FedEx® LTL freight shipping options
FedEx® LTL freight shipping options
To ship LTL freight with FedEx, you’ll need an account. And when you open one, you’ll save 70% on LTL shipments.
Get LTL freight services that balance speed and economy
Here's what you'll find on this page:
Here's what you'll
find on this page:
What is LTL freight?
An LTL (less-than-truckload) freight shipment consists of goods, commodities or cargo that weighs more than 150 lbs. It's usually palletized. And as its name suggests, it's shipped via truck and requires only a portion of the trailer space. It's often considered less urgent than express freight that needs to be transported by plane, and is therefore more economical to ship. If you ship LTL freight with FedEx, your shipments can travel within the U.S. and to Canada and Mexico. Plus, if you're enrolled in FedEx Rewards, you can earn rewards when you ship LTL freight with us.
Learn more about all freight shipping service options. Or visit our small business help and support page to contact a sales specialist.
FedEx Freight is one of the first less-than-truckload carriers to become ISO 9001 certified. ISO 9001 is a quality management standard that presents guidelines intended to increase business efficiency and customer satisfaction.
More efficiency. Less paperwork.
Eliminate the need for paper Bills of Lading by creating domestic LTL freight shipping labels online. (FedEx Freight is the first and only nationwide LTL carrier to offer this option.) You can save time, get more visibility and even reduce dock congestion and invoice errors.
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Compare FedEx LTL freight services
Not sure which shipping service is right for you or your business? Start by comparing the benefits of our LTL shipping options below. Or if you’ve got an urgent shipment with a tight timeline and need a time-definite delivery, check out our FedEx Express® Freight one-, two- or three-day shipping options.
FedEx Freight® Priority |
FedEx Freight® Economy | FedEx Freight Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
Use this when |
You need speed. We have the fastest published transit times of any nationwide LTL freight carrier. | You can trade time and speed for savings. |
You want to add next-level service and convenience to your residential or business freight delivery. |
| Major differences | Delivery typically in 1–3 days (depending on origin and destination) Delivery throughout the contiguous U.S., with extensive service to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico |
Delivery typically in 3–6 days (depending on origin and destination) Delivery throughout the contiguous U.S., with extensive service to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada |
Multiple convenient service options for delivery inside homes and businesses, with an option for packaging removal. Shipments can originate anywhere within the contiguous U.S. as long as the destination is in a covered area. |
Shipping international LTL freight to Canada and Mexico
Shipping international LTL freight to Canada and Mexico
With FedEx Freight Priority, you can ship LTL freight to Canada and Mexico. With FedEx Freight Economy, you can ship LTL freight to Canada. For both services, additional documents are required. Our Freight International Services (FIS) team will monitor your shipments, review your paperwork and follow up with customs to avoid delays when crossing the border. You can reach them 24/7 at 1.800.351.5187.
For standard cross-border services, such as scheduling a pickup, tracking the status of your shipment or managing your account, contact FedEx Freight International Customer Service at 1.866.393.4685.
Shipping notes
To ship FedEx LTL freight, you need a FedEx account. You’ll also need to create a shipping label online (domestic shipments only) or complete a paper Bill of Lading. Hazmat shipments and Shipper’s Load and Count customers still need a traditional Bill of Lading.
Shipping notes
To ship FedEx LTL freight, you need a FedEx account. You’ll also need to create a shipping label online (domestic shipments only) or complete a paper Bill of Lading. Hazmat shipments and Shipper’s Load and Count customers still need a traditional Bill of Lading.
Open a FedEx account
Save 70% on FedEx Freight shipping just by creating an account.
Open a FedEx account
Save 70% on FedEx Freight shipping just by creating an account.
Customize when your shipment arrives
Once you choose the LTL freight service that fits your shipping needs, you can request a specific date or delivery time, depending on the service.
Delivery at the time you need
Our FedEx Freight® Priority Plus service is available when you ship using FedEx Freight Priority. It allows you to select your delivery time or even arrange for delivery one day earlier than the published FedEx Freight Priority transit time.
To get started, call 1.800.845.4636 (7 a.m.–6 p.m. CST, Monday–Friday). Or email priorityplus@fedex.com.
