LTL vs FTL for Amazon FBA Inbound Shipments
Choosing between LTL and FTL for your FBA shipments can save or cost you thousands per month.
Cost Comparison
| Metric | LTL | FTL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing basis | Per pallet/CWT | Flat rate per truck |
| Typical cost | $150–$400/pallet | $1,800–$4,500/load |
| Break-even point | Under 10 pallets | 10+ pallets |
| Transit time | 5–10 days | 3–5 days |
| Appointments | Required | Required |
| Handling risk | Multiple touches | Direct, single load |
Break-Even Analysis
| Pallets | LTL Cost | FTL Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | $800–$1,200 | N/A | LTL |
| 8 | $1,600–$2,400 | $2,000–$3,000 | Depends on lane |
| 12 | $2,400–$3,600 | $2,000–$3,500 | FTL |
| 20 | $4,000–$6,000 | $2,500–$4,000 | FTL (clearly) |
| 26 | $5,200–$7,800 | $2,500–$4,500 | FTL (significantly) |
Why FTL Is Often Better for FBA
- Faster check-in — Full trucks get priority at many FCs
- Less damage risk — Your freight isn't mixed with others
- Lower per-pallet cost at scale
- Simpler scheduling — One appointment, one delivery
- Fewer BOL complications — Single shipment tracking
When LTL Makes Sense
- Small inventory replenishments (under 8 pallets)
- Testing new products with limited quantities
- Shipping to multiple FCs (IPS not used)
- Budget constraints preventing full truck commitments
Pro Tips
- Combine multiple ASINs in one FTL shipment to maximize value
- Schedule shipments weekly to aggregate enough for FTL
- Use Amazon's partnered carriers for LTL, but compare with Indray's rates for FTL
- Coordinate with your supplier to ship directly to FBA when possible
Get FBA Shipping Quotes
Indray ships 100+ FBA truckloads per week. Our FBA-specialized team handles appointment scheduling, BOL management, and delivery confirmation. Request a quote.
