Standard LTL vs Volume LTL: What’s the Best Freight Shipping Option?

Choosing the right Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight service can significantly affect your shipping budget and delivery times. In this guide, we break down the core differences between standard LTL and volume LTL to help you make smarter freight decisions.

What’s the Difference Between Standard and Volume LTL

While both services fall under the LTL shipping category, they differ in four important ways:

1. Shipment Size

Standard LTL is ideal for smaller shipments, typically 1 to 5 non-stackable pallets, up to 5,000 lbs.
Volume LTL is best for larger shipments, usually 6 to 12 non-stackable pallets, with weights up to 20,000 lbs.

Exceeding size or weight limits may trigger cubic capacity surcharges. For larger loads, consider partial truckload or full truckload services.

2. Insurance Coverage

Standard LTL comes with higher liability coverage, often $5 to $25 per pound.
Volume LTL offers lower coverage, sometimes as low as $1 per pound, so purchasing extra insurance is recommended.

3. Transit Times

Standard LTL follows published transit schedules, offering more predictable delivery.
Volume LTL may have lower terminal priority, resulting in slower or less predictable delivery times.

4. Cost

Volume LTL is typically more affordable for larger LTL shipments, making it a cost-efficient choice within the LTL range.

Freightzy Specific Shipping Tips

When shipping with Freightzy, always use the provided Bill of Lading (BOL). This document includes a unique quote ID and required wording for accurate LTL rate processing.

Using the wrong BOL may result in your shipment being processed as standard LTL, which could lead to higher costs.

Optimize Your LTL Freight Strategy

Understanding the differences between standard LTL and volume LTL can help you cut costs and avoid shipping delays. For questions or help with booking, contact our support team at cs@freightzy.com, by phone, or through live chat.