LTL (Less than Truckload)

Less than Truckload shipping is for road freight shipments too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill an entire truck. Multiple shippers' goods share a single vehicle, with the carrier making several pickups and deliveries along a route. Each shipper pays based on the weight, dimensions, and freight class of their individual shipment rather than for the entire truck.

LTL fills the gap between parcel shipping (under 30 kilograms) and full truckload (filling an entire trailer). It is the most cost-effective road transport option for mid-sized shipments — typically 1 to 10 pallets. In Qatar's domestic distribution, LTL services enable businesses to ship partial loads to multiple locations without paying for dedicated full-truck services.

LTL rates are calculated based on weight, dimensions (which determine freight density), origin-destination pair, freight class, and any accessory services (liftgate, inside delivery, appointment scheduling). Because LTL shipments make multiple stops and undergo more handling, there is a higher risk of damage or delay compared to FTL. Proper packaging, labelling, and palletisation are essential for protecting LTL shipments during transit.