Moving goods from A to B can be complex. Whether you're moving furniture, palletised goods, general freight or anything else, you may come across the terms FTL, LTL and backloads. All of these are common ways to transport goods long distance using a truck. Let's delve into what each means. 

What is FTL?

FTL stands for Full Truck Load. This means the truck is loaded to its maximum capacity with goods from a single shipper, heading to a single destination.  Essentially, the entire truck is dedicated to one customer’s cargo. If you are moving goods from a large house or need to transport a heavy amount of goods, then you may have enough for a full truck load, depending on the size of the truck. 

The good thing about FTL is that there is only one pickup, one shipment and one place to deliver. This means the transist times are often faster and there are no transfers involved. 

FTL costs: If you can fill an entire truck load with your goods, then FTL is your best bet cost-wise too. If you are considering a full truck load for furniture, another option you have is container transport. This is a self-pack option where you hire a container to pack yourself and then only pay for the transport of your goods. It tends to be a lot cheaper than FTL loads but again, it's important to compare between the two. Get free quotes for both here.

The estimate cost of FTL loads is approximately $80 to $150 per cubic metre.

What is LTL?

What's the difference between FTL and LTL? LTL stands for Less Than Full Truck Load. 

LTL shipments involve multiple shippers’ goods being consolidated into one truck. Instead of filling the entire truck, each shipper only pays for the portion of the truck that their cargo occupies.

LTL is ideal for smaller shipments that don’t require a full truck. This method can be more cost-effective for shippers who don’t have enough goods to justify a full truck load.

For example, let's say you have 20m3 of goods but the truck can hold 40m3. There's no point in paying for that additional 20m3, right? With LTL shipments, you don't have to. Best Rated Transport can assist in LTL and FTL loads. 

The good thing about LTL loads is you're only paying for what space you take but it does tend to be slightly higher per cubic meter. The cost of LTL shipments tend to be around $150 to $250 per cubic metre. Another thing to consider when it comes to LTL shipments is that it can take longer in transit and there will be multiple stops for multiple clients. However, if you are flexible and willing to consider sharing a load, this can be a very cost effective way to move your items. 

What is a Backload?

Backloading is another very smart option for moving items long distance. A backload refers to a return trip or an additional load that a truck picks up after completing its initial delivery. 

Essentially, it involves using the empty space in a truck that's already scheduled to travel to your destination. This is typically done when a moving company has a truck returning to its base or a nearby area after completing a delivery, and it’s a cost-effective way to fill that truck's return journey.

Backloading is ideal for interstate and long distance moves, especially if you don't have a set date. If you are willing to be flexible with your dates, even by just a few days or a week, then you will have a better chance to finding a removalist that can offer you this cheap way to move. Backload costs tend to fall around $100 to $200 per cubic metre depending on the location. 

At Best Rated Transport, we only work with trusted backload operators so you can rest assured that your items are in good hands throughout the journey. When you compare removalist quotes, we can automatically look into backload transport options for you. 

Find a truck easily through Best Rated Transport. Free quotes. No obligation to book. Connect with the Top Rated Transport companies in Australia.

FAQ: Comparing Full Container Load versus Less Than Container Load Services in Australia

Q: What is the difference between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL)?
A: The key difference between FCL and LCL is that in an LCL shipment, the buyer shares space in a container with goods from other shippers, while in an FCL agreement, the buyer rents the entire container space exclusively. In FCL, one party owns all of the items in the container and pays a flat rate for the whole container rather than paying by the space used.

Q: When should I choose FCL over LCL for container transport?
A: Most Australian importers switch to FCL once they exceed 14-15 cubic metres. Here is why it makes financial sense at this volume: lower per-CBM costs (usually 20-35% cheaper than LCL once you pass the break-even point), faster transit times, reduced damage risk, and simplified customs clearance under a single Bill of Lading. FCL is more viable for handling delicate goods whose worth is high, since the container travels a direct route with a single consignee and there is a reduced chance of cargo being damaged, stolen, or lost.

Q: When is LCL a better choice than FCL?
A: LCL shipments are usually the better option for low-volume shipments of between 2 and 13 cubic metres. LCL is ideal for: product testing with sample orders before committing to bulk, cash flow management to avoid tying up capital in large inventory, e-commerce sellers with smaller shipments, multi-supplier orders when you cannot fill a full container, and seasonal inventory management. LCL rates also tend to be more stable than FCL rates, which can spike quickly when shipping capacity gets tight. 

Q: How do FCL and LCL costs compare for Australian container transport?
A: Current market rates: 20ft FCL costs $1,350-$2,300 port-to-port, while 40ft FCL costs $2,300-$3,500 port-to-port. Add $450-$750 for Australian destination charges, customs clearance, and delivery. FCL is cheaper per cubic metre once you exceed 14-15 CBM. Below 12 CBM, LCL almost always costs less overall. For domestic Australian moves, full truck load (FTL) costs approximately $80 to $150 per cubic metre, while self-pack container transport is often significantly cheaper.

Q: How does FCL vs LCL affect transit times in Australia?
A: FCL shipments generally move faster through the supply chain. Once offloaded from a vessel, an FCL container can be processed and picked up for direct delivery - there is no need to move it to a warehouse for unpacking or consolidation, saving valuable time. FCL typically takes 16-25 days port-to-port from China to Australia, while LCL takes 20-30 days due to consolidation and deconsolidation at both ends. 

Q: What are the security differences between FCL and LCL?
A: LCL cargo is physically handled on average 3-4 times more than the same shipment moving as a single FCL due to the fact that it needs to be consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination. Additional handling can sometimes result in damages, loss, or stolen cartons. With an FCL move, the same shipment gets loaded into the container at the supplier's door, sealed, and does not get opened again until it reaches the consignee's door.

Q: Where can I compare FCL and LCL container transport quotes for free in Australia?
A: Visit bestratedtransport.com.au or call 1300 339 140 to compare 100+ verified container transport operators across Australia - covering both FCL and LCL options for domestic and international moves. It is best to compare between full container and shared load options to determine which is the more affordable choice for your specific volume and route. Free quotes, no credit card required.