Freight is one of those industries where a few unfamiliar terms (FTL, LTL, accessorials, freight class, detention) can cost a business real money. FreightLane Guide breaks down each shipping mode, the paperwork that goes with it and the trade-offs between price, speed and risk, so you can talk to carriers and brokers with confidence.
Choose the right way to ship
Full truckload (FTL)One shipper, one trailer, door to door. When it beats LTL and how pricing works.
Less than truckload (LTL)Share trailer space for 1–6 pallets. Freight class, density and the fees to watch.
Dedicated freightTrucks and drivers committed to your lanes, and when the contract makes sense.
Auto transportOpen vs enclosed carriers, RoRo and container shipping for vehicles and machinery.
WarehousingPublic, contract and overflow storage, cross-docking, and how warehouses charge.
International & cross-borderMoving freight between the US, Canada and overseas without customs surprises.
FTL or LTL? A quick rule of thumb
Most shipments fall into one of two buckets. If your freight fills more than about half of a 53-foot trailer, weighs more than roughly 15,000 lb, or simply cannot be handled more than once, full truckload is usually the cleaner choice. If you are moving between one and six standard pallets, less than truckload lets you pay only for the space you use.
The grey zone in between (roughly 6 to 14 pallets) is where volume LTL and partial truckload quotes shine. Always ask for both. Our freight cost estimator gives you a ballpark before you call anyone.
Specialized freight at a glance
| Equipment | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry van (53') | Palletized, boxed, non-perishable goods | Floor-loaded freight adds loading time and detention risk |
| Refrigerated (reefer) | Food, pharma, flowers, chemicals needing set temperatures | Pre-cooling, continuous vs cycle mode, temperature records |
| Flatbed / step deck | Steel, lumber, machinery, building materials | Tarping fees, securement rules, oversize permits |
| Intermodal container | Long-haul, non-urgent freight over ~700 miles | Extra transit days, drayage at each end |
| Car carrier | Passenger vehicles, light trucks | Inspection on the bill of lading at pickup and delivery |