Full Truckload Freight
    Dedicated Capacity

    Dedicated trucks, direct routes, faster delivery. Full truckload shipping for 10+ pallets with nationwide coverage and all equipment types. Get your freight there in 1-3 days with minimal handling and maximum security.

    FTL Service Levels

    From standard to premium, choose the service level that matches your timeline and budget

    Tier 1

    Standard FTL

    2-3 days regional, 3-5 days cross-country

    Cost-effective FTL service with reliable transit times. Single driver with standard hours of service (11 hours driving per day). Typical for non-urgent shipments.

    Features:
    • Dedicated trailer
    • Direct route (no stops)
    • Standard transit
    • Single driver
    • No guaranteed delivery
    • Real-time tracking
    Pricing:
    Baseline FTL rate
    Best For:
    Regular shipments, flexible delivery windows, budget-conscious shipping
    Example:
    Chicago to Dallas in 2-3 days ($1,800-2,200)
    Tier 2

    Expedited FTL

    1-2 days regional, 2-3 days cross-country

    Faster FTL service with priority dispatch and routing. Minimizes driver rest stops and maximizes daily miles. Guaranteed delivery window.

    Features:
    • Priority dispatch
    • Faster routing
    • Guaranteed delivery window
    • Single driver maximizing hours
    • Premium tracking
    • Dedicated support
    Pricing:
    15-25% premium over standard
    Best For:
    Time-sensitive freight, production needs, inventory replenishment, trade shows
    Example:
    Chicago to Dallas in 1-2 days ($2,300-2,800)
    Tier 3

    Team Driver FTL

    1-2 days anywhere in continental US

    Two drivers alternate driving 24/7 to minimize stops. Fastest legal FTL transit—coast to coast in 2 days. No overnight delays.

    Features:
    • Two drivers (continuous movement)
    • 24/7 driving
    • Coast-to-coast in 2 days
    • Guaranteed delivery
    • Premium tracking
    • White-glove service
    Pricing:
    50-75% premium over standard (paying for two drivers)
    Best For:
    Critical deadlines, just-in-time delivery, production line needs, high-value time-sensitive cargo
    Example:
    Chicago to Los Angeles in 2 days ($3,500-4,000)
    Tier 4

    Dedicated FTL

    Varies (could include multiple stops)

    Rent entire truck and driver for multiple pickups/deliveries or extended time period (day, week, month). Acts as your dedicated fleet without owning trucks.

    Features:
    • Dedicated truck and driver
    • Multiple stops allowed
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Extended rentals available
    • Acts as private fleet
    • Custom routing
    Pricing:
    Daily or weekly rates ($800-1,500/day)
    Best For:
    Multiple delivery locations, distribution routes, trade show circuits, extended projects, pop-up events
    Example:
    5-stop delivery route in Texas over 2 