FTL Logistics: Mastering Full Truckload Transportation

When it comes to logistics, businesses often face a critical decision: how to move their goods efficiently and cost-effectively. If your company regularly deals with large shipments, you’ve likely come across the term FTL logistics. But what exactly is full truckload (FTL) shipping, and how can it benefit your business?

In this article, we’ll explore what FTL logistics is, best practices to maximise efficiency, how to overcome challenges, and more. Plus, we’ll share how, at Bezos, we can help streamline your logistics with our expert fulfilment services tailored to meet the unique needs of eCommerce brands.

What Is FTL Logistics and How Does It Work?

Imagine having the entire truck reserved just for your shipment — no sharing space, no extra stops. That’s what FTL logistics is all about. Full truckload shipping means your goods are the priority, filling the entire vehicle and going straight from point A to point B. This direct approach makes it one of the fastest and safest ways to transport large shipments.

Whether you’re an eCommerce brand needing to move bulk orders or a business looking for a reliable, hands-off solution, FTL shipping offers peace of mind. Without the need for multiple transfers or delays, your products arrive at their destination quicker and with less risk of damage. In short, FTL logistics is designed to make life easier for businesses that want a dependable and efficient way to get their goods delivered.

FTL Shipping vs LTL Shipping: A Comparison

Before diving into this comparison, let’s quickly define LTL shipping. Less than truckload shipping (LTL) is a method where multiple businesses share space within the same truck. Each shipment takes up only part of the truck, and the rest of the space is filled with other companies’ goods. 

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To help you decide which shipping method is best for your business, here’s a detailed comparison between FTL logistics and LTL shipping:

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In summary, if you need speed, security, and control, FTL shipment is often the better option. However, if your shipment is smaller and you’re willing to trade some speed for cost savings, LTL could be more suitable for your needs.

Did You Know? There is also another type of shipping, called PTL (partial truckload), which falls between FTL and LTL. PTL shipments don’t fill an entire truck but stay in one vehicle throughout the journey, minimising handling and reducing damage risk. It’s an efficient option for mid-sized shipments.

When to Choose FTL Shipment for Your Business

FTL shipment isn’t just about moving large volumes — it’s about matching the right logistics strategy to your business’s unique demands. Below are key scenarios where FTL logistics makes the most sense:

• Shipment Size and Weight: FTL shipping is most efficient when your goods weigh between 10,000 and 45,000 pounds (4,500 to 20,400 kg) and can fill an entire truck. If your business regularly ships loads of this size, FTL is a better option compared to LTL, which typically handles shipments between 150 and 10,000 pounds.
• Seasonal or Peak Demand: For eCommerce brands facing seasonal peaks, like holiday sales or promotional events, ensuring your products are delivered swiftly and in bulk is critical. FTL shipping allows businesses to meet customer demand without delays, making it an ideal choice during high-demand periods.
• Exclusive Use of the Truck: If you want full control over your shipment without the risk of delays caused by other companies’ stops, FTL shipping is the better option. With the entire truck dedicated to your business, you can ensure your goods arrive without sharing space with other shipments.
• Cost Stability Over Time: For businesses that frequently ship large quantities, FTL shipping offers predictable pricing and often becomes more economical over time. This consistency benefits companies that regularly need full truckloads, reducing the cost fluctuations commonly seen with LTL.
• Complex Delivery Routes: If your business requires deliveries to specific locations or under tight schedules, FTL shipment offers greater control over routes and timing. This level of customisation makes FTL ideal for companies with complex logistics needs that require precise coordination.
• Special Handling Requirements: While LTL shipping offers more flexibility for additional services such as white glove delivery, lift gate assistance, or freeze protection, FTL shipping simplifies the process. The entire truck is dedicated to your shipment, making it easier to implement basic handling needs like refrigeration or the safe transport of oversized goods. However, if your shipment requires more complex handling services, LTL shipping may provide better options.
• Perishable Goods: If you’re dealing with time-sensitive, perishable goods, FTL logistics ensures faster delivery with fewer stops, reducing the risk of spoilage or contamination. This makes FTL the preferred option for businesses shipping food, pharmaceuticals, or other perishables.

How Much Does FTL Shipping Cost? 

