Full Truck Load (FTL) is a truckload service arranged for one shipper’s freight, whether or not the trailer is completely full. In U.S. ground transportation, the term usually means the cargo is booked as a dedicated move rather than being combined with other shippers’ goods on the same trailer.
How FTL works
FTL is common for large, heavy, time-sensitive, or high-value freight that benefits from fewer handling points. Because the shipment typically travels directly from pickup to delivery, it can reduce the risk of damage and simplify tracking compared with less-than-truckload service. The shipper may still need to provide proper packaging, pallet counts, weights, commodity descriptions, and loading instructions so the carrier can assign the right equipment.
Unlike parcel or consolidated freight, FTL pricing is usually based on the dedicated use of the truck, lane, mileage, commodity, accessorial charges, and equipment type. Depending on the move, the shipper or consignee may also be responsible for appointments, detention risks, loading and unloading, or special handling such as temperature control. For importers and exporters moving cargo between ports, warehouses, factories, and distribution centers, FTL can serve inland truck moves where speed and control matter more than sharing space. Drayage describes a local freight movement, often involving a container, and is not a synonym for FTL.