Parcel vs LTL vs FTL
| Parcel | LTL | FTL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical load | Individual boxes | 1 to 6 pallets | A full trailer |
| Truck space | Carrier network | Shared with other shippers | Dedicated to one shipper |
| Handling | Many touches | Several terminal handoffs | Loaded once, delivered direct |
| Best for | DTC orders | Wholesale POs, FBA inbound, retail replenishment | Large volume, time-sensitive freight |
How LTL shipping works
- Freight is palletized, shrink-wrapped, and labeled.
- A bill of lading (BOL) documents what is shipping, where, and its freight class.
- The carrier picks up and consolidates your pallets with other shippers' freight.
- Freight moves through the carrier's terminal network, often with a delivery appointment at the destination.
- The receiver checks the freight in and notes any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt.
What drives LTL cost
- Weight and dimensions: heavier and bulkier costs more, and carriers reweigh freight.
- Freight class (NMFC): density and handling characteristics set the rating.
- Distance and lane: origin, destination, and how busy that route is.
- Accessorials: liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, and appointment scheduling add fees.
When brands use LTL
For ecommerce and CPG brands, LTL shows up in three places: inbound inventory arriving at the warehouse, wholesale and retail purchase orders leaving as pallets, and Amazon FBA inbound shipments that outgrow small parcel. Retail deliveries add routing-guide rules on top, such as carton labels and strict appointment windows, which is exactly what retail fulfillment and B2B fulfillment are built to handle.
RitePrep palletizes to spec, books the appointments, and routes both small parcel and LTL from the same Austin warehouse, including FBA forwarding by whichever mode your shipment plan calls for.