Truckload (TL) shipping uses a single trailer for one shipper end-to-end.
Detailed Definition
Truckload (TL), also called full truckload, means one shipper's freight occupies a trailer that moves from origin to destination without being transferred or mixed with other shippers' freight. It is typically used when a shipment is large or heavy enough to justify a whole trailer, or when timing, security or fragile handling rules out LTL. Rates are commonly quoted per mile or as a flat lane rate, plus a fuel surcharge and any accessorial charges.
How truckload pricing is built
A truckload quote usually has three parts: a line haul rate for the lane, a fuel surcharge often indexed to a published weekly diesel price, and accessorial charges for extra services. Common accessorials include detention when loading or unloading runs past the free time, stop-off charges, layovers, and driver assist or lumper fees. Contract rates are negotiated for a set period, while spot rates reflect the market on the day.
Truckload versus LTL and partial loads
LTL carriers price by weight, freight class and distance, and move pallets through terminals. Truckload avoids terminal handling, so there are fewer touches and transit is usually more direct. In between, many carriers offer partial or volume LTL for shipments that fill part of a trailer. The best choice depends on pallet count, total weight, stackability and the delivery deadline, so compare quotes for each option on the same shipment.
Getting full value from the trailer
Plan the floor pattern and stacking in advance, check total weight against legal limits, and confirm the receiver's appointment and unloading method. A load can run out of floor space first or hit the weight limit first, and each case calls for a different fix.
Authoritative Sources
- American Trucking Associations (ATA): the largest national trade association for the US trucking industry.
- Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA): the trade association representing US freight intermediaries and 3PL operators.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it make sense to book a full truckload instead of LTL?
Consider truckload when a shipment fills a large share of the trailer floor, is heavy, is fragile or high value, or must arrive by a fixed time. LTL charges rise with weight and class and add terminal handling, so at some point a dedicated trailer becomes cheaper or safer. That point depends on the lane and the market, so get both quotes rather than relying on a fixed pallet count.
What is a fuel surcharge on a truckload rate?
A fuel surcharge is a separate charge that adjusts the rate as diesel prices change. Many carriers tie it to the weekly average diesel price published by the US Energy Information Administration, using a table that sets a charge per mile or a percentage for each price band. The table is part of the rate agreement, so review it when comparing carrier quotes.