LTL vs FTL: Partial Load vs Full Truckload Shipping
LTL (partial load) shares truck space between multiple shippers; FTL (full truckload) dedicates the entire vehicle to one shipper. The 15 m³ breakpoint is where FTL typically becomes more economical than LTL.
LTL vs FTL: Overview
LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) are the two fundamental road freight models. LTL consolidates shipments from multiple shippers into one vehicle; FTL dedicates the entire vehicle to a single shipper. Choosing correctly optimizes cost, speed, and cargo safety.
The general rule: below 15 m³, LTL is cheaper. Above 15 m³, FTL is more economical. However, urgency and cargo sensitivity can override this rule.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | LTL (Partial) | FTL (Full) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle usage | Shared | Dedicated |
| Ideal volume | 1-15 m³ | 15+ m³ |
| Pricing | Per m³ | Flat rate per vehicle |
| Delivery time | 7-12 business days | 4-8 business days |
| Handling | Hub consolidation | Direct, no transfers |
| Damage risk | Moderate (hub handling) | Low (single load/unload) |
| Tracking | Stage-based | GPS real-time |
Cost Comparison (Turkey to Southern Germany)
| Volume | LTL Cost | FTL Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m³ | 420 EUR | 950 EUR (van) | LTL |
| 8 m³ | 1,040 EUR | 950 EUR (van) | FTL |
| 15 m³ | 1,950 EUR | 1,800 EUR (large van) | FTL |
| 25 m³ | 3,250 EUR | 2,800 EUR (truck) | FTL |
Choose LTL When
- Shipment under 15 m³
- Delivery timeline is flexible (7-12 days acceptable)
- Budget is the primary concern
Choose FTL When
- Shipment exceeds 15 m³
- Delivery is time-critical
- Cargo is fragile, valuable, or confidential
- Privacy is important
Frequently Asked Questions
What about 8-15 m³?
This is the transition zone. Get quotes for both and compare. Kolay Parsiyel provides LTL and FTL quotes for the same shipment.
Will my LTL cargo be mixed with others?
No. Each customer's cargo is separately labeled and tracked. Items share the vehicle but are never mixed.
Is LTL slower than FTL?
Yes, typically 2-5 days slower due to hub consolidation. FTL travels directly without stops.
Can I switch between LTL and FTL?
Yes, choose the best option for each shipment. Kolay Parsiyel offers both services.
References
- Kolay Parsiyel Price List 2026
- European Commission Transport Data
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