What are the typical weight and size limits for FTL shipments?

FTL (Full Truckload) shipments dedicate an entire trailer to one shipper's freight, so limits are primarily governed by the trailer's physical capacity, legal highway regulations (like gross vehicle weight limits), and equipment type (dry van, reefer, flatbed, etc.).

Unlike LTL, there's no strict "minimum" for qualification. FTL works best when you have enough volume to make exclusive use economical, but practical thresholds apply to avoid paying for unused space.

Typical weight limits:

• Minimum practical weight: Around 10,000–15,000 lbs (below this, LTL or partial truckload is often more cost-effective unless speed/security needs override).

• Typical range: 15,000–45,000 lbs of cargo (payload), depending on trailer type and axle configuration.

• Maximum payload: Usually 42,000–48,000 lbs for standard trailers (e.g., up to ~45,000 lbs for dry vans, slightly less for reefers due to refrigeration unit weight; flatbeds can handle higher in some cases). This is based on the U.S. federal gross vehicle weight limit of 80,000 lbs (including truck, trailer, fuel, and cargo), leaving room for the rig itself.

• Per piece/pallet: No strict per-pallet cap like LTL, but heavy items are limited by safe loading, axle weight distribution, and DOT rules (e.g., no single axle overload).

Typical size/dimensions limits:

• Trailer lengths: Standard 48–53 feet (53 ft is most common for dry vans/reefers).

• Pallets per shipment: 24–30+ standard 40" x 48" pallets (double-stacked if stackable; fewer if non-stackable or bulky freight). Exact count depends on pallet size, stacking ability, and load securement.

• Linear feet occupied: Full trailer length (up to 52–53 ft usable inside).

• Height/width: Inside trailer dimensions typically allow up to 100–110 inches height and 96–102 inches width (legal road limits cap overall height around 13.5–14 ft and width 8.5 ft without permits).

• Oversized loads: Anything exceeding standard dimensions (e.g., >53 ft length, >8.5 ft width, >13.5 ft height, or heavy/hauling) may require permits, escorts, or specialized equipment (e.g., step-deck, lowboy trailers).

• Key factors that can affect limits: Equipment type: Dry vans offer the highest standard payload; reefers lose some capacity to cooling units; flatbeds/open decks handle taller/wider/heavier but may need tarps/straps.

• Legal & regional regs: DOT axle/bridge formulas limit weight distribution; some states have stricter rules or seasonal restrictions.

• Freight characteristics: Dense/heavy loads hit weight limits first; bulky/light loads hit volume limits (cubic capacity) sooner.

• When it shifts: If under ~10,000–15,000 lbs or fewer than 10–12 pallets, FTL may not be the best value. Compare to LTL or volume options.

Quick reference table (typical ranges for standard 53 ft dry van):

Aspect	Typical Minimum (Practical)	Common Range	Typical Maximum (Standard FTL)
Total Cargo Weight	10,000–15,000 lbs	15,000–45,000 lbs	42,000–48,000 lbs (payload)
Pallets per Shipment	10 - 12	20 - 26	24–30+ (stackable)
Linear Feet Occupied	Partial trailer	Full trailer	Up to 52–53 ft usable
Trailer Height (inside)	N/A	Up to 100–110 inches	Legal road limit ~13.5 ft overall
Trailer Width (inside)	N/A	98 - 102 inches	Legal road limit ~8.5 ft overall

FTL shines when your shipment approaches these capacities, maximizing efficiency, speed, and security. If you're close to the edge (e.g., 20+ pallets or 20,000+ lbs), FTL usually wins on cost per unit compared to multiple LTL shipments.

Not sure if your load qualifies or how it stacks up cost-wise? Share the origin, destination, weight, pallet count, dimensions, and any special needs. We'll run the comparison and get you solid options!