When a shipment fills the trailer, the economics change. Full truckload shipping means the consignment occupies an entire truck, so the vehicle travels from origin to destination without intermediate handling of partial loads.

Shippers pay for the whole vehicle rather than by the hundredweight. Transit times are usually shorter and damage rates lower than in less-than-truckload networks because the freight is not rehandled at terminals. Capacity is booked directly with carriers or through brokers.

Full truckload suits high-volume lanes and time-sensitive freight. Empty return miles and detention at loading docks affect true cost. Matching shipment size to trailer capacity remains a basic lever for controlling transportation spend.

• Shipment that occupies an entire truck
• Travels direct without terminal rehandling
• Priced per vehicle rather than per weight unit
• Faster and gentler than typical LTL moves