Full Truckload (FTL) Explained: Benefits and When to Choose It

Full truckload (FTL) is a road freight method in which the whole truck is reserved for the cargo of a single shipper. The goods are loaded at the origin and travel directly to the delivery address without transhipment. For this reason a dedicated truck is seen as the most controlled road option in terms of both transit time and risk of damage.

If you buy from suppliers in Turkey, or plan shipments from Antalya to Europe, Russia or Central Asia, the question "full truck or groupage?" decides much of your cost and delivery time. This guide explains FTL in plain terms: trailer types, capacities, benefits, documents and the situations in which a dedicated truck is the right choice.

How full truckload shipping works

The process starts with choosing a vehicle that matches the dimensions, weight and nature of the cargo. The truck arrives at the shipper's warehouse; once loading is complete it is sealed and, after export customs, sets off on its route. Because no other customer's goods are on board, it does not stop at a hub and the cargo is not handled again.

On international shipments the truck passes customs and transit checks at each border. A CMR consignment note is issued as the transport document, and a TIR carnet can be used for transit through third countries. Both are explained in our guide to the CMR consignment note and TIR carnet.

At delivery, the truck goes straight to the consignee's address. Because the cargo stays on the same vehicle from origin to destination, this is a major advantage for sensitive, high-value or temperature-controlled products.

The position of the truck and its border status are tracked throughout the journey; for reefers, the temperature record is part of this tracking. One truck, one load and one driver also make communication simpler: when you have a question, you can quickly find out where your vehicle is.

Trailer types and capacities

The most common vehicle for FTL is the standard curtain-sided trailer (curtainsider). This trailer is about 13.6 metres long, usually takes 33 euro pallets and carries about 24 tonnes. Opening side and roof curtains make loading by forklift or crane easier.

• Curtainsider: the standard choice for general cargo, palletised goods, industrial products and packaged food.
• Reefer (refrigerated trailer): temperature-controlled transport for fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and food that needs a cold chain. A large share of Antalya's exports leaves in these trucks.
• Mega trailer: a trailer with greater internal height that gives extra cubic metres for bulky but light cargo.
• Lowbed and special trailers: used for machinery and project cargo that exceeds standard dimensions.

The choice of vehicle depends on volume as well as weight. Light but bulky plastic or packaging products can fill 33 pallet places before reaching 24 tonnes; in that case a mega trailer improves volume efficiency. With heavy marble and natural stone, the weight limit is reached before the pallet places are full.

Benefits of a full truckload

The main reasons buyers and shippers choose a full truckload are:

1. Shorter transit time: there is no consolidation hub, so the truck goes straight to destination. A truck leaving Antalya usually reaches Germany in about 4-7 days; with groupage this can take longer because of consolidation.
2. Lower risk of damage: the cargo is handled only at loading and unloading. For fragile, heavy or sensitive goods this difference is decisive.
3. Flexible schedule: you choose the loading date; the truck does not wait for other customers' cargo.
4. Security: the truck is sealed after loading and is not opened until delivery, except for official inspections.
5. Special requirements: the right vehicle can be assigned for reefer, ADR dangerous goods or out-of-gauge cargo.

The disadvantage is that you pay for the whole truck. If your cargo does not fill it, the cost per pallet can be higher than with groupage. The items that shape a road freight quote are explained in our article on how international freight rates are calculated.

FTL or LTL? A side-by-side comparison

In groupage (LTL, less than truckload) the cargo of several shippers is combined in one truck, and the charge is based on loading metres, pallet count or volume. We explain how this works in our guide to LTL freight and groupage. Side by side, the two methods compare as follows:

As a general rule, if the cargo fills more than half of the truck or the delivery date is critical, FTL is usually the more economical and safer solution. Groupage suits small lots; regular, high-volume shipments are better served by dedicated trucks.

When should you choose FTL?

A dedicated truck is almost always the right decision when:

• Your cargo is close to 33 pallets or weighs more than about 20 tonnes.
• The product needs temperature control; one product and one set point in a reefer reduce risk.
• The delivery date is fixed and late delivery carries a penalty.
• The goods are fragile, high-value or must not come into contact with other cargo.
• The consignee wants to unload one truck in a single operation.

The route also affects the choice. On the road freight route from Turkey to Germany the groupage network is wide, so small loads are easy to combine. On long routes with many border crossings, such as Central Asia, a dedicated truck makes documents and tracking simpler. Our full truckload service covers Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Iran.

What to watch on an FTL shipment

Before loading, pallets must be spread evenly over the trailer floor, axle-load limits must not be exceeded and the cargo must be properly secured. Axle weights are checked at border crossings, and unbalanced loading can cause delays.

On the document side, the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin are prepared, plus an A.TR or EUR.1 depending on the destination. Document requirements must be confirmed against current regulations and the rules of the destination country.

Finally, arrange cargo insurance that matches the value of the goods: the carrier's liability under the CMR Convention may not cover the full value.

For a shipment from Antalya, planning the loading time, the driver's rest periods and border opening hours together prevents unnecessary waiting at customs. In FTL the truck works only for you, so the benefit of this planning comes straight back to you.

Frequently asked questions

How many pallets fit in a full truck?

A standard 13.6-metre curtainsider usually takes 33 euro pallets. The number can change with pallet size, stacking height and cargo weight; with heavy goods the 24-tonne limit may be reached before all pallet places are used.

How long does FTL transport take?

By road from Antalya, allow about 4-7 days to Germany, 8-14 days to Moscow and 7-10 days to Kazakhstan. Times vary with border congestion, customs procedures and the season.

Is FTL always more expensive than groupage?

No. The truck rate may look high in total, but if the cargo fills most of the truck, the cost per pallet can be lower than with groupage. Less handling and lower damage risk also bring indirect savings.

Which documents are needed for FTL?

The basic documents are the CMR consignment note, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. A TIR carnet is added for transit countries, a phytosanitary certificate for fresh food and an A.TR for the EU.

BNK Logistics (BNK Lojistik), based in Muratpaşa, Antalya, plans road, sea and rail routes to Europe, Russia, Central Asia and China, and helps you decide whether your cargo should travel as a dedicated truck or as groupage. For a current quote, send your cargo details through our quote form or call us on +90 542 485 53 70 or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 485 53 70.

Updated: October 16, 2026