The cost of FTL shipping can vary significantly depending on several factors, but understanding these key components will help businesses estimate expenses and budget more effectively. Here are some of the main factors that influence the cost of FTL logistics:

• Distance: The most straightforward factor is the distance your shipment needs to travel. The farther the destination, the higher the cost, as longer trips require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear. Shipping across states or regions typically incurs higher costs than local deliveries.
• Shipment Volume and Weight: The size and weight of your shipment directly impact the cost of FTL shipping. While you’re paying for the full truck regardless, heavier shipments may result in additional charges, especially if they approach the truck’s maximum capacity of around 45,000 pounds (20,400 kg).
• Fuel Surcharges: Fluctuations in fuel prices are often passed onto businesses through fuel surcharges. This is a standard industry practice, and fuel costs can vary depending on market prices at the time of shipment, making it a variable expense in FTL logistics.
• Seasonal Demand: During peak shipping seasons — such as holidays or industry-specific busy periods — rates for FTL shipment can increase due to high demand for freight services. Businesses may need to factor in higher costs during these times, especially if they are competing for limited truck availability.
• Special Services: If your shipment requires additional services like temperature control, expedited delivery, or special handling, these will add to the overall cost. FTL logistics tends to offer simplified service options, but any special requirements will increase the price.
• Tolls and Route-Specific Fees: Some routes include tolls, port fees, or special taxes, depending on the regions being travelled through. These additional charges will typically be included in the final shipping cost.
• Truck Availability and Capacity: In times of limited truck availability or high demand, prices for FTL shipping can rise. This is often due to factors like driver shortages, a busy freight market, or economic fluctuations that impact trucking capacity.

Top Tip: Check out our article if you want to learn about the best way to ship heavy items.

9 FTL Delivery Best Practices: Maximising Efficiency

Maximising the efficiency of your FTL deliveries is crucial for reducing costs and improving your overall logistics performance. Whether you’re managing eCommerce shipments or large-scale business orders, following these nine best practices can help you get the most out of your FTL logistics operations:

1. Optimise Your Routes: One of the most effective ways to increase delivery efficiency is by optimising your delivery routes. Using route-planning software or partnering with carriers that offer optimised routing can help you reduce transit time and fuel consumption. This ensures your shipments arrive faster while keeping delivery costs down.
2. Choose the Right Carrier: Selecting a reliable and experienced FTL carrier is key to smooth operations. Look for carriers with a proven track record in full truckload shipping, strong communication, and a reputation for on-time delivery. Building long-term relationships with carriers can also give you more flexibility and cost benefits over time.
3. Consolidate Shipments: If your business frequently ships large orders, consolidating multiple shipments into one FTL delivery can save both time and money. By maximising the use of your truck’s capacity, you can reduce the number of shipments and eliminate extra costs associated with multiple deliveries.
4. Schedule Deliveries to Avoid Peak Hours: To improve efficiency, schedule your FTL deliveries to avoid congested peak times when possible. This can help avoid traffic delays and improve delivery speed, especially when shipping to busy urban areas.
5. Monitor Carrier Performance: Regularly tracking and evaluating your carrier’s performance can help you identify any potential issues, such as delays or inefficiencies. By keeping an eye on delivery times and communication, you can make informed decisions about whether your current carriers are helping you maximise efficiency.
6. Leverage Technology: Take advantage of modern logistics technology to enhance efficiency. GPS tracking systems, route optimisation tools, and real-time delivery updates allow businesses to have greater visibility and control over their FTL shipments, which can help prevent delays and streamline operations.
7. Plan for Seasonal Variations: Peak seasons can impact the availability of trucks and drivers, driving up costs and causing delays. By planning ahead and booking your FTL shipments early during busy times, you can ensure availability and minimise potential disruptions.
8. Understand Legal Regulations: Ensuring that your carrier complies with all legal regulations, such as weight restrictions and hours-of-service rules for drivers, helps avoid penalties or delays. Staying compliant with these rules ensures that your shipments remain efficient and trouble-free.
9. Ensure Proper Packaging: For large shipments, how goods are packaged and loaded plays a critical role in delivery efficiency. Properly packaging items to maximise space and prevent damage can reduce the need for additional handling or repackaging, saving both time and money.

FTL Shipment Challenges and Solutions

While FTL logistics is known for its efficiency and security, certain challenges can complicate operations. Here are some potential issues, along with practical solutions:

Inefficient Load Utilisation

One common issue in FTL shipments is failing to fully utilise the truck’s capacity, which can result in wasted space and higher costs. Many businesses book full truckloads but don’t have enough goods to maximise the available space, leading to inefficiency.

