Right-sized capacity
Move freight without dedicating an entire trailer to a shipment that only needs part of the available space.
DOMESTIC FREIGHT
LTL freight for shipments that don’t fill a trailer.
Move palletized freight without paying for trailer space you don't need. Less Than Truckload gives smaller shipments access to shared capacity while Prisma Freight helps coordinate the details that keep them moving.
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
The right amount of space for smaller freight.
Not every shipment needs its own trailer. Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight services combine freight from multiple shippers within a carrier network, making it a practical option for palletized shipments that use only part of the available trailer space.
Successful LTL shipping, however, depends on getting the details right before freight moves. Dimensions, weight, freight classification, packaging, accessorial requirements and pickup or delivery conditions can all affect how a shipment is handled and priced.
Prisma Freight helps bring those details together before the freight enters the network, giving your team a clearer transportation plan from the start.
Why shared capacity fits smaller shipments.
Practical for palletized freight
LTL provides a flexible transportation option for smaller palletized shipments moving through established carrier networks.
Flexible service options
Pickup, delivery and accessorial requirements can be coordinated around the needs of the shipment and its locations.
When shared capacity makes sense
Shipment profile
LTL can be a strong fit when palletized freight uses only a portion of a trailer and does not require dedicated truckload capacity.
Service requirements
Shipments moving between commercial locations, distribution facilities and other LTL-accessible points can take advantage of shared carrier capacity.
Planning considerations
Transit expectations, handling, freight class and pickup or delivery requirements should all be considered when deciding whether LTL is the right fit.
Pallets, dimensions and freight class
Shipment size and freight class
Pallet count, dimensions, weight, commodity and freight classification help determine how the shipment is quoted and moves through the LTL network.
Pickup and delivery requirements
Dock availability, business hours, appointments and location conditions should be identified before the shipment is scheduled.
Handling and accessorial needs
Liftgate service, limited-access locations and other special requirements should be communicated upfront to avoid surprises during pickup or delivery.
How Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping works.
Share shipment details
Send us the origin, destination, commodity, pallet count, dimensions, weight and requested timing.
Confirm requirements
We review freight classification and identify pickup, delivery or accessorial requirements that may affect the shipment.
Coordinate pickup
Once the transportation plan is confirmed, we coordinate the shipment's pickup and entry into the LTL carrier network.
Follow through on delivery
Prisma Freight stays connected to the move through delivery, helping your team keep track of the shipment along the way.
LTL lanes depend on the shipment and network.
LTL service availability depends on the origin, destination, shipment profile and carrier network. Prisma Freight reviews your locations, transit expectations and pickup and delivery requirements before coordinating the transportation approach.
Share dock access, appointments and any accessorial needs when planning the lane so the shipment can be evaluated against the available service.
LTL freight across different industries.
Smaller retail replenishment orders, consumer goods and manufacturing supplies can fit LTL when dedicated trailer capacity is unnecessary. Health and beauty businesses may use shared capacity for palletized packaging or finished products, depending on handling and shipment requirements.
Explore Health & Beauty freightWhy Prisma Freight.
Communication
Stay connected to the people coordinating your freight, with clearer communication from planning through delivery.
Coordination
We bring shipment details, carrier requirements and pickup and delivery needs together before the freight moves.
Shipment follow-through
Our involvement doesn't stop once the freight is picked up. We remain connected as the shipment moves toward its destination.
LTL or Full Truckload: which fits your shipment?
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Best suited to smaller freight volumes that do not require an entire trailer. Multiple shipments share carrier capacity as freight moves through the LTL network.
Full Truckload (FTL)
Dedicated trailer capacity can make more sense for larger shipments, freight that benefits from fewer handling points, or loads with specific equipment and timing requirements.
Explore full truckloadFAQ
LTL freight questions.
What information is needed for an LTL freight quote?
Provide the origin, destination, commodity, pallet count, exact packaged dimensions and total weight. Include the freight class or NMFC item when available, requested dates, dock access and any appointments, liftgate or limited-access requirements.
How do dimensions and weight affect LTL freight classification?
Dimensions and weight help establish shipment density, an important classification factor. Handling, stowability and commodity-specific requirements can also matter. Use accurate measurements, including packaging, and confirm the applicable classification rather than relying on density alone.
When should I choose full truckload instead of LTL?
Consider full truckload when freight uses most of a trailer, needs dedicated capacity or benefits from fewer handling points. For smaller palletized shipments, LTL may be more practical. Compare volume, handling needs and timing before choosing.
Continue exploring
Related Domestic Freight Services.
Domestic Freight
Full Truckload (FTL)
When your shipment needs the space and focus of a dedicated trailer, Full Truckload keeps freight moving directly from pickup to destination with fewer handling points along the way.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightDry Van
Enclosed trailer transportation for palletized and packaged general commodity freight.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightRefrigerated / Reefer
Refrigerated and temperature-controlled transportation planned around your shipment’s requirements.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightFlatbed & Open Deck
Open-deck transportation for oversized, irregular and specialized freight requirements.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightExpedited Freight
Freight coordination for urgent shipments with time-critical pickup and delivery requirements.
Explore ↗Let’s move forward
Plan your Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipment.
Send the pallet count, packaged dimensions, weight and pickup and delivery requirements. Prisma Freight can help coordinate an LTL plan around your shipment.