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Full Truckload - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

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Key takeaways:

  • FTL shipping sends big loads straight to their place fast and safely. It's great for large or pricey items.
  • FTL uses all the truck space, saving money for large shipments. It also costs less per item than LTL shipping.
  • Waggon's tech tracks your shipment live, spots delays early, and chooses the fastest routes.
  • Choose Waggon FTL services for the best freight prices and a solid nationwide transport network to help ensure on-time delivery.

Maximizing Efficiency With Full Truckload Shipping: Insights From Waggon

Full truckload (FTL) shipping ensures faster delivery times.

It makes delivery quicker and saves you money on large loads.

With Waggon freight services, you get the most from FTL shipping and your supply chain.

Full Truckload - The Waggon Freight Dictionary1

Understanding Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping fills an entire truck with goods for one destination.

This differs from less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, where your items share space with other shipments.

Choosing FTL can lower your shipping costs, especially for big shipments.

Since you’re using the whole truck, there’s no wasted space or paying for unused capacity while following federal rules.

Plus, it reduces the chance of damage since your items aren’t moved on and off different trucks.

Contact Waggon for a no-obligation quote to fulfill your shipping and logistics needs.

Our team is here to streamline your shipping process and ensure your goods are transported efficiently and securely.

Table of Contents

Defining Full Truckload - The Freight Dictionary

Full Truckload Definition

A Full Truckload (FTL) is a shipping method in which a single shipment fills an entire truck or trailer.

This method is used when the truckload shipment is too big to be combined with other smaller shipments, known as Less Than Truckload (LTL).

Typically, these FTL trucks are about 53 feet long and can carry 20,000 pounds.

This means FTL makes the most of cargo space and cuts down on handling.

Truckload freight services offer dry vans, flatbed trailers, and refrigerated trucks for different items.

If you need to send raw or building materials, FTL moves them quickly across states.

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Pros and Cons of FTL shipping

Examining the pros and cons of full truckload (FTL) shipping can help businesses decide what works best for them.

Pros:

  • Saves Money on Big Shipments – FTL is great for moving lots of goods simultaneously. You use up all the space in a truck, which is cheaper than paying for an empty room you get with less than truckload (LTL) shipments.
  • Quicker Deliveries – Goods get to their destination faster with FTL since they go straight from where they’re picked up to where they’re going, with no stops in between.
  • Lower Chance of Damage – Your items are safer because they stay put during travel. They don’t have to be moved around or switched to different trucks.
  • Best for Expensive or Delicate Freight – For stuff that needs careful handling or has to be kept cold, FTL lets you better manage timing and conditions.

Cons:

  • Not so Great for Small Loads – If your shipment doesn’t fill up a whole truck, FTL won’t be worth it. You’d pay extra for space you don’t use.
  • Waiting Game for Partial Loads – With LTL, you can ship bits whenever possible. But with FTL, you need enough goods to fill a truck, which might slow things down.
  • Prices Jump When Busy – Costs go way up when everyone wants to ship because demand increases during busy times.
  • Needs Good Planning – Making the most of FTL shipping means being organized about when and how much you’re sending so trucks aren’t half-empty.

Partner with Waggon for the best logistics solutions customized to meet your needs.

Let us streamline your shipping process and help you transport goods quickly, securely, and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is Full Truckload (FTL)?

    Full truckload (FTL) shipping fills a whole truck with one large load.

    Goods travel together directly from pickup to the final destination, making it fast and secure.

    FTL is ideal for big, heavy loads that need quick delivery without stops or handling by other shippers.

    FTL shipments suit businesses looking to move large quantities efficiently, avoiding damage and delays common with smaller shipments.

    It ensures products stay safe and reach their destination quickly.

  • What Does FTL Mean In Trucking?

    FTL means your shipment fills a whole truck.

    This method works great for large or heavy items needing fast shipping.

    With FTL, your stuff gets its truck, making delivery faster because the truck doesn’t stop to drop off other items.

    Choosing FTL reduces handling, which means less chance of damage or loss.

    It also lets you track your shipment in real-time, so you always know where it is.

    FTL is a smart and cost-effective choice for businesses moving valuable, large, or bulky goods over long distances quickly and safely.

