FTL Shipping: A Complete Guide for Your Business

Your custom fixtures are a significant investment in your brand. So, how do you protect them once they leave the warehouse? The final leg of the journey is just as critical as the design phase, and the last thing you need is a shipment arriving damaged or late. This is where your shipping choice becomes a vital part of your quality control strategy. With FTL shipping, your products get their own dedicated truck and aren't touched again until they reach their destination. This single-touch process dramatically reduces the risk of damage, ensuring your displays arrive in perfect condition, ready for a seamless installation.

Key Takeaways

Choose FTL for large-scale projects: If you're shipping 10 or more pallets for a new store opening or a major rollout, Full Truckload is your most efficient option. It’s designed for high-volume, time-sensitive shipments where speed and security are top priorities.
A dedicated truck means faster, safer deliveries: With FTL, your fixtures travel directly to their destination with no extra stops or handling. This direct route shortens transit times and dramatically reduces the risk of damage, ensuring your custom pieces arrive on schedule and in perfect condition.
The right partner solves common FTL challenges: An experienced logistics partner helps you manage fluctuating costs, capacity constraints, and route planning. They secure reliable carriers, provide clear pricing, and use technology to give you full visibility over your shipment.

What is FTL Shipping & How Does It Really Work?

When you’re coordinating a multi-store rollout or a brand-new opening, getting your custom fixtures to their destination safely and on time is non-negotiable. This is where your shipping strategy comes into play. One of the most common and efficient methods for large-scale projects is Full Truckload, or FTL, shipping. It’s a straightforward concept that offers some major advantages for retailers who need reliability and speed. Let's walk through what FTL is and the simple process behind getting your fixtures from the warehouse to the sales floor.

The Basics of Full Truckload (FTL)

FTL stands for Full Truckload, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: your shipment gets an entire truck trailer all to itself. Unlike other shipping methods where your goods might be packed in with items from several other companies, FTL gives you exclusive use of the space. This is ideal when you have enough fixtures, displays, and other materials to fill most or all of a truck. For retailers, this often happens during new store builds or major remodels. Because your freight is the only cargo on board, it’s a fantastic option for ensuring your valuable, custom-made pieces from domestic or international manufacturing arrive without the extra handling that comes with sharing space.

FTL by the Numbers: Capacity and Transit Times

So, what does "full truckload" actually mean in practical terms? A standard 53-foot trailer can typically carry between 42,000 and 44,000 pounds of freight, which is enough space for up to 30 standard pallets. For a retail rollout, that’s more than enough capacity for a complete set of custom fixtures, displays, and shelving for a new store. Because your shipment is the only one on board, the transit times are much faster and more predictable. You can generally expect regional deliveries to arrive in just one to two days, while a cross-country shipment might take five to six days. This direct, uninterrupted journey is what makes FTL so reliable for time-sensitive projects where every day counts.

Following Your FTL Shipment: Pickup to Delivery

The FTL process is refreshingly direct. First, you or your logistics partner will book a truck with a carrier, providing details like the pickup location, destination, and shipment weight to get a quote. Once your fixtures are loaded, the driver heads straight for the delivery point. There are no stops at other terminals to pick up or drop off other companies' freight along the way. This direct route is what makes FTL so much faster and more predictable. Throughout the journey, you can often track the truck’s progress in real-time, giving you full visibility and peace of mind. This streamlined approach is a core part of our logistics and distribution services, ensuring your project stays on schedule.

Common FTL Trucks and Trailers

Just as you wouldn't use a one-size-fits-all approach for your store design, the same goes for shipping your fixtures. The type of truck and trailer used for your FTL shipment plays a huge role in getting your items to their destination safely. The right choice depends on the size, shape, and specific requirements of your cargo. Whether you're shipping standard shelving or a massive, custom-built display, there’s a trailer designed for the job. Understanding these common options helps you have a more informed conversation with your logistics partner and ensures your valuable assets are properly protected from warehouse to storefront.

