When to Split a Shipment Across LTL and FTL

Run the numbers on density first

LTL is priced on class and linear feet. Once a shipment passes roughly 10 pallets or 12 linear feet, the quote often approaches a dedicated trailer, and the trailer gives you one pickup and one delivery appointment.

Dense freight in classes 50 to 85 tends to stay cost-effective in LTL longer. Light, bulky freight crosses over sooner because it consumes trailer space without adding weight.

Then check the appointment risk

Splitting adds a second delivery appointment. If the receiver books docks days out, the cheaper split can arrive later than a single trailer, which defeats the purpose in peak weeks.

A practical split is a dedicated trailer for the core volume and LTL for the remainder that has a flexible receiver. Keep the rule written down per lane so planners do not re-decide it every week.

Review the rule each quarter against actual invoices. Lane density changes with the seasons, and a rule that held in spring often breaks in the fourth quarter.