  • What Is The Difference Between FCL And FTL?

    FCL rents a whole container for ocean trips — like having a hotel room at sea. FTL, on the other hand, uses all or most of a truck for road transport.

    It’s similar to hiring a private car for cross-town travel instead of sharing.

    For items traveling over oceans, FCL is the go-to choice.

    Businesses often pick FTL for goods moving on roads.

    Both methods allow a single shipper to fill up space with large loads but are used differently: FCL travels by sea; FTL goes across land.

  • What Is FTL And LTL In Trucking?

    FTL means a full truckload shipment that uses the whole truck.

    This is good for big loads needing quick, stop-free delivery.

    FTL shipping keeps items in one truck, cutting down on handling.

    This lowers the chance of items getting lost or broken.

    LTL, or less-than-truckload shipments, are for smaller loads that don’t fill a truck.

    Multiple shippers split the space in an LTL shipment, which costs less for small to mid-sized goods but includes more stops.

    When picking between FTL and LTL, consider your shipment’s size, budget, and how fast you need it delivered.

    FTL gets goods to their destination faster because they don’t stop.

  • What Is The Weight Limit For FTL Freight?

    FTL has a weight limit of 80,000 pounds, including the trailer and tractor’s weight.

    Most standard 53-foot dry vans can hold up to 45,000 pounds or about 3,500 to 4,000 cubic feet of cargo.

    If your goods are lighter, you might use more of this space without going over the limit.

    Waggon overcomes these common challenges by efficiently shipping freight and saving money.

  • What Is Considered A Full Truck Load?

    A full truckload, or FTL, occurs when a shipment fills an entire trailer, using all the space from bottom to top.

    Sometimes, shipments hit the weight limit before filling this space.

    This limit is usually between 10,000 and 44,000 pounds.

    So, if your shipment’s size or weight fills the trailer, it counts as an FTL.

    FTL shipping works best for large shipments that need to be delivered simultaneously without any stops.

    It ensures goods go straight from pickup to delivery point by themselves.

    They don’t share space with items from other shippers.

  • What Size Is A FTL Container?

    FTL containers are big.

    They measure 20 or 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.6 feet tall.

    This size is perfect for moving large amounts or high-value products in one go.

    Using these large containers cuts costs.

    It moves more goods at once, avoiding multiple trips.

    This saves space and ensures products arrive on time.

    Knowing the container’s capacity helps businesses plan better.

    It keeps shipments moving smoothly across the country.

  • What Is Full Truckload Freight?

    Full truckload freight, or FTL, uses a truck’s cargo space.

    This is perfect for big loads that need the whole truck.

    FTL takes goods straight from where they’re picked up to where they need to go, with no extra stops.

    It sticks to set routes and uses all available space and weight in the truck.

    FTL shipping gets things moving faster, keeps items safer, and protects them better during travel.

    Businesses that must ship valuable or bulky items fast like this method best.

    With room for up to 44,000 pounds or 48 pallets, FTL makes long-distance transport of goods safe and efficient.

  • What Is FTL In Logistics?

    FTL shipping means the whole truck carries only one shipment.

    This method suits big shipments that fill or almost fill a truck.

    Companies use FTL to use all the space in a truck, making transport smoother.

    Choosing FTL helps deliver goods faster since the truck drives straight from where it picks up to where it drops off without any stops.

    It also keeps items safe and undamaged because the truck loads and unloads less often.

    Going with FTL can save companies money and make managing supplies easier.

  • What Are The Benefits Of Full Truckload (FTL)?

    Full truckload shipping, or FTL, is excellent for businesses that need to move many goods.

    It goes straight from where it picks up to where it needs to go without stopping.

    This means your items arrive on time, and you won’t worry about delays.

    Plus, your stuff won’t share space with others, keeping them safe and sound.

    Shipping everything in one truck saves money since you’re not paying for space you don’t use.

    FTL is also perfect for things worth a lot or can break easily because they get their spot in the truck.

    This cuts down on handling and the chance of damage.

    In short, full truckload shipping makes deliveries quick, keeps your freight secure, and helps save cash.

