of the truck and has exclusive use of the trailer from origin to destination.
Full truckload (FTL) shipping offers several operational advantages including faster transit times since there are no stops for additional pickups or deliveries, reduced handling which minimizes damage risk, and greater security for sensitive or high-value goods. In warehouse management systems, FTL shipments are typically easier to plan and track since they follow direct routes with single destinations.
For example, a furniture manufacturer might use FTL to ship 20 bedroom sets to a retail distribution center. Even though the sets don’t completely fill the 53-foot trailer, the dedicated service ensures faster delivery and reduces the risk of damage that could occur with multiple handling points in less-than-truckload shipping.
