Definition: Freight shipping where shipment does not fill entire vehicle, sharing vehicle space with other customers’ cargo. Opposite of FTL (Full Truckload).
Cold Chain LTL Considerations:
- Shared vehicle space (multiple customers)
- Multiple stops and door openings (temperature control challenge)
- Consolidation and cross-docking required
- Lower per-kg cost than FTL, but slower transit and more handling
When to Use LTL:
- Shipments under 6-8 pallets
- Cost-sensitive shipments
- Not time-critical deliveries
Challenges:
- Temperature excursions (multiple door openings)
- Product co-mingling (odor/contamination risk)
- Transit time variability
Related Terms: FTL, Consolidation, Cross-Docking, Multi-Stop