Truckload (TL)
What is truckload (tl)? Truckload (TL) is full-truck freight where a single shipper occupies the entire trailer — the most common freight model in long-haul trucking.
Full definition
TL freight is the inverse of LTL. One shipper, one load, one destination (usually). The carrier doesn't consolidate or sort — they drive from origin to destination.
TL is the home of owner-operators and small fleets. The operational model is simpler than LTL, the equipment is cheaper, and broker networks are deep across every major lane.
Rates per mile on TL are lower than LTL per-pound but the simplicity and capital efficiency favor it for most independent operators. Factoring, truck financing, and fuel cards all anchor their products to TL economics.