Solution: To make the most of your FTL shipment, accurate load planning is essential. This includes forecasting the volume of goods and optimising how they are packed to ensure the truck is filled efficiently. Businesses can also consider consolidating smaller loads from multiple locations into a single shipment or working with carriers that offer load optimisation services to avoid underutilisation.

Driver Communication 

Poor communication between the driver and the logistics team can result in delivery delays, missed delivery windows, or confusion about pickup and drop-off points. In large operations, a lack of real-time communication can lead to errors, especially when shipments span long distances.

Solution: Establish clear communication protocols between your logistics team and the carrier’s drivers. Using real-time tracking tools, mobile apps, or telematics systems can help ensure that all parties are informed of the truck’s location, delivery status, and any changes in the schedule. Regular check-ins during transit can prevent miscommunication and allow for quick adjustments if necessary.

Long-Distance Coordination

Managing FTL shipments over long distances can be complex, especially when crossing regional or national boundaries. Businesses may face challenges related to varying regulations, differing time zones, or unpredictable weather conditions, all of which can delay shipments and complicate delivery schedules.

Solution: Work with carriers experienced in long-distance or cross-border shipping to ensure they understand the regulations and potential hurdles along the route. Investing in logistics management software that accounts for these regional differences can help with coordinating schedules, tracking regulations, and managing unforeseen obstacles like weather or route changes. Having a backup plan in place for contingencies will also keep operations running smoothly.

Empty Miles

After delivering the shipment, trucks often return to their base without any cargo, which results in empty miles. These empty trips are inefficient and increase fuel costs, as well as the overall transportation expense, without generating revenue for the return journey.

Solution: To minimise empty miles, businesses can collaborate with carriers to schedule backhaul shipments. This means arranging for the truck to pick up a new load on its return trip, either from the same area or along the route. By filling both legs of the journey, you can reduce wasted fuel and increase the overall efficiency of your logistics operations. Some carriers also use load-matching platforms to help find backhaul opportunities, so asking about these options could save costs.

Cargo Theft Risks

Full truckloads of high-value goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, or luxury items, can be targets for cargo theft, especially during long-haul deliveries. Theft may occur at rest stops or unsecured locations during transit, putting shipments at risk.

Solution: Strengthen security measures by using tamper-evident seals, GPS tracking, and secure rest stops for drivers. Work with carriers that have strong anti-theft protocols, including training drivers on best practices for avoiding theft and using safe parking locations. For especially high-value goods, consider adding additional layers of security, such as escorts or monitored rest stops, to further reduce the risk of theft during transit.

Post-COVID Trends in FTL Shipping and Delivery

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on FTL logistics, driving significant changes in the industry. Here are some key post-COVID trends shaping FTL shipping today:

• eCommerce Boom: The surge in online shopping during the pandemic has continued, leading to increased demand for FTL services as businesses ship larger volumes and aim for faster fulfilment.
• Capacity and Driver Shortages: Ongoing driver shortages and capacity constraints have intensified competition for available trucks, driving up shipping costs and making advance planning more crucial.
• Focus on Supply Chain Resilience: Companies are using FTL logistics to strengthen supply chains, ensuring stable, reliable shipping for essential goods and preventing future disruptions.
• Digital Tool Adoption: The pandemic accelerated the use of digital tools, including real-time tracking, route optimisation, and logistics management software, making FTL operations more efficient and adaptable.
• Rising Freight Costs: Higher fuel prices, tight capacity, and increased demand have led to rising freight rates, pushing businesses to secure better rates through strong carrier relationships and forward planning.
• Regionalised Supply Chains: Many businesses are moving toward regional supply chains to shorten delivery times and reduce reliance on global shipping routes, allowing for more agile, local FTL delivery.
• Sustainability Efforts: Environmental concerns are growing, with businesses adopting sustainable practices like route optimisation, electric vehicles, and carbon-neutral shipping in FTL logistics.

