Freight glossaryLTLTruckingFreight Pricing
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
Definition
Less-than-truckload (LTL) is freight shipping in which several shippers' shipments share one trailer, each paying for its portion, and the freight moves through the carrier's terminals.
What it means
The FHWA glossary describes LTL as "a container or trailer loaded with cargo from more than one shipper; loads that do not by themselves meet the container load or truckload requirements."[1] One LTL carrier explains that shippers "pay only for the portion of the trailer that their freight occupies."[2] A carrier's rules tariff can set its own cutoff; FedEx Freight, for example, defines LTL as freight weighing less than 20,000 lb.[3]
Because LTL freight is handled at pickup, at one or more terminals and at delivery, it is priced by freight class, weight and lane, plus accessorials; see how LTL freight is priced.
Example
A shipper sends four pallets from New Jersey to Georgia. The LTL carrier picks them up with other customers' freight, cross-docks them at its terminals and delivers them on a local truck, billing by class and weight.
Related
Related terms
- Full TruckloadFull truckload (FTL) is a shipment that has a trailer to itself, usually moving directly from pickup to...Glossary
- Freight ClassFreight class is the category from 50 to 500 that the National Motor Freight Classification assigns to a...Glossary
- NMFCThe National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is the standard, published by the National Motor Freight...Glossary
- Freight DensityFreight density is the weight of a handling unit divided by the space it occupies, usually stated in pounds...Glossary
- HundredweightA hundredweight (CWT) in U.S. freight is 100 pounds; LTL base rates are commonly quoted per hundredweight.Glossary
- Freight ConsolidationFreight consolidation is combining several smaller shipments into one larger load, such as several LTL...Glossary
- Accessorial ChargeAn accessorial charge is a fee added to the base freight rate for extra services or events, such as...Glossary
Related questions
- How Is LTL Freight Priced?An LTL charge usually starts from a base rate per hundredweight (100 lb) that depends on the freight class...Answer
- Why Was My LTL Shipment Reclassified?Because the carrier found that the class, weight or description on the bill of lading did not match the...Answer
- LTL vs. FTL: Which Should You Use?Use LTL when your freight fills only part of a trailer and can be handled at terminals along the way; you pay...Answer
- How Many Pallets Fit on a 26-ft Box Truck?On a rental fleet's published interior of up to 25 ft 11 in. long by 8 ft 1 in. wide, floor math gives 12...Answer
- What Are the Main Types of Cross-Docking?Cross-docking is usually classified by when each unit's destination is decided: in pre-distribution...Answer
Sources
- Federal Highway Administration, Office of Freight Management and Operations, “Freight Glossary,” Government glossary. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Estes Express Lines, “What is LTL freight shipping?,” Carrier resource page. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- FedEx Freight, “FedEx Freight 100-Y Rules Tariff (effective January 5, 2026),” Carrier rules tariff. Published January 5, 2026. Accessed September 30, 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.