Dry Van

Think of the dry van as the go-to standard in the shipping world. These are the fully enclosed, box-like trailers you see everywhere on the highway. They are the most common type of trailer used in FTL shipping because they are versatile and protect cargo from weather, road debris, and theft. For most custom retail fixture projects, a dry van is the perfect solution. It’s ideal for transporting palletized items like shelving, cash wraps, and standard point-of-purchase displays. Because they are so common, they are also typically the most cost-effective and readily available option for your logistics and distribution needs.

Refrigerated (Reefer)

While a refrigerated trailer, or "reefer," is typically used for hauling produce or pharmaceuticals, it has a place in fixture logistics, too. Reefers are essentially dry vans equipped with a climate-control unit that can maintain a specific temperature. This becomes critical if your fixtures include materials that are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. For example, certain adhesives, laminates, or vinyl graphics can be damaged by temperature fluctuations during a long cross-country trip in the middle of summer or winter. Using a reefer ensures these sensitive components arrive in perfect, ready-to-install condition, protecting the integrity of your custom-engineered designs.

Flatbed

When your fixtures are too large, wide, or heavy to fit into a standard enclosed trailer, a flatbed is the solution. These trailers have no walls or roof, offering a completely open deck for your cargo. This versatility is essential for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped items, like large-scale architectural elements or massive, fully assembled displays that need to be loaded from the side or top with a crane or forklift. While the open design means your fixtures will need to be properly secured and weatherproofed, a flatbed trailer provides the flexibility needed for your most ambitious and unique retail pieces.

Step Deck

A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck, is a variation of a flatbed designed to carry taller cargo. It features two deck levels: a standard-height front deck and a lower main deck that "steps down" behind it. This lower deck height allows you to transport items that would exceed the legal height limits on a standard flatbed or in a dry van. Step decks are perfect for tall shelving units, large signage, or multi-tiered displays that need to be shipped upright. This specialized design ensures your tallest fixtures can be transported safely and without the need for complex disassembly and reassembly on-site.

Conestoga

A Conestoga trailer offers the best of both worlds: the loading accessibility of a flatbed and the enclosed protection of a dry van. It’s essentially a flatbed equipped with a rolling tarp system that covers the top and sides of the trailer. This "accordion-like" cover can be pulled back for easy side or overhead loading and then secured over the cargo to protect it from the elements. This makes it an excellent choice for high-value or delicate fixtures that are also large or oddly shaped. You get the loading efficiency of an open deck without exposing your investment to rain, wind, or road grime during transit.

FTL vs. LTL: What's the Difference?

Choosing the right shipping method is a critical step in any retail rollout. The two most common options you’ll encounter are Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-than-Truckload (LTL). While they both get your fixtures from point A to point B, they operate very differently. Understanding these differences helps you protect your investment, meet your deadlines, and manage your budget effectively. Let’s break down how they compare in terms of capacity, cost, speed, and handling.

A Head-to-Head on Capacity and Cost

The most straightforward difference between FTL and LTL is how much space you get. With FTL, you pay for the entire truck, whether you fill it or not. This is ideal for large-scale rollouts where you’re sending a high volume of fixtures to one or more locations. If you have enough freight to fill a truck, FTL often results in a lower cost per item.

LTL, on the other hand, means your shipment shares space with freight from other companies. You only pay for the portion of the truck your fixtures occupy. This can be a great option for smaller shipments, like sending a single replacement display. However, the pricing is more complex, and the cost per pound can be higher than with FTL. For retailers managing large projects, the predictable, flat-rate pricing of FTL is often easier to budget for.

Transit Times and Handling: Which is Better for Your Freight?

When your fixtures are on a deadline, transit time is everything. FTL shipping is almost always faster because the truck is dedicated to your delivery. It goes directly from the pickup location to the destination with no extra stops. This direct route also means your custom fixtures are handled less—they’re loaded at the start and unloaded at the end. This significantly reduces the risk of damage during transit, which is a key part of our complete quality control process.

