When to Use Volume LTL Instead of Full Truckload: Complete Guide

Freight shipping isn’t one-size-fits-all. For shippers dealing with loads that don’t quite fit the mold of traditional LTL but also don’t need an entire trailer, Volume LTL offers a compelling middle ground. But knowing when to choose volume LTL over full truckload (FTL) isn’t always obvious.

This guide breaks down when it makes sense to opt for volume LTL, and how it can offer both cost and operational advantages in the right situations.

Understanding the Differences First

Full truckload shipping involves reserving an entire trailer for a single shipment. It’s the right fit when you’re moving high volumes of freight—typically 44,000 pounds or up to 26 pallets—or when you need control over pickup and delivery times.

Volume LTL, on the other hand, refers to shipments that are too large for standard LTL but not quite big enough to justify the cost of full truckload. These loads usually take up between 12 and 30 linear feet of trailer space, weigh between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds, and don’t require a full trailer’s capacity.

So where’s the line between the two? The answer isn’t fixed. It depends on the weight, size, urgency, and pricing trends at the time you’re booking the shipment.

Cost Efficiency for Mid-Sized Loads

The biggest reason to choose volume LTL over full truckload is cost. When your freight is substantial but doesn’t come close to filling a trailer, paying for unused space in FTL can become an unnecessary expense.

Volume LTL allows you to pay for only the space you use, not the entire trailer. In many cases, especially on non-urgent or flexible shipments, this can result in meaningful savings without a big compromise in service quality.

That said, prices fluctuate depending on demand and capacity. During peak seasons or tight markets, FTL rates can spike—making volume LTL even more attractive for qualifying shipments.

Flexibility in Transit

While full truckload gives you full control over timing and routing, volume LTL offers a good compromise between cost and control. Volume shipments often skip traditional LTL terminal transfers and are handled more directly, reducing touchpoints.

This can lead to faster and safer delivery than traditional LTL, although not always as fast or precise as a dedicated full truckload. If timing is flexible and the freight isn’t overly sensitive, volume LTL can provide just the right balance.

However, if your delivery has a narrow delivery window or is part of a just-in-time supply chain, full truckload might be worth the added cost for guaranteed control.

Freight Characteristics Matter

Certain freight types are a better fit for volume LTL than others. If your shipment is palletized, stackable, and doesn’t require special handling, it will move more easily within a volume LTL network.

Irregular, high-value, or highly sensitive freight may still benefit from the exclusivity of a full truckload. Volume LTL involves coordination across multiple shipments, so special requirements might complicate things or lead to added fees.

Consider how your freight is packaged and whether it can hold up with minimal supervision in a shared environment. If the answer is yes, volume LTL may be a solid fit.

Lane Density and Carrier Availability

Some lanes simply don’t support regular volume LTL service, especially in remote or less-traveled areas. In these cases, finding capacity may be easier (or only possible) through a full truckload option.

But in major freight corridors—especially between industrial hubs—volume LTL can be widely available and competitively priced. Knowing which lanes have volume coverage can help you plan better and reduce overreliance on more expensive full truckload moves.

When Time Isn’t the Top Priority

If your shipment doesn’t need to arrive exactly at a specific hour or day, and there’s room to be flexible, volume LTL gives you a way to save without completely sacrificing delivery performance.

Lead time is your ally here. Giving the carrier flexibility to plan around your shipment increases the chances of a better rate and a smooth transit experience.

This makes volume LTL a great fit for restocks, non-perishable inventory, or any shipment that can afford a few extra hours in transit to gain serious savings.