LTL (Less Than Truckload)

What is LTL (Less Than Truckload)?

LTL is a type of road freight in which your shipment shares truck space with the cargo of other business customers. Less Than Truckload thus describes a solution that falls between standard parcel shipping and FTL, where a single customer has the entire truck to themselves.

How Consolidated Shipping Works in Practice

In consolidated shipping, the freight forwarder combines cargo from multiple shippers into a single shipment. The cargo can be consolidated with other pallets and packages when the route, capacity, and handling requirements are compatible.

You pay for the capacity required by the cargo, rather than for an entire trailer. This may be useful when you have just a few pallets, several packages, or a small partial load that doesn't require a direct trip.

LTL, general cargo, and part load—what’s the difference?

In Danish and European transportation, LTL is often used interchangeably with “general cargo,” “part load,” and “partial load.” However, these terms do not always refer to exactly the same thing. General cargo is often part of a distribution network, while a part load or partial load can constitute a larger portion of a truck’s capacity.

Designations and limits vary between transportation networks and routes. U.S. NMFC classes, weight limits, and fixed pallet limits are therefore not a universal standard for transportation from Denmark.

When is LTL the right choice?

LTL is a good choice when the shipment is too large for standard parcel shipping but too small to require an entire trailer. This solution is particularly well-suited for companies with variable shipment volumes or recurring deliveries to customers and business partners in Europe.

Small and Recurring Business Shipments

If you have a few pallets or several packages that need to be shipped from Denmark to a European customer, LTL can provide access to shared capacity in a trailer. This also applies to regular weekly deliveries where the volume varies from order to order.

When the delivery time allows for consolidated shipping

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping requires planning because freight may pass through several handling points before delivery. LTL therefore has a longer transit time than direct full-truckload (FTL) shipping, and the specific route and transit time are confirmed in the quote.

When Direct FTL or Express Is a Better Choice

If the shipment volume is large, the truck needs to travel directly, or the shipment is highly time-sensitive, FTL may be the right solution. For express shipments or jobs where every hour counts, Nordcarrier can also evaluate express or air freight options.

LTL, general cargo, part load, or FTL?

The right road freight service depends on how much space the cargo takes up, how sensitive it is to handling, and whether the shipment needs to be transported directly. Use the comparison as a basis for your decision, and let the specific route determine the final solution.

Choose general cargo for smaller, non-standard shipments

General cargo is appropriate when you are shipping limited quantities and the goods can be incorporated into a scheduled distribution route. Proper palletizing, labeling, and shipping information are essential for smooth handling.

Select LTL or part load for a portion of the truck's capacity

Choose LTL or part load when the shipment takes up more space than a small general cargo shipment but does not require an entire trailer. However, non-stackable cargo or items with special dimensions may require more space than the number of pallets alone would indicate.

Choose FTL for large volumes or when direct delivery is needed

FTL is the obvious choice when you want to reserve a truck exclusively for your own cargo. It reduces the number of handling points and ensures a more direct transport process.

Not sure which category your shipment falls under? Contact Nordcarrier —we evaluate general cargo, LTL, part loads, and FTL based on the specific shipment.

What determines an LTL quote?

An LTL quote is determined by the capacity and handling requirements of the shipment on the selected route. The number of packages is important, but dimensions, total weight, load meters, and stackability can be just as important.

Route, destination, weight, and capacity requirements

The pickup and delivery locations define the scope of the shipment. Nordcarrier then estimates the number of pallets or packages, their dimensions, total weight, and the space the cargo will occupy in the truck.

Stackability, Accessibility, and Special Handling

Non-stackable cargo requires extra space. Access conditions, loading facilities, the need for forklift delivery, and any special requirements for pickup or delivery must also be specified from the outset.

Information Nordcarrier

• Pickup and delivery locations with appropriate access conditions.
• Number of packages or pallets, as well as dimensions and total weight.
• Product type, packaging, and information about the cargo can be stacked.
• Preferred pickup location and any requirements regarding loading facilities.
• ADR, temperature requirements, fragile cargo, or other special cargo requirements.

The transportation solution and actual transit time will be confirmed in the quote once all transportation data has been evaluated.

How an LTL shipment works from start to finish

An LTL shipment begins with accurate shipping information and ends with delivery and proper documentation. As a freight forwarder, Nordcarrier coordinates the truck, consolidated shipments, and any necessary clarifications along the way.