LTL shipments take longer. The truck makes multiple stops to pick up and drop off other companies' goods, adding time to the journey. Your fixtures will also be loaded and unloaded at various terminals along the way, which increases the chances of scuffs, dings, or other damage. For high-value or fragile items, the minimal handling of FTL provides valuable peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Business

So, how do you decide? FTL is your best bet for large, time-sensitive, or high-value shipments. If you’re outfitting a new store or launching a chain-wide display update with more than 10 pallets of freight, FTL offers the speed, security, and cost-effectiveness you need. It simplifies the logistics and distribution for major projects.

LTL is better suited for smaller, less urgent needs. If you only need to ship a few fixtures to a single location and have a flexible timeline, LTL can be a practical choice. The key is to weigh the size of your shipment against your project’s deadline and the value of your freight. Making the right choice ensures your fixtures arrive on time and in perfect condition, ready for installation.

Beyond FTL and LTL: Other Shipping Options

While FTL and LTL cover many shipping scenarios, sometimes your needs fall somewhere in the middle. You might have a shipment that’s too large or time-sensitive for LTL but doesn’t quite justify the cost of a dedicated truck. This is where hybrid models like Partial Truckload (PTL) and Shared Truckload (STL) come in. These options offer a flexible middle ground, blending the cost-efficiency of sharing space with some of the speed and security benefits of a dedicated truck. Understanding these alternatives is a key part of a smart project management strategy, giving you more control over your budget and timeline.

Partial Truckload (PTL)

Partial Truckload shipping is designed for those in-between shipments—typically between 6 and 18 pallets—that are too big for LTL but too small to fill an entire truck. With PTL, you share trailer space with other shipments, which makes it a highly cost-effective choice. The big advantage here is that, unlike LTL, PTL shipments usually involve fewer stops and less handling. Your fixtures are often loaded and stay on the same truck until they reach their destination. This directness leads to more predictable transit times and, most importantly, a lower risk of damage, ensuring your custom pieces arrive in pristine condition.

Shared Truckload (STL)

Shared Truckload is another innovative option that lets multiple shippers share space on one truck. Think of it as a modern, more efficient take on LTL. With STL, shipments are combined based on their route, creating a multi-stop full truckload that travels directly from one pickup to each delivery point without passing through a hub-and-spoke terminal system. This model significantly reduces handling, which is great news for your valuable fixtures. It also offers faster transit times than traditional LTL. STL is an excellent choice when you need to balance cost savings with a more time-sensitive delivery schedule, giving you a reliable and efficient shipping solution.

Why FTL Shipping Might Be Your Best Move

When you're coordinating a large-scale rollout of custom fixtures, every detail matters—especially how those fixtures get from the manufacturing floor to your new store locations. While it might seem like a bigger commitment, choosing Full Truckload (FTL) shipping offers some serious advantages that can make your entire project run smoother. Think of it as reserving a private charter for your valuable cargo. Instead of sharing space and making multiple stops, your fixtures get a dedicated truck, a direct route, and a level of service that’s hard to beat. This dedicated approach is particularly valuable when you're shipping high-value, custom-designed pieces that are the centerpiece of your retail environment.

For retailers managing complex projects, the benefits go far beyond just moving items from point A to point B. FTL shipping provides a powerful combination of cost savings on large orders, enhanced protection for your custom-made products, and the kind of speed and predictability that keeps your store opening on schedule. It simplifies the logistics and transportation puzzle, giving you more control over one of the most critical phases of your retail expansion. When you have dozens or even hundreds of stores to outfit, efficiency and reliability aren't just nice-to-haves; they're essential. Let’s look at exactly how FTL can support your bottom line and give you peace of mind during your next big project.