8 Questions to Ask an FTL Logistics Carrier

Selecting the right carrier for your FTL logistics can make all the difference in terms of reliability, cost, and efficiency. Here are some key questions to ask potential carriers to ensure they meet your business’s needs:

1. What is your experience and reputation in FTL shipping?Knowing a carrier’s track record is essential. Ask about their experience with full truckload shipments and check reviews or testimonials to gauge their reliability and performance.
2. How large is your fleet, and can you handle my shipment volume?You want a carrier that can meet your needs both in terms of capacity and flexibility. Make sure they have a diverse fleet and can scale up if your demand fluctuates.
3. What is your on-time delivery rate?Timeliness is crucial for any shipment. Ask about their on-time delivery performance and how they manage tight delivery windows, especially for time-sensitive shipments.
4. Do you offer real-time tracking and logistics management tools?With technology playing a key role in logistics today, it’s important to know if the carrier offers tracking systems so you can monitor your shipment’s progress in real-time.
5. How responsive is your customer service team?Communication is critical. Ask about how they handle communication during transit and how quickly they resolve issues, such as delays or scheduling changes.
6. What are your pricing structures, and what services are included?Transparency in pricing is key. Make sure you understand all costs, including any surcharges, and confirm what services are part of the quoted price. Remember, the cheapest option is not necessarily the best.
7. How do you ensure compliance and safety?Ask about their safety record and how they comply with industry regulations, such as driver hours of service and vehicle maintenance standards.
8. Do you have any sustainability practices?If sustainability is a priority for your business, inquire about the carrier’s eco-friendly initiatives, such as fuel-efficient vehicles, route optimisation, or carbon-neutral options.

After asking these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of whether a carrier aligns with your business needs. But instead of managing these logistics yourself, why not consider a solution that takes care of everything for you? This is where Bezos steps in.

Discover Bezos: Fulfilment-as-a-Service for eCommerce Brands

Managing FTL logistics efficiently requires a streamlined approach to fulfilment. Whether you’re shipping full truckloads or smaller shipments, our Fulfilment-as-a-Service (FaaS) platform at Bezos simplifies every step, ensuring your eCommerce logistics are fully optimised — from storage to delivery!

Why choose Bezos? Here’s how we support your business:

• Real-Time Order Tracking: Our platform offers comprehensive visibility, providing real-time insights into every order from dispatch to delivery, ensuring you can manage your supply chain with confidence. 
• Comprehensive Fulfilment Solutions: We cover the entire fulfilment process, from warehousing and inventory management to picking, packing, and returns. Additionally, we provide value-added services like kitting and bundling, ensuring that your unique business needs are met with precision.
• Global Expansion Made Easy: With fulfilment centres across the UK and EU, Bezos allows you to reach new markets effortlessly. We take care of international shipping logistics, ensuring your products get to customers quickly, no matter where they are located.
• Scalable Shipping Options: Whether you’re managing bulk shipments or need smaller-scale deliveries, we provide flexible options. Our extensive network of carriers ensures that you have the right solution for every shipping need.
• Seamless Multi-Channel Integration: Our platform integrates with more than 30 sales channels, including Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce. This means you can easily manage your orders across multiple platforms and track fulfilment in one centralised system.
• 24/7 Support: We offer constant support through our team of expert account managers who ensure that your operations run smoothly. From addressing immediate concerns to long-term logistics planning, our team is here to help whenever you need it.

By partnering with Bezos, you gain a reliable fulfilment system that optimises your logistics, allowing you to focus on scaling your brand.

Conclusion

FTL shipping is a powerful logistics solution, offering businesses reliable, fast, and secure transport for large shipments. Whether you’re managing high-demand periods, time-sensitive deliveries, or simply need more control over your supply chain, FTL logistics ensures efficiency at every step. To make logistics even easier, Bezos provides tailored fulfilment services designed to meet the needs of eCommerce brands, helping streamline your operations and enhance your shipping strategy.

FAQs

What is FTL in logistics?

FTL (full truckload) is a shipping method where an entire truck is dedicated to transporting a single shipment, offering direct and faster delivery with fewer stops and reduced handling.

What is LTL vs FTL?

LTL (less than truckload) involves sharing a truck with other shipments, which can lead to longer transit times, while FTL uses the entire truck for one shipment, providing more control and faster delivery.

What is PTL and FTL in logistics?

PTL (partial truckload) falls between FTL and LTL. PTL shipments don’t fill the entire truck but stay in one vehicle, reducing handling and damage risk. FTL dedicates the entire truck to a single shipment for fast, secure transport.

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