Komplettladung

What is a full truck load?

With a full truck load, the entire cargo space of a vehicle – typically an articulated truck, swap body vehicle, or drawbar combination – is reserved for exactly one shipment or one client. The freight typically originates from a single dispatch point and is delivered to a single consignee, without intermediate stops or transhipment points. The vehicle travels directly from the shipper to the consignee, which in many cases reduces transit time compared to consolidated solutions.

Billing is usually based on a flat rate per trip or lane, regardless of whether the vehicle's volume or weight limit is actually fully utilized. The key point is that the client books the entire cargo space exclusively. Whether the vehicle is physically 70% or 100% full generally does not affect the price – the client bears the utilization risk.

How does full truck load work in practice?

In practice, two key limiting factors are distinguished: weight and volume. Depending on the nature of the freight, either the vehicle's permissible gross weight or the available cargo space may be the binding constraint. Heavy goods such as machine parts often reach the weight limit before the cargo space is full. Light, bulky goods such as packaging materials, on the other hand, fill the space before the weight limit is reached.

The following aspects are relevant for planning:

• Cut-off times and loading windows: By when must the goods be ready so that the vehicle can depart on time?
• Vehicle type and equipment: Are tail lifts, temperature control, or special cargo securing equipment required?
• Liability and insurance: With FTL, responsibility for the cargo clearly lies with the carrier; claims handling is generally simpler than with part loads.
• SLAs and on-time delivery: Direct transports without transhipment offer better predictability and are easier to monitor via tracking.

What matters when making a selection?

The decision in favor of a full truck load over a part load (LTL) or groupage freight depends primarily on shipment volume and delivery urgency. Beyond certain shipment sizes – often from around half a vehicle load – FTL can be more economical than the surcharge for multiple consolidated shipments. At the same time, transhipment risks and handling damage are eliminated, which is particularly relevant for sensitive or time-critical goods.

When purchasing carrier services and preparing tenders, you should consider not only the base freight rate but also ancillary costs such as waiting times, toll shares, surcharges for special vehicles, and any empty mileage. Vendors and conditions vary considerably depending on the lane and available capacity – particularly during peak seasons, market conditions can significantly influence prices.