Lower Your Costs on Large Shipments

When you have enough fixtures to fill an entire truck, FTL often becomes the most economical choice. Instead of paying for space and weight based on complex LTL classifications, you pay a flat rate for the entire truck. This straightforward pricing can be easier to budget for, and rates are often negotiable, giving you more control over your shipping expenses. For large-volume shipments, the cost per pound for FTL is typically lower than other options. When you’re outfitting multiple locations, those savings add up quickly, freeing up capital that can be invested back into your retail environment.

Reduce Damage with Less Handling

Your custom fixtures are a significant investment, and the last thing you want is for them to arrive damaged. With FTL, your products are loaded onto the truck at the point of origin and aren't touched again until they reach their destination. This single-touch process drastically reduces the risk of damage that can occur during loading and unloading at multiple terminals—a common scenario in LTL shipping. This added layer of protection ensures your displays, shelving, and point-of-purchase units arrive in perfect condition, upholding the high standards of your brand and our commitment to complete quality control.

Enhanced Security for Your Cargo

Beyond preventing dings and scratches, FTL shipping offers a higher level of security for your valuable cargo. Because your fixtures are the only items on board, the truck is sealed after loading and remains that way until it reaches the final destination. This exclusive use provides a significant security advantage, drastically reducing the risk of theft or items being misplaced at a terminal, which can happen in shared shipping environments. For high-value, custom-built pieces that are essential to your store's opening, this added security is critical. Knowing your investment is in a secure, dedicated vehicle from start to finish provides invaluable peace of mind and ensures every piece arrives as planned, keeping your project on track.

Get Faster, More Predictable Deliveries

Meeting deadlines is non-negotiable in retail, especially when you’re coordinating a grand opening or a major remodel. FTL shipping is your best bet for speed and reliability. Since the truck is dedicated to your shipment, it travels directly from the pickup location to your store without any detours or stops at other terminals. This means faster transit times and more predictable delivery windows. You can often schedule precise pickup and delivery appointments, which allows your on-site teams to plan installations with confidence and keep the entire project on track without costly delays.

Take Control with Better Shipment Visibility

Knowing where your assets are is crucial for effective project management. Because your shipment is the only one on the truck, FTL offers enhanced security and greater visibility from start to finish. There’s no risk of your fixtures getting mixed up with another company's freight, and tracking a single, dedicated truck is much simpler. This level of control gives you and your team peace of mind, knowing that your valuable fixtures are secure and their location is always known. This visibility is a key component of a well-managed rollout, allowing your project management team to coordinate every step of the delivery and installation process seamlessly.

Preparing Your Freight for a Smooth FTL Journey

You’ve chosen FTL for its speed, security, and predictability. Now, the key is to make sure your freight is ready to go so you can fully capitalize on those benefits. A little preparation on the front end goes a long way in preventing delays, damage, and unexpected costs down the line. Getting your fixtures properly packaged, secured, and documented is the final step in protecting your investment and ensuring your retail project stays on schedule. Let’s walk through the essential steps to get your shipment ready for its dedicated journey.

Properly Packaging and Securing Your Cargo

Even though FTL shipping involves minimal handling, your fixtures will still be on the move, subject to road vibrations and potential shifts during transit. Proper packaging is your first line of defense. Start by securing your items on sturdy pallets, stacking them evenly with heavier pieces on the bottom to create a stable base. Use high-quality shrink wrap and banding to hold everything tightly together. Inside the trailer, it’s important to fill any empty spaces with dunnage—like airbags or bracing—to prevent your cargo from sliding. This attention to detail is a crucial part of our complete quality control process, ensuring your custom-built pieces arrive in pristine, ready-to-install condition.

Labeling and Documentation Essentials

Clear and accurate paperwork is just as critical as a well-packed pallet. The most important document is the Bill of Lading (BOL), which acts as a legal contract between you and the carrier. It must contain precise details, including the shipper and consignee addresses, an accurate description of the freight, the exact piece count, and the correct weight. Any inaccuracies can lead to billing adjustments or delays at the delivery point. Each pallet should also be clearly labeled with the destination address and contact information. Getting these details right is fundamental to a smooth delivery, and it’s a core focus for our project management team, who handle the logistics so you can focus on your store opening.

