Selecting the right type of freight shipping can make a big difference to your transport costs, timelines, and the efficiency of your supply chain. Businesses have options, including truckload, LTL, intermodal, and drayage; determining how each method works and when to use it can enable businesses to move freight wisely without making expensive mistakes.
This article will demystify the most common methods of freight shipping, compare their costs and intended uses, and explain how to decide which is best for your shipment.
What Are Freight Shipping Methods?
Freight shipping methods are the means by which goods are transported from origin to final destination. Different freight shipping methods have different advantages or disadvantages, depending on the particular requirements of your load, distance, timeline, and, of course, budget. Each approach has its trade-offs in cost, speed, flexibility, and risk.
The following are the most popular methods for freight shipping:
- Truckload (FTL)
- Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
- Intermodal shipping
- Drayage
Knowing the differences in these logistics shipping solutions can help align the transportation strategy with business goals.
Truckload Shipping (FTL)
Truckload shipping, also known as Full Truckload (FTL), is moving products by dedicating an entire truck to a single shipment. It’s point-to-point, without any stops in between pickup and delivery.
When to Use Truckload Shipping
- Shipments over 10,000–15,000 lbs
- High-volume or full-capacity loads
- Time-sensitive deliveries
- Fragile or high-value freight requiring minimal handling
The advantages of Truckload Shipping
- Faster transit times due to direct routes
- Reduced risk of damage or loss
- Predictable scheduling and pricing
- Ideal for long-distance hauls
Considerations
While truckload shipping can be more costly than shared options (such as LTL), it is more reliable and generally offers better control. For larger orders, it can sometimes even make more financial sense than breaking up freight across several LTL moves.
Learn more in our Truckload Shipping Guide.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping
LTL shipping is combining numerous shipments from various shippers into one truck. Each shipper is billed for the amount of space their freight occupies.
When Best to Use LTL Shipping
- Shipments between 150 and 10,000 lbs
- Smaller freight volumes
- Flexible delivery timelines
The advantages of LTL Shipping
- Lower cost for small shipments
- No need to fill an entire trailer
- Widely available across regions
Considerations
Since LTL freight is handled several times and makes multiple stops, it tends to take longer transit times and has a higher likelihood of damage than truckload shipping.
This factor made truckload vs LTL a critical decision point for shippers seeking to find a balance between cost and speed.
Intermodal Shipping
Intermodal shipping refers to the method of using more than one mode of transportation – in most cases, rail and truck – to transport cargo in a single container without unloading it.
When Best to Use Intermodal Shipping
- Long-distance shipments
- Cost-sensitive freight
- Predictable transit schedules
The advantages of Intermodal Shipping
- Lower transportation costs compared to long-haul trucking
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Increased capacity availability
Considerations
This being said, intermodal shipping may not be as fast as truckload due to rail schedules and terminal-offs. It also requires coordination among carriers. For many shippers, intermodal vs truckload is a decision with the purpose of balancing between speed and flexibility.
Drayage Shipping
Drayage is the delivery of goods over a short distance, most commonly by a trucking company, from ocean ports to nearby warehouses. It is frequently one part of an overall intermodal or ocean shipping package, and not an end-to-end stand-alone method.
When Best to Use Drayage
- Moving containers from ports or rail ramps
- Supporting intermodal shipments
- Managing first-mile or last-mile freight
The advantages of Drayage
- Essential for port and rail connectivity
- Enables smooth transitions between transport modes
- Helps reduce congestion and delays
Considerations
Drayage charges may vary due to port congestion, detention fees, and chassis availability. Knowing where drayage fits into your supply chain can provide better control of all freight shipment costs.
To get a deeper knowledge, explore:
- What Is Drayage?
- How Does Drayage Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Drayage?
- Is Drayage Considered Intermodal?
- How Much Does Drayage Cost?
- What Is the Difference Between Truckload and Drayage?
Freight Shipping Methods Comparison
| Shipping Method | Best For | Cost | Speed | Handling |
| Truckload (FTL) | Large, time-sensitive loads | Higher | Fast | Minimal |
| LTL | Small shipments | Lower | Slower | Multiple touches |
| Intermodal | Long-distance, cost-focused | Lower | Moderate | Containerized |
| Drayage | Short-haul container moves | Variable | Short-distance | Terminal-based |
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
Choosing the right freight shipping method depends on several factors:
- Shipment size and weight
- Delivery urgency
- Budget constraints
- Distance traveled
- Risk tolerance and handling needs
In several cases, combining multiple methods, like the example of intermodal shipping with drayage support, provides the most efficient logistics solution.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t a shipping method that fits every scenario. Truckload, LTL, intermodal, and drayage all play unique roles in today’s logistics networks. And understanding how they compare can help businesses adopt cost-effective and reliable shipping and keep supply chains flowing smoothly.
If you’re trying to figure out how best to ship your goods, WTL can help you evaluate your options and streamline your supply chain. Contact WTL to discuss the right way to freight for your business.