What Is FTL Shipping? Full Truckload Guide
FTL (Full Truckload) shipping allocates an entire vehicle to a single shipper, providing direct door-to-door delivery without intermediate stops. It is the fastest road freight option for shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters.
What Is FTL Shipping?
FTL (Full Truckload) shipping is a freight method where a single shipper books an entire vehicle for their cargo. The truck travels directly from origin to destination without stops to pick up or deliver other shipments. For volumes above 15 m³, FTL is typically the fastest and most cost-effective road freight option.
According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), FTL offers 2-3 days faster delivery than LTL because there are no consolidation hub transfers. From Turkey to Germany, a dedicated truck delivers in 4-6 business days.
Kolay Parsiyel offers FTL services ranging from minivans (3 m³) to full TIR trucks (80 m³), matched to your shipment volume.
How FTL Works
- Vehicle selection: The appropriate vehicle is chosen based on cargo volume and weight
- Loading: The truck arrives at the sender's address for professional loading
- Direct transit: The vehicle travels directly to the destination without intermediate stops
- Customs and delivery: Customs clearance is completed and cargo delivered to the final address
Vehicle Types and Capacities
| Vehicle | Capacity (m³) | Max Weight (kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan | 3 | 800 | Small moves, urgent shipments |
| Van | 8 | 1,500 | 1-2 room contents |
| Large Van | 14 | 2,500 | 2-3 room contents |
| Truck | 25 | 5,000 | Full apartment move |
| Large Truck | 40 | 10,000 | Large house, warehouse transfer |
| TIR | 80 | 24,000 | Industrial loads, bulk shipments |
FTL Advantages
Speed
No consolidation stops means minimal transit time. Turkey to Southern Germany in 4 business days. Express service can reduce this to 3 days for urgent shipments.
Security
Cargo is loaded once and unloaded once. No intermediate handling reduces damage and loss risk. Ideal for fragile, valuable, or confidential shipments.
Flexibility
Loading and delivery times are fully customizable. Weekend loading, evening delivery, and other special requests can be accommodated.
When to Choose FTL
- Shipment volume exceeds 15 m³
- Delivery deadline is critical
- Cargo is fragile, valuable, or requires privacy
- Regular high-volume shipments
Below 15 m³, LTL (partial load) shipping is usually more economical. Kolay Parsiyel provides quotes for both options so you can compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does FTL shipping cost from Turkey?
Turkey to Germany: van (8 m³) costs 950-1,100 EUR, truck (25 m³) costs 2,500-4,000 EUR. Prices vary by destination region and season.
How should I choose between FTL and LTL?
Under 15 m³: LTL is cheaper. Over 15 m³: FTL is more economical. For urgent or fragile shipments, FTL may be worth the premium even at lower volumes.
Is loading and unloading included?
Yes, Kolay Parsiyel's FTL service includes door-to-door loading and unloading as standard. Stairs, crane, or forklift services may incur additional charges.
Is insurance mandatory for FTL?
CMR Convention provides limited carrier liability (approximately 10 EUR/kg). Full-value cargo insurance is recommended. Kolay Parsiyel can arrange comprehensive coverage.
References
- International Road Transport Union (IRU)
- CMR Convention (1956 Geneva)
- European Commission Transport Statistics
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