Full Truckload (FTL): Full truckload (FTL) freight fills a trailer or uses most of its capacity for a single shipper’s shipment, moving directly from origin to destination without being combined with other freight.
Why it matters to owner operators
FTL is the most common freight for owner operators with dry vans, reefers and flatbeds. It is typically priced by distance and lane conditions rather than by pallet.
Example
A shipper loads 24 pallets onto a 53-foot dry van that goes straight to one receiver.
Related terms
Brokerage & Loads: Not sure a broker or load is worth your time? We check brokers before we book freight for you, and you always choose which loads to haul. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
Haul smarter with a dispatch team behind you
Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.