Should this Shipment Move
LTL or Box Truck?
Most companies know when a shipment is too small for a full truckload.
Far fewer know when it has become too large for LTL.
Find out in less than 30 seconds.
Quick Answer
Shipment Size
Starting Point
1 – 5 Pallets
Usually LTL
6 – 12 Pallets
COMPARE BOTH
12+ Pallets
Usually Box Truck
Advantages of using a box truck
No surprise costs.
LTL pricing can shift after pickup, with reweighs, reclassifications, and accessorial fees landing on the invoice instead of the quote. Partial truckload is priced on the space you use, so what you’re quoted stays close to what you actually end up paying.
Direct movement.
LTL freight moves through several terminals, unloaded and reloaded along the way, and every touch adds risk of damage or delay. Partial truckload usually rides one truck from pickup to delivery, so fewer hands touch your freight and transit stays steady.
Real visibility.
LTL freight changes hands often inside a terminal network, so tracking lags and you rarely know exactly where your shipment is. A more direct route means fewer stops and far clearer status, plus a delivery window you can build a reliable schedule around.
Find Out Which Mode Fits Your Freight
Not sure which mode fits?
Tell us the shipment details and we’ll point you in the right direction.
We’ll review the shipment and point you in the right direction.
Why the 6 - 12 Pallet Range Matters
- Most shipping decisions are obvious.
- A 2-pallet shipment usually belongs in an LTL network.
- A shipment occupying a large portion of a trailer usually belongs in a truckload, partial truckload, or box truck environment.
- The challenge is the middle.
- Shipments in the 6–12 pallet range often continue moving via LTL simply because that's how they've always been shipped.
- Depending on the freight, lane, handling requirements, and transit expectations, another mode may make more sense.
Want the Full Breakdown?
Read our detailed comparison of LTL and Partial Truckload, including freight classification, handling differences, transit times, and cost considerations.