10:30 a.m. delivery on the standard delivery date
A.M. Delivery is available with FedEx Freight Priority and FedEx Freight Economy services, depending on your location. Check your destination ZIP code eligibility. See the FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff for applicable surcharges. If you need more info, contact your sales rep or call Freight Customer Service at 1.866.393.4585.
You can request A.M. Delivery two easy ways:
- Check A.M. Delivery under Guaranteed Service Options if you’re using a FedEx Bill of Lading.
- Clearly write “A.M. Delivery” in the special instructions of your Bill of Lading and inform your FedEx driver of the earlier-delivery request.
5 p.m. delivery on the standard delivery date
When you choose Close of Business Delivery, your shipment arrives on its scheduled due date by the end of the business day. It’s available with FedEx Freight Priority and FedEx Freight Economy services throughout the contiguous 48 states. See the FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff for applicable surcharges. If you need more info, contact your sales rep or call Freight Customer Service at 1.866.393.4585.
You can request Close of Business Delivery two easy ways:
- Check Close of Business Delivery under Guaranteed Service Options if you’re using a FedEx Bill of Lading.
- Clearly write “Close of Business” in the special instructions of your Bill of Lading and inform your FedEx driver of the earlier-delivery request.
Online freight labels, Bills of Lading and other LTL freight shipping forms
Online freight labels, Bills of Lading and other LTL freight shipping forms
Already know that LTL freight shipping is the answer to your transport needs? Follow these 10 easy steps to get started. If you need faster delivery for urgent shipments over 150 lbs., check out our FedEx Express® Freight one-, two- or three-day shipping options.
Already know that LTL freight shipping is the answer to your transport needs? Follow these 10 easy steps to get started. If you need faster delivery for urgent shipments over 150 lbs., check out our FedEx Express® Freight one-, two- or three-day shipping options.
To ship domestic or international LTL freight, you’ll need a freight shipping label. You can create a label online for domestic shipments or use a paper Bill of Lading. International, hazmat and Shipper’s Load and Count shipments require a paper Bill of Lading.
Ready to start? Create a domestic freight shipping label online. Or download a Bill of Lading, complete the editable fields and print it. If you prefer, you can download it, print it and fill out by hand.
In addition to your Bill of Lading, you’ll need to fill out other required shipping forms based on your shipment’s destination.
Still have questions? Visit our small business help and support page to get in touch with a sales specialist.
Classify your freight
A freight classification is established by the National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC). It reflects your freight’s transportation characteristics, including density, liability, handling requirements and stow-ability. Freight class is used to determine shipping costs. Generally, the easier it is to ship something, the lower the shipping costs. You must have a freight class code to get a rate quote or create an online Bill of Lading.
Use our classification tool with a built-in freight density calculator to estimate your freight class. Learn more about less-than-truckload freight classifications and how they’re calculated.
Get an LTL freight quote
To get an LTL freight quote, you’ll need to know your freight classification.
- Once you know your freight classification, get an LTL rate quote for shipping throughout the U.S. and to Mexico and Canada.
- If your freight shipments weigh between 4,000 lbs. and 44,000 lbs., get volume services rate quotes.
- If you’re a frequent shipper and use multiple LTL freight carriers, you can save time by comparing rate quotes all in one place with LTL Select. It's quick, easy and free.
Get an LTL freight quote without classification
Unfamiliar with freight classification? Use Space and Pace to receive a quote based on dimensions, weight, and distance instead.
Existing Space and Pace customers can use LTL Select for a quick and easy freight quote. Interested in trying Space and Pace? Contact us to get started.
Ways to save on LTL freight shipping
- Save 70% on FedEx Freight shipping when you open a FedEx account.
- Use our flat-rate FedEx Freight® box. It has simple, predictable pricing for shipments that weigh less than 1,200 lbs. You’ll save on hidden fees and eliminate the need for classification.
- Earn rewards and exclusive offers with FedEx Rewards when you ship in the U.S. and to Canada and Mexico.
- Request a reduced price for your oversized and large-volume freight shipments if you or your customers aren’t in a rush. You’ll pay only for the space you need.