Common FTL Challenges (And How to Solve Them)

While FTL shipping offers fantastic benefits for large-scale retail rollouts, it’s not always a straight path. It comes with potential hurdles, but with foresight and the right partner, you can easily sidestep these issues. Understanding the challenges ahead of time helps you plan better, protect your budget, and ensure your custom fixtures arrive safely and on schedule. Let’s walk through a few key challenges and how to solve them.

Common Myths About FTL Shipping Costs

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming the initial FTL quote is the final price. Hidden costs can pop up if you’re not prepared. For example, some retailers skip freight insurance to save money, thinking a dedicated truck means zero risk. But accidents happen, and it can be a costly gamble. Another common issue is improper packaging. A large shipment with inaccurate measurements can lead to freight class miscalculations and surprise fees. The solution is to work with a partner who prioritizes complete quality control from manufacturing to final delivery, ensuring everything is packed and measured correctly.

What to Do When FTL Capacity is Tight

You’ve probably heard about driver shortages and supply chain disruptions. These challenges affect the entire logistics industry, including FTL shipping. Finding qualified drivers and available trucks can be tough, especially when demand suddenly spikes. When future shipment volumes are unclear, you might face last-minute changes, unused space, and higher costs. The key to managing this is proactive project management and customer service. A reliable partner with strong carrier relationships can anticipate these issues, secure capacity in advance, and keep your fixture rollout on track, even when the market is unpredictable.

Understanding Seasonal Shipping Fluctuations

The logistics market has its own seasons, and they can have a major impact on your shipping costs and timelines. Just like retail has its peak times, so does the freight industry. These fluctuations are driven by everything from agricultural harvests in the spring to the back-to-school rush in late summer. During these periods, demand for trucks skyrockets, making capacity tight and causing rates to climb. Understanding these patterns is essential for planning a successful fixture rollout. This is where strong project management becomes invaluable. A partner with deep industry knowledge can anticipate these shifts, securing trucks and favorable pricing well in advance. This proactive approach protects your budget and ensures your custom fixtures arrive on schedule, keeping your project on track regardless of market volatility.

How to Maximize Your Trailer Space

Every square foot of unused space in a trailer is wasted money. With rising freight costs and pressure for faster delivery, optimizing your shipping budget is critical. A common pitfall is inviting too many carriers to a bid, which can complicate the process without guaranteeing the best value. Instead of juggling quotes, focus on a partner who specializes in logistics, transportation, and distribution. They can help consolidate shipments, plan efficient routes, and select the right carrier. This strategic approach ensures you’re not just filling a truck—you’re making the most of every dollar spent.

How to Find the Right FTL Shipping Solution

Choosing the right shipping strategy is just as important as designing the perfect store fixtures. When you’re coordinating a multi-store rollout, your logistics plan can make or break your timeline and budget. Finding the right FTL shipping solution means looking beyond the base rate and considering the entire picture, from the carrier’s reliability to the technology they use. A great logistics partner will help you get your fixtures delivered on time and in perfect condition, ensuring your stores are ready for customers on opening day. Let’s walk through the key steps to finding an FTL solution that fits your retail needs.

When Does FTL Make Financial Sense?

Deciding between FTL and LTL often comes down to simple math. If you have enough freight to fill or nearly fill a trailer—typically 10 or more pallets—FTL is usually the more economical choice. You pay a flat rate for the entire truck, which can be cheaper per item than shipping individual pallets. But cost isn't the only factor. FTL is also significantly faster. Because the truck carries only your goods, it travels directly to the destination with no extra stops. For time-sensitive projects like a new store opening or a seasonal display rollout, that speed and predictability are invaluable. The right logistics and transportation plan ensures your fixtures arrive exactly when you need them.

