FTL vs LTL Freight: Which Should You Choose for Azerbaijan?
FTL vs LTL Freight: Which Should You Choose for Azerbaijan?
What Are FTL and LTL?
FTL (Full Truck Load): You rent the entire capacity of a truck. Your cargo travels directly from sender to receiver without sharing space.
LTL (Less Than Truck Load): Multiple shippers' cargo is consolidated in one truck. You pay only for the space you use.
Key Differences
| Parameter | FTL | LTL |
|---|---|---|
| Billing basis | Full truck | m³ / LDM / kg |
| Shared space | No | Yes (other shippers) |
| Transit time | Faster | 1-3 days longer |
| Handling risk | Lower | Higher (cross-docking) |
| Minimum volume | ~33 LDM | From 1 pallet |
| Price | Fixed | By volume/weight |
When to Choose FTL
1. Large volume shipments
If your cargo exceeds 15 LDM or 18+ CBM, FTL is usually cheaper than LTL.
2. Time-critical deliveries
FTL trucks go direct — no consolidation center stops.
3. Valuable or fragile cargo
Fewer handlings = less risk. Electronics, medical equipment, fragile goods travel safer on FTL.
4. Special equipment needed
Refrigerated (reefer), flatbed, oversized — these are typically FTL formats.
When to Choose LTL
1. Small shipments (1-10 pallets)
LTL is significantly cheaper than FTL when your volume is low.
2. No fixed schedule
Consolidation services typically run on weekly departures.
3. Budget constraints
For small businesses, LTL keeps startup shipping costs low.
Sample Rates: Azerbaijan Shipments
Turkey to Baku (1 pallet, ~500 kg, 2 CBM)
- LTL: ~$120–200
- FTL (18t): ~$1,800–2,500 (not cost-effective at small volume)
China to Baku (10 pallets, 5,000 kg, 20 CBM)
- LTL (Middle Corridor rail): ~$800–1,200
- FCL 20ft: ~$3,000–4,500
Rule of Thumb
Under 15 LDM → LTL. Over 15 LDM → FTL.
Trazeroad offers both services. Share your cargo details via WhatsApp (+994 10 313 36 22) and we'll recommend the most cost-effective option.