The one question that decides FTL vs LTL
When shippers ask whether full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL) is cheaper, the answer almost always comes down to a single question: how much of a trailer does your freight fill? LTL lets you pay for only the space you use by sharing a trailer with other shipments. FTL means you book the entire truck. Understanding where the cost lines cross saves you real money on every shipment.
There's no universally 'cheaper' option — the right choice flips depending on your load. This guide gives you a clear rule of thumb so you can pick correctly without guessing.
When LTL is the cheaper choice
For small shipments — roughly 1 to 6 skids — LTL is almost always more economical. You share the trailer and the cost with other shippers, so you're not paying for empty space. LTL pricing is based on your freight's weight, dimensions, freight class, and the accessorials you need, and on busy lanes out of the GTA the per-skid cost is very competitive.
The tradeoffs: LTL freight is handled at terminals along the way, transit can take a little longer, and appointment windows are less precise. For non-urgent, palletized freight that isn't fragile, those tradeoffs are usually well worth the savings.
When FTL becomes the cheaper choice
As your shipment grows past roughly 6 to 12 skids, the math starts to flip. Once you're filling half a trailer or more, the per-skid cost of LTL climbs toward — and eventually past — the flat cost of just booking the whole truck. At that point FTL is not only faster and safer (no terminal handling, one truck door to door) but often genuinely cheaper.
FTL also wins when your freight is fragile, high-value, or time-sensitive. A dedicated truck means no transfers between terminals, a firm pickup and delivery schedule, and less handling — which reduces the risk of damage that can make a 'cheap' LTL move expensive in the end.
The gray zone — and how to shop it
Between about 6 and 12 skids sits a gray zone where the cheaper option genuinely depends on the lane, the week, and current capacity. This is exactly where a freight broker earns their keep: rather than guessing, we can price your load both ways and simply tell you which comes back cheaper for your specific shipment.
As a Toronto-based brokerage, Shipmate quotes both FTL and LTL across Canada and into the US, so you always ship on the option that costs less for that load.
Ready to price your next load? Request a free estimate and a Shipmate specialist will respond with exact rates during business hours, or call (905) 508-6632.
Frequently asked questions
Is FTL or LTL cheaper?
It depends on how much of the trailer you fill. For roughly 1–6 skids, LTL is usually cheaper because you only pay for the space you use. Past roughly 6–12 skids, full truckload often becomes cheaper as well as faster. In the middle, it's worth pricing both ways.
How many pallets is too many for LTL?
There's no hard limit, but once you're filling about half a trailer (around 12+ standard skids) or the freight is heavy, FTL frequently prices better and avoids terminal handling. A quick quote on both options confirms the cheaper path.
Does LTL take longer than FTL?
Usually, yes. LTL freight moves through consolidation terminals, which adds transit time and less precise delivery windows. FTL travels directly from pickup to delivery with no transfers, so it's faster and lower-handling.