What to Look For in an FTL Carrier

Your FTL carrier is more than just a delivery service; they’re a partner in your project’s success. When evaluating potential carriers, look for a proven track record of reliability and experience in the retail sector. Do they have the right equipment and capacity to handle your specific fixtures without causing damage? A reputable carrier will have a strong safety record, comprehensive insurance, and excellent customer service. Ask about their communication protocols and how they handle unexpected delays. A partner with strong project management will provide clear updates and work proactively to keep your shipments on schedule, giving you peace of mind.

Ways to Book FTL Freight

Once you’ve decided that FTL is the right fit for your project, the next step is to actually book the truck. There are two main ways to secure FTL freight: through a long-term contract or on the open spot market. Each approach has its own set of benefits and is better suited for different types of shipping needs. For retailers managing everything from predictable, ongoing rollouts to unexpected, one-off shipments, understanding both options is key to building a flexible and cost-effective logistics strategy. Let's look at how each one works so you can decide which is right for your next shipment.

Contract Freight

If you have consistent, predictable shipping needs—like a multi-store rollout planned over several months—contract freight is an excellent option. This involves negotiating a set price with a carrier to move a specific volume of freight along a particular route for an extended period. Carriers appreciate this arrangement because it gives them guaranteed business, which often translates into more favorable and stable pricing for you. The biggest advantage is predictability; you know your costs and have secured capacity in advance. This approach is a core part of a well-managed logistics and distribution plan, as it removes the guesswork from your budget and timeline.

Spot Market

The spot market is where you book a truck for a single, immediate shipment. Think of it as the on-demand version of freight shipping. Rates on the spot market are determined by current supply and demand, meaning they can change daily. This option offers great flexibility and can sometimes be cheaper if you’re shipping during an off-peak time when more trucks are available. However, the opposite is also true—prices can spike during busy seasons or when capacity is tight. The spot market is ideal for one-off projects, last-minute shipments, or for routes that you don’t use regularly.

Breaking Down FTL Pricing and Surcharges

FTL pricing is generally more straightforward than LTL. You’ll typically pay a flat rate for the truck, and this rate is often negotiable based on the lane, season, and volume. However, it’s important to understand what’s included in that rate. Beyond the base freight cost, you’ll likely see a fuel surcharge, which fluctuates with diesel prices. Be sure to ask about potential extra fees, known as accessorial charges, for services like driver assistance with unloading or delivery to a location without a standard loading dock. Understanding the full cost structure upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises when the invoice arrives.

Detention Fees

Time is money in logistics, and detention fees are a perfect example. These charges are applied when a driver has to wait at your pickup or delivery location longer than the agreed-upon free time, which is usually about two hours. This can happen if your on-site team isn't ready to unload, the loading dock is backed up, or there's an issue with the paperwork. To avoid these preventable costs, clear communication and scheduling are key. Ensure your receiving team is prepped and ready for the truck’s arrival. A well-coordinated project management plan helps keep everyone aligned, preventing delays that lead to unnecessary fees.

Layover Fees

A layover fee is essentially an overnight detention fee. It’s charged when a driver is forced to wait overnight because a delivery can't be completed on the scheduled day. This might happen if you miss a strict delivery appointment at a mall or if the receiving location closes before your truck can be unloaded. These fees compensate the driver for their lost time and the cost of keeping the truck idle. The best way to prevent them is to confirm delivery hours and appointments well in advance and maintain open communication with your carrier, especially if you anticipate any delays on your end.

Lumper Fees

You might see a "lumper fee" on your invoice and wonder what it is. This is a charge for third-party workers hired to unload your freight from the truck. While some drivers handle unloading themselves, many do not, and some receiving facilities require you to use their in-house team for liability reasons. According to Amazon Freight Services, these fees are common for items that require more than one person to handle safely. To avoid surprises, clarify who is responsible for unloading—your team, the driver, or a lumper service—before the truck is even booked. This ensures everyone is on the same page when your fixtures arrive.

