FTL (Full Truck Load) is a mode of transport in which an entire truck or trailer is dedicated to a single shipper's cargo. The cargo goes directly from the loading point to the consignee without transhipment. A standard 13.6-metre curtainsider trailer takes 33 euro pallets and about 24–25 tonnes of cargo; freight is priced per vehicle, not by the quantity of cargo.
What do you buy in full truckload transport?
In FTL, the shipper hires the vehicle's entire capacity. The price is the same whether the trailer is half full or completely full; in return, the vehicle sets off for that load only, does not stop at other addresses, and the cargo is not transferred to another vehicle en route. For this reason, FTL is preferred for shipments that fill most of the trailer or have a fixed delivery date.
Capacity can be reached in two ways: volume or weight. With light but bulky products such as insulation materials or furniture, the trailer fills up before reaching the tonnage limit. With steel, stone or machine parts, the weight limit is reached before the volume.
Which vehicle types are used?
| Trailer type | Approximate internal dimensions | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard curtainsider | 13.6 × 2.45 × 2.7 m | Palletised general cargo, 33 euro pallets |
| Mega trailer | 13.6 × 2.45 × 3.0 m | Bulky, light cargo |
| Refrigerated | 13.4 × 2.45 × 2.6 m | Food, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive products |
| Lowbed / open platform | Depends on the project | Machinery, construction equipment, out-of-gauge cargo |
Dimensions vary by a few centimetres depending on the manufacturer; a detailed table is in the entry on truck trailer internal dimensions.
At what volume and tonnage is FTL preferred?
In part-load transport, the price rises with loading metres (ldm). Once the cargo exceeds 8–10 ldm or 12–15 tonnes, the full truck price often comes close to or falls below the part-load price. Calculating loading metres clarifies this decision. On the weight side, in Türkiye Article 128 of the Road Traffic Regulation (Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği) sets the maximum laden weight of a tractor and semi-trailer combination with five or more axles at 40 tonnes, the length at 16.50 metres, the width at 2.55 metres and the height at 4 metres. After deducting the unladen weight of the tractor and trailer, the net payload is about 24–25 tonnes.
Effect of a direct trip on transit time and damage risk
A vehicle that does not stop at transhipment warehouses delivers faster and more predictably than part-load transport. The cargo is sealed at the loading dock and not opened until the consignee's dock; the number of forklift handlings drops to two. At customs, because there is a single shipper and a single declaration in the vehicle, missing paperwork from another company does not hold up the vehicle. These differences are explained in detail in the entry on the difference between direct trips and transhipment.
How is FTL planned and booked?
- Cargo details: Gross weight, number and size of pallets, stackability, and any ADR or temperature requirements are provided.
- Address and time window: Loading and delivery addresses, dock hours and any appointment requirement are shared.
- Vehicle selection and quotation: The forwarder or carrier determines the suitable trailer type and states the freight and free waiting time in the quotation.
- Vehicle allocation: After confirmation, the plate number and driver details are sent to the shipper.
- Loading and documents: The cargo is secured, the CMR and customs documents are prepared, and the vehicle is sealed.
- Tracking and delivery: The vehicle's location is monitored, and a signed CMR copy is obtained at delivery.
Planning is usually done by a freight forwarder (taşıma işleri organizatörü) or by the operations department of a fleet-owning carrier. The general flow of international trips is described in the entry on international road transport.
Common mistakes
- Not allowing for loading time; waiting beyond the free time is invoiced separately.
- Concentrating heavy items at one end of the trailer; axle loads can be exceeded even if the total weight is within limits.
- Understating the height of the cargo; cargo that needs a mega trailer will not fit in a standard vehicle.
How does Voltim Global help?
Voltim Global has organised more than 5,000 shipments since 2014 and carried out more than 1,500 international trips in the last two years. For full truckload transport requests, the vehicle type, load plan and document preparation are finalised before loading.