1. Shipping Information and Booking: You provide the route, package details, dimensions, weight, type of goods, and any special requirements. Nordcarrier will determine whether general cargo, LTL, part load, or FTL is the best option.
2. Pickup and Inspection of Cargo: The cargo will be picked up according to the agreed-upon schedule. Packaging, labeling, and the reported dimensions must be accurate so that capacity and handling can be planned correctly.
3. Consolidation and line haul: The shipment is consolidated with other cargo that matches the route and transport requirements. The main transport, also known as line haul, is carried out as part of the planned network.
4. Transshipment and local distribution, if any: LTL may involve transshipment or cross-docking before the cargo is forwarded for local distribution. Therefore, this solution places greater demands on stable packaging than direct FTL.
5. Delivery and Transport Documentation: Delivery marks the end of the transport process. For international road freight, the CMR is used as the primary transport document, while other commercial documents depend on the route and the transaction.

Specific routes, capacity, and transit times are determined during the quote or booking process to ensure the solution is tailored to your shipment.

Preparation, Packaging, and Documentation

Proper packaging reduces the risk of errors and damage, because consolidated road freight may involve multiple handling points. Cargo must be able to be handled safely from pickup to delivery.

Pack for Multiple Handling Points

Heavy cargo must be placed securely on a suitable pallet or in suitable shipping packaging. Use stretch film, corner protectors, and fasteners as needed to keep the items together during handling.

Labeling, Dimensions, and Weight

Clearly label each package with the sender, recipient, and relevant reference information. Provide accurate dimensions, weight, number of packages, and stackability. Errors in shipping data can affect both planning and capacity assessment.

CMR, Incoterms, and Customs Documents

The CMR serves as documentation for international road transport. Incoterms 2020 define, among other things, the parties’ responsibilities regarding transport, risk, and customs matters. For shipments across customs borders, customs clearance and trade documents may be required, depending on the route and trade conditions.

LTL in Denmark and Europe

Nordcarrier Handles LTL, general cargo, and less-than-truckload shipments in Denmark and on European routes. The network makes it possible to consolidate domestic distribution and international trucking with a single transportation partner.

Domestic LTL and General Cargo in Denmark

Nordcarrier operates 150 daily round trips to and from Denmark’s largest cities. The service also covers city centers and pedestrian zones, and all Danish drivers hold a forklift operator’s license.

LTL to Scandinavia

Nordcarrier n Scandinavia handles road freight to and from Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The solution is determined based on the volume of goods, delivery requirements, and the practical circumstances of the shipper and recipient.

Deliveries to Central Europe, Benelux, France, and Spain

Nordcarrier Continent handles shipments to and from Central Europe, the Benelux countries, France, and Spain. Its international network consists of more than 300 approved, dedicated vehicles, while the combined fleet and dedicated vehicle network comprises more than 400 vehicles.

LTL for cargo with special requirements

LTL can be used for many types of cargo, but special requirements must be assessed before booking. This applies in particular to cargo where safety, packaging, or mode of transport are critical factors.

Hazardous Materials and ADR

Dangerous goods require accurate information, classification, and documentation before the shipment can be assessed. The ADR regulations apply to road transport and must be incorporated into the planning process from the outset.

Fragile or non-stackable cargo

Fragile cargo must be packaged so that it can withstand consolidation and handling. Non-stackable cargo may require more capacity and affect the assessment of whether LTL, part load, or FTL is the right solution.

Temperature Requirements and Time-Sensitive Deliveries

Shipments with temperature requirements or a high degree of urgency require a separate assessment. Time-sensitive shipments may require FTL, express shipping, or air freight rather than standard LTL.

LTL shipping with Nordcarrier

Nordcarrier has been working in the transportation and freight forwarding industry since 2006. You’ll have access to road, air, and ocean freight through a single point of contact, while European LTL shipments are planned as road freight.

Fixed vehicle network and 24/7 operations center

With a combined fleet of over 400 vehicles and a fixed network of vehicles, Nordcarrier can evaluate solutions across Danish and international routes. The operations center is staffed 24/7/365, ensuring that an operational contact is available for transport assignments outside normal business hours.

Short Decision-Making Chains in a Partner-Owned Organization

Nordcarrier is partner-owned, and sales and department managers are co-owners with direct responsibility and authority. This ensures quick decision-making when a transportation assignment requires clarification or adjustment.

Documented Management Systems

Nordcarrier is certified under ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 27001 for information security. All of its own vehicles meet Euro 6 standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About LTL

Contact Nordcarrier for a specific assessment of whether your shipment should be transported as general cargo, LTL, part load, or FTL. Provide the route, number of packages or pallets, dimensions, weight, type of goods, and any special requirements, or contact us directly for expert advice. You’ll receive personalized service and access to Nordcarrier’s 24/7/365 operations center whenever the job requires it.