When Should You Choose Volume LTL Shipping?

For businesses shipping freight that falls somewhere between a standard Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipment and a Full Truckload (FTL), Volume LTL offers a strategic middle ground. It’s designed for shipments that are too large for regular LTL rates but don’t require the expense of reserving an entire trailer.

But knowing when volume LTL is the right choice isn’t always obvious. The answer depends on factors like size, weight, urgency, and how much flexibility you have in your shipping schedule.

What Exactly Is Volume LTL?

Volume LTL refers to larger-than-standard LTL shipments that typically require between 6 to 30 linear feet of trailer space or weigh between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds. These loads don’t fit well into traditional LTL pricing structures but aren’t large enough to need a dedicated truckload.

Unlike standard LTL freight, which is handled at multiple terminals and consolidated with many other shipments, volume LTL often moves on a more direct path with fewer stops. This reduces handling, cuts down on potential damage, and often results in a faster overall transit.

When Is Volume LTL the Right Choice?

1. Your Shipment Is Too Big for Standard LTL but Too Small for FTL
If your freight is pushing the upper limits of LTL—occupying more than half a trailer but not quite filling it—volume LTL can save you from overpaying for a full truckload. It’s a space-efficient option that matches cost to the actual footprint of your shipment.

2. You Want to Reduce Handling Risks
Standard LTL shipments are often moved through multiple distribution centers, increasing the chance of damage due to repeated loading and unloading. Volume LTL typically involves fewer touchpoints, making it a better choice for freight that requires gentler handling.

3. You Have Flexible Pickup and Delivery Windows
Volume LTL can offer significant cost savings, but it generally requires some flexibility in scheduling. Since carriers look to fill out remaining space on trucks, shipments with flexible delivery timelines are easier to fit into their networks.

4. You’re Moving Palletized or Non-Hazardous Freight
Palletized shipments that are uniform and easy to handle are ideal for volume LTL. Products that don’t require specialized equipment or strict temperature control fit well into this shipping mode.

5. You Want to Optimize Cost Per Unit
When moving medium-sized loads, volume LTL can drastically improve your cost per unit shipped compared to traditional LTL. This is especially beneficial for businesses shipping in bulk but not at the scale that demands a full truckload.

Situations Where Volume LTL May Not Be Ideal

While volume LTL offers flexibility and cost savings, there are scenarios where it might not be the best fit. Highly urgent shipments that require guaranteed transit times might be better suited for dedicated truckload services. Additionally, freight that needs specialized handling, temperature control, or is considered high-value may require more secure or controlled shipping methods.

Volume LTL also relies heavily on carrier capacity and network lanes. If your shipment needs to move through less-frequented routes, capacity may be limited, and alternative solutions might be necessary.

Balancing Cost and Efficiency

Choosing volume LTL is often about striking the right balance between cost and efficiency. For companies that frequently ship freight sitting in that in-between size range, volume LTL provides a practical, budget-friendly option. However, understanding your shipment’s specific requirements and having a clear picture of available transit windows is crucial to making the right choice.

Conclusion

Volume LTL fills a crucial gap in freight shipping options. It’s not about simply finding the cheapest rate—it’s about matching your shipment’s size, handling needs, and timing with a shipping method designed to optimize all three.