LTL vs. FTL
Break-Even Analyzer
Should you ship LTL or book a full truckload? Get a planning estimate and a clear recommendation — free, in seconds.
Don't know your class? Use our Freight Class Calculator.
When LTL Makes Sense
- • Under 10 pallets or ~10,000 lbs
- • Non-urgent transit windows
- • Shipments without full load discounts
- • Cost matters more than handling touches
When PTL Makes Sense
- • Roughly 8–18 pallets or 8,000–20,000 lbs
- • Too big for economical LTL
- • Fewer handoffs than LTL
- • No need for a dedicated full trailer
When FTL Makes Sense
- • Over 18 pallets or ~18,000 lbs
- • Time-sensitive or expedited loads
- • High-value or fragile freight
- • Cannabis, produce, or temp-controlled
Related Guide
LTL vs. FTL: How to Choose the Right Option for Each Shipment
6 min readAbout this tool
What it calculates
Compares LTL and FTL total costs side-by-side and finds the shipment weight at which switching to FTL becomes more cost-effective.
Who it's for
Shippers with growing shipment sizes who want to know when to stop using LTL carriers and switch to a dedicated truckload.
What you'll need
Your LTL rate per hundredweight and freight class, your FTL rate per load, and the shipment weight.
How to use the result
Use the break-even weight to make a data-driven mode decision. If you're regularly shipping above the break-even point, FTL is likely more cost-effective.
Key assumptions
Comparison uses per-unit cost only. FTL offers lower handling risk and potentially faster transit — factors not captured in this cost comparison alone.
When to confirm with a specialist
For shipments near the break-even point, contact OTR Logistics Solutions to get both LTL and FTL quotes for the specific lane and date before deciding.
Need help with this shipment?
OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.