Glossar
FTL (Full Truckload)
FTL stands for Full Truckload and refers to a shipment in which an entire truck is used exclusively for a single shipment or order. The goods are transported directly from the shipper to the recipient without any additional shipments being loaded onto the truck.
FTL shipments are used when large volumes, time-sensitive deliveries, or special transport requirements necessitate full utilization of a vehicle’s capacity. Compared to less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, they enable shorter transit times and fewer handling operations. Digital systems such as TMS and DWS support planning, capacity utilization, and the efficient use of available cargo space.
Practical example:
A manufacturer commissions an FTL shipment to deliver a full truckload of pallets directly to the customer without any stops along the way.
See also: DWS, Flow of goods, Freight volume, General cargo, Loading unit, Transport Management System (TMS), Transportation optimization, Volume measurement