Bundling brings big benefits
If you’re shipping with FedEx Freight, you could save by choosing FedEx Ground for your non-freight shipments. The more you ship, the higher your volume discounts. Easily ship with one account using a single sign on.
LTL freight packing
The most efficient and safe way to ship LTL freight is on pallets. To learn how to pack your shipment, check out our packing resources and supplies page. You’ll find tips and a comprehensive library of shipping labels that fit your freight’s handling needs. To go more in-depth and learn best practices, read our Packaging Guidelines for Shipping Freight.
How to ship freight with flat rates and without having to classify your shipment1
The FedEx Freight box gives you flat-rate shipping and more security. And because you don’t have to add a freight class, you can combine different commodities when you ship. Plus, you get the flexibility of two size options and fast, easy freight shipping.
Scheduling an LTL pickup
Before you schedule a pickup, you should know the following:
- You can request a one-time pickup at the same time you create your shipping label or Bill of Lading.
- You can schedule a pickup up to 10 business days in advance.
- 3 p.m. is the general cutoff time for scheduling a pickup.
- Pickups are planned for a 90-minute window. The latest pickup time is at least 90 minutes before your dock closes. However, times are affected by which freight service you choose and your destination. Call 1.866.393.4585 to confirm cutoff times.
- You’ll need to know if you need to request a lift gate (the device on a truck that raises and lowers freight to and from the ground to the trailer) for pickup and delivery. If you or your destination doesn’t have a shipping dock, make sure you request a lift gate to avoid delays and extra fees.
Get step-by-step instructions for scheduling an LTL freight pickup online. Or if you’re ready to begin, schedule your pickup online now.
Answers to your LTL freight shipping questions
I need help with LTL freight shipping, but I don’t have a sales rep. How can I talk to an expert?
Request a consultation. A FedEx sales consultant will call you in one to two business days.
How long does LTL freight shipping take?
It depends on your shipment’s origin and destination and the service option you choose. With FedEx Freight Priority, your shipment will typically arrive within one to three days. With FedEx Freight Economy, it will typically arrive within three to six days.
How do I pack LTL?
Most LTL freight is shipped on pallets. It’s more efficient and helps reduce damage to your items. To learn how to correctly pack your freight and keep it safe in transit, visit our resources and supplies page and our freight packaging guidelines.
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is a document used to ship LTL freight. While you can create a domestic freight shipping label online instead of using a paper Bill of Lading, international, hazmat and Shipper’s Load and Count shipments still require a traditional paper Bill of Lading. For more information about Bills of Lading, including how to complete one, visit our Freight Bill of Lading page.
How is shipping freight different from shipping packages?
LTL freight must weigh at least 150 lbs. and is usually shipped on pallets. When comparing it to shipping packages, think of it as too large for the post office, but not enough to be a full load in a truck trailer. It also requires a Bill of Lading and potentially other forms, depending on your shipment’s destination. To learn more about specific packaging requirements to ship LTL freight, visit our packing resources and supplies page.
What’s the difference between less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight?
When it comes to LTL vs. FTL shipping, less-than-truckload freight doesn’t take up all the space of a truck trailer. Full-truckload freight does, or it meets the weight limits of the truck trailer.
How are LTL freight rates calculated?
LTL freight shipping rates are calculated based on dimensions and weight (including packaging), freight classification and the shipping service you choose. They’re affected by origin and destination, surcharges and discounts. Learn more about calculating freight shipping costs.
Still need help with shipping LTL freight? Call Freight Customer Service at 1.866.393.4585.
1Flat rates based on zone pricing. Find rates and zone information at https://www.fedex.com/en-us/freight-box-pricing-agreement.html. Rates are subject to the General Rate Increase (GRI), and all accessorial charges in the FedEx Freight 100 Rules Tariff will apply. Exception: Item 404 (absolute minimum charge) will not apply as the FedEx Freight box is not discountable. Pricing is subject to the standard FedEx Freight 100 fuel surcharge. Use of the FedEx Freight box will supersede any negotiated pricing. Maximum liability is $7.50 per lb. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico are not covered by FedEx Freight box rates. Hazardous materials are prohibited. Maximum weight allowed for each freight box is 1,200 lbs.