Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping combines your freight with other shippers’ loads in a single trailer, so you only pay for the space you actually use. It is the workhorse mode for pallets, crates, and boxed goods between roughly 100 and 10,000 lbs, and the right choice when an entire trailer would be overkill.
How LTL Works
When you ship LTL, your freight travels on a hub-and-spoke network. A local pickup driver brings your pallet(s) to a terminal, where they are loaded onto a linehaul with other shipments headed the same direction. At the destination terminal a delivery driver takes the freight to its final stop. Each transfer is scanned, so visibility is constant from tender through POD.
Freight Class and Weight
LTL pricing is driven by NMFC freight class, a 50-to-500 density-based code that reflects stowability, handling, and liability. A pallet of printed paper and a pallet of cast-iron pipe can weigh the same but fall into very different classes. Getting the class right on the BOL is the single biggest factor in an accurate LTL rate and avoiding reclass adjustments at delivery.
When LTL Beats Full Truckload
LTL is the better economic choice for:
- 1 to 6 pallets, or shipments under ~10,000 lbs.
- Freight that does not need dock-to-dock exclusivity or an exclusive driver.
- Smaller orders going to multiple customers where a full truckload would leave the trailer half-empty.
- Residential or limited-access deliveries where we handle the final touch with a liftgate.
For larger volume, see our Full Truckload service, which dedicates the entire trailer to your freight.
Transit Times by Zone
LTL transit is typically quoted in zones rather than miles. As a general guide for U.S. domestic LTL:
- Zone 1-2 (under ~400 miles): 1-3 business days.
- Zone 3-5 (regional, 400-1,000 miles): 2-4 business days.
- Zone 6-8 (cross-country): 4-6 business days.
For shipments that cannot wait, our expedited service places the freight on a dedicated truck with a guaranteed window.
Accessorials and Special Handling
Common LTL accessorials include:
- Liftgate for facilities without a loading dock.
- Residential delivery for homes and small businesses.
- Inside delivery to a specific room or floor.
- Limited access for schools, churches, construction sites, and military bases.
- Hazmat for regulated materials requiring placards and documentation.
We confirm any accessorials at booking so the carrier that shows up is the carrier that finishes the job.
Why Shippers Choose Kargoza for LTL
We negotiate with a broad carrier base, but the difference is in the service: accurate freight class on every BOL, proactive exception alerts, consistent pickup windows, and a single account manager who knows your lanes. Our quoting engine returns all-in pricing with accessorials baked in, so the rate you see is the rate you pay.
Whether you ship five pallets a week or five thousand, our LTL network gets smaller freight to its destination without the cost of a full trailer. Send your dimensions, weight, freight class, and destination, and we will return a competitive all-in quote within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How is LTL freight class determined?
Freight class is set by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association and depends on density, stowability, handling, and liability. We can help you classify your goods correctly before tender to prevent billing adjustments.
Do I need a dock for LTL delivery?
If you do not have a dock, request a liftgate at booking. We will dispatch a truck with a hydraulic gate so the driver can lower the pallet to ground level.
What if my freight is heavier than 10,000 lbs?
Heavier or higher-density shipments are often better priced through Full Truckload. We will run both rates and recommend the lower-cost option.
Can LTL deliver to a residence?
Yes, with a residential delivery accessorial. The driver will call ahead and may need a smaller truck for tight streets. An adult must be present to sign for the freight.