Maximizing Efficiency with FTL Shipping

Choosing the best FTL transport helps your goods reach you safely and quickly, saving you money.

The right FTL carrier moves items across the country efficiently.

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Benefits of Using FTL for High-Volume Loads

FTL freight shipping moves large amounts of goods together, filling up a truck’s space well for large loads.

Fewer trips save time and money — companies can deliver more items quickly without leaving space.

FTL also handles goods less during transport.

This lowers the chance of damage or loss, keeping valuable items secure.

There are no extra pickups or drop-offs since it all goes on one truck.

This makes shipping from start to end smoother and cheaper for businesses with lots of shipping needs.

Experience the efficiency of Waggon’s supply chain and logistics services.

We deliver your freight on time, every time — Contact us today to ensure your shipping needs are met with precision and reliability.

Choose Waggon for Your FTL Shipping Needs

Waggon’s nationwide network saves you money and delivers your FTL shipments fast.

Our advanced technology makes sure your freight arrives safely and on time.

We offer low rates that help businesses save money without sacrificing service quality.

These competitive prices make FTL shipping a wise choice for moving large amounts or high-value items efficiently and safely.

We ensure every load gets to its destination quickly without breaking the bank.

Choose Waggon to safely and efficiently manage your shipments.

Take the first step towards resolving your logistics challenges by requesting a quote today — our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is Full Truckload Shipping?

    Full truckload, or FTL, shipping means transporting large quantities of goods in the same truck.

    It’s a cost-effective option for moving high-value items with on-time delivery.

  • What Makes Waggon's Full Truckload Services Stand Out From Competitors?

    Waggon’s full truckload services stand out due to our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency.

    We use the latest technology and employ experienced personnel to transport your goods safely.

    Our services are tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, providing flexible scheduling and cost-effective solutions.

    Additionally, our nationwide coverage ensures your shipments are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

  • How Can I Get A Quote For Full Truckload Shipping Services With Waggon?

    Getting a quote for full truckload shipping services with Waggon is simple.

    Visit our website and fill out the quote request form with details about your shipment, including the type of goods, quantity, and destination.

    Alternatively, you can contact our customer service team via phone or email.

    Our experienced team will promptly provide you with a no-obligation quote tailored to your shipping needs.

  • What Areas Do Waggon's Full Truckload Shipping Services Cover?

    Waggon’s freight broker services cover the entire United States and North America.

    We provide comprehensive nationwide coverage, ensuring that your goods can be transported efficiently and securely to any location across the country.

    Our extensive network and strategic partnerships allow us to offer reliable and timely delivery services, no matter the distance.

  • How Does FTL Compare To Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipments?

    FTL shipping offers the advantage of using the entire truck for one shipment — no unused space or extra drop-offs.

    LTL shipments, however, involve sharing space with other shipments, which might lead to longer delivery times.

  • Can I Use FTL For Refrigerated Freight?

    Yes!

    Refrigerated freight greatly benefits from FTL shipping because it ensures that your temperature-sensitive goods travel quickly and safely to their destination without unnecessary stops.

  • Is Full Truckload Shipping Always The Best Choice?

    It depends on your needs!

    FTL is unbeatable if you have enough goods to fill a truck and need them delivered fast.

    Consider LTL or partial truckloads for smaller loads or if you want to save money.

  • What should I look for when choosing an FTL service?

    Focus on companies that promise reliable pickup and delivery times, have a good track record with handling high-value items, and offer competitive rates without compromising service quality.

Written By:
Picture of Robert Rajfer
Robert Rajfer

Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire).

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Our team of logistics experts has the knowledge and experience needed to serve businesses of all sizes.

Waggon proactively offers custom solutions that align with shippers’ specific needs — not the other way around.

By transcending conventional norms, we deliver on client expectations like no other.

Ready to ship with Waggon?

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Need to
Ship Your Load?

Our team of logistics experts has the knowledge and experience needed to serve businesses of all sizes.

Waggon proactively offers custom solutions that align with shippers’ specific needs — not the other way around.

By transcending conventional norms, we deliver on client expectations like no other.

Ready to ship with Waggon?

“Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws – Appendix B.” Federal Highway Administration, https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/app_b.htm.

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