What is Truckload Freight?
Full truckload freight shipping means moving freight that fills an entire truck trailer, or the majority of a trailer's space. A truckload shipment typically consists of more than 6 pallets of goods. Trailers can handle up to 43,000 lbs, with an average size of 48 to 53 ft in length. Carriers use different equipment including dry vans, flatbeds, and refrigerated trailers.
Benefits of truckload freight shipping
Reliability
No freight handling during transit means less risk of damage. Enclosed trailers protect from weather and external factors.
Speed
Truckload transit times are usually much faster than LTL — no loading/unloading stops while in transit.
Diversity
Dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed trailers can move everything from household goods to oversized freight.
Cost-Efficiency
For heavy, high-volume loads, FTL is much more cost-effective than booking several LTL shipments.
Types of truckload freight shipping
Dry Van Shipping
Sealed, fully enclosed trailers used for any goods that don't require temperature control.
- Length: 28–53 ft
- Widths: 96–102 in
- Height: 12.5–13.5 ft
- Capacity: 45,000 lbs
- Pallets: 26
Refrigerated Shipping
Same as vans but with climate control. Used for temperature-sensitive goods like food, produce, and flowers.
- Length: 28–53 ft
- Width: 96–102 in
- Height: 12.5–13.5 ft
- Capacity: 43,500 lbs
- Pallets: 26
Flatbed Shipping
Open trailers used for oversized, bulky freight like pipes, heavy equipment, and steel pieces.
- Length: 40–53 ft
- Width: 102 in
- Height: 58–62 in
- Capacity: 48,000 lbs
FTL vs LTL
The main difference is that truckload fills an entire trailer with your freight while LTL only fills a small part. LTL shipments range from 1–6 pallets (up to 20,000 lbs); full truckload runs 6–26 pallets up to 45,000 lbs. LTL rates use freight classification; truckload depends on weight, dimensions, and lane. Both can be beneficial depending on freight volume, commodity, and destination.
How are truckload freight rates calculated?
- Origin and destination address
- Shipment weight and dimensions
- Seasonality
- Lead time and flexibility
- Urgency
- Fuel surcharge
- Commodity type
- Accessorial charges