Definitions
- FTL (Full Truckload) — the entire trailer is dedicated to a single shipment. Typically a 13.6 m tilt, mega or reefer trailer with ~33 Euro pallet positions or about 24 tonnes capacity.
- LTL (Less Than Truckload, Groupage) — multiple consignments are consolidated on the same trailer. Each consignment can be from one pallet up to roughly 12 pallets.
The Critical Threshold: Around 12–15 Pallets
Rule of thumb: if your cargo is under 12–15 pallets, LTL is usually cheaper. Above that, FTL's per-pallet rate beats LTL.
Scenario 1: 4 Pallets of Textiles — Istanbul to Dublin
- LTL: ~€720 (4 × ~€180/pallet)
- FTL: ~€4,200 (whole truck, used or not)
→ LTL wins. Booking FTL for 4 pallets wastes money.
Scenario 2: 18 Pallets of Furniture — Bursa to Cork
- LTL: 18 × €170/pallet ≈ €3,060 (volume discount applied)
- FTL: ~€3,900
→ LTL is still cheaper in price, but watch the time: LTL takes 12–14 days due to consolidation; FTL runs in 8–10 days. If you are time-sensitive, the €800 premium for FTL may be worth it.
Scenario 3: A Full Trailer of 33 Pallets — Izmir to Galway
- LTL: cannot fit on a single LTL booking (max ~12 pallets per customer in practice)
- FTL: ~€3,800
→ FTL is the only option at this volume.
LTL Advantages
- Economical at low volumes
- Doesn't tie up stock — small shipments mean faster cash cycles
- Risk distribution: damage exposure is shared via consolidated insurance
FTL Advantages
- Your cargo is alone on the trailer — no contact with other loads
- Faster transit (no consolidation step)
- Single-customer reefer means the temperature is optimised for your goods alone
- More flexibility on loading and unloading times
Decision Matrix
| Situation | Recommendation | |---|---| | 1–6 pallets | LTL | | 7–12 pallets | LTL (usually) — FTL if reefer or sensitive cargo | | 13–22 pallets | Compare both quotes | | 22+ pallets | FTL | | Urgent delivery (< 8 days) | Express FTL | | Reefer (cold chain) | FTL (single-customer temperature control) | | High-value cargo needing dedicated insurance | FTL (exclusive control) |
How Irlanda Transit Quotes
Send us your cargo profile and we return both LTL and FTL prices side by side, with alternative trailer types where they apply. Two concrete offers — not an estimate. Request a quote.