What full truckload shipping is
Full truckload, or FTL, is exactly what it sounds like. One shipper's freight fills the trailer, the truck drives from origin to destination, and no other freight is added or removed along the way. It's the right call when you have enough volume to fill a 48 or 53 foot trailer, when your freight is time-sensitive, or when you don't want it changing hands at terminals.
Because there are no terminal transfers and no other shippers' freight involved, FTL typically delivers faster than less-than-truckload and reduces handling damage. The trade-off is that you pay for the whole trailer whether it's full or not, so FTL only makes economic sense above a certain volume threshold.
Freight Squad arranges full truckload capacity across the country through a vetted truckload transportation provider network. We match industrial freight and manufacturing freight to the right equipment, confirm pickup and delivery windows, and stay on the load from dispatch through proof of delivery.
Why ship full truckload with Freight Squad
Capacity when you need it
Our transportation provider network covers every major lane in the country, so we can source trucks even in tight markets. We track capacity in real time and quote based on what's actually available, not last week's rates.
Dedicated account manager
You work with one person who knows your freight, your lanes, and your timing. Not a queue, not a chatbot. When something changes mid-load, you get a call, not a notification.
Pricing without surprises
Quotes include line haul, fuel, and any accessorials we know about up front. If detention or layover comes up, we communicate before the charge hits.
Vetted transportation providers only
Every transportation provider we use is checked for insurance, authority, safety scores, and on-time performance. Your freight moves with transportation providers we'd put our own freight with.
When to use full truckload
Full 48 or 53 foot trailer loads
Time-sensitive direct freight
High-value fragile shipments
Plant-to-DC manufacturing runs
Single-origin direct delivery
Strict pickup or delivery windows
Full Truckload FAQs
Full truckload usually makes sense once you have around 10 or more pallets, or freight that fills more than half a trailer. It's also the better choice for time-sensitive shipments and freight that you don't want transferred at terminals. Below that volume, LTL is typically more cost-effective because you only pay for the space your freight occupies.