Liftgate Service

Not every retail location has a standard loading dock. If your fixtures are being delivered to a standalone store, a pop-up shop, or a site still under construction, you’ll likely need a truck with a liftgate. A liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the back of the truck that lowers freight from the trailer to the ground. Requesting this service comes with an additional fee, but it’s essential for a safe and efficient unload without a dock. Be sure to assess your delivery site’s capabilities ahead of time and request a liftgate when you book your shipment to prevent any last-minute issues.

Tolls and Permits

Depending on the route your shipment takes, you may see charges for tolls and permits. Tolls are straightforward costs for using certain highways or bridges. Permits, on the other hand, are sometimes required for oversized or overweight loads, which could apply if you’re shipping exceptionally large or uniquely shaped custom displays. While these costs are often unavoidable, a transparent logistics partner will discuss them with you upfront. They should be able to provide an estimate and clarify whether these fees are included in the initial quote or will be billed separately, helping you maintain a clear and accurate budget for your project.

Using Tech to Make FTL Shipping Easier

In modern logistics, technology is essential for efficiency and visibility. The best FTL providers use a Transportation Management System (TMS) to plan routes, manage shipments, and provide real-time tracking. This technology gives you a clear view of where your fixtures are at all times, from the moment they leave the warehouse until they arrive at your store. A robust TMS also helps optimize routes for speed and cost-effectiveness. When your logistics partner leverages smart tools for inventory and warehouse management, you can trust that your entire supply chain is running smoothly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose FTL over LTL shipping? FTL is the best choice when you have a large shipment, typically 10 or more pallets worth of fixtures. It's also the right move for high-value, fragile, or time-sensitive deliveries. If your project involves a tight deadline for a store opening or a major remodel, the speed and reliability of a dedicated truck make FTL the superior option.

How does FTL shipping help prevent damage to my custom fixtures? Because your fixtures are the only items on the truck, they are loaded at the start of the journey and aren't touched again until they arrive at their destination. This single-touch process eliminates the extra handling that occurs at multiple terminals during LTL shipping, which drastically reduces the risk of scuffs, dings, or other damage to your valuable custom pieces.

Is FTL always the fastest shipping option? Yes, for ground transport, FTL is almost always the fastest method. The truck is dedicated exclusively to your shipment and travels directly from the pickup point to the delivery destination. There are no stops to pick up or drop off other freight along the way, which results in quicker transit times and more predictable delivery schedules.

What if I don't have enough freight to fill an entire truck? If your shipment is small and your timeline is flexible, Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping might be a more practical solution since you only pay for the space you use. However, it's always a good idea to discuss your needs with your logistics partner. They can sometimes help consolidate multiple smaller shipments to make an FTL route more cost-effective and efficient for you.

How can I avoid surprise fees with FTL shipping? The best way to prevent unexpected costs is to work with a transparent logistics partner who provides a detailed quote upfront. Be sure to ask about potential accessorial charges, such as fees for driver assistance or delivery to a site without a loading dock. Clear communication and proper planning ensure your final invoice matches your budget.

How Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) Impact Your Shipment

You might hear the term “ELD” come up when discussing shipping, and it’s a key factor in modern logistics. An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is essentially a digital logbook that automatically records a driver's hours on the road. This technology ensures drivers comply with federal Hours of Service regulations, which are designed to prevent fatigue and improve safety. While this is a positive step for road safety, it has a direct impact on your fixture shipments. For instance, with driving time strictly monitored, a driver can typically cover only about 500-550 miles in a day, which can affect next-day delivery schedules for longer routes. This strict adherence to regulations can also lead to tighter truck availability and increased shipping rates. Understanding these factors is crucial for realistic project planning, and it’s another reason why partnering with an experienced logistics team is so valuable—they can anticipate these variables and build a reliable delivery schedule for your rollout.

What Is FTL Shipping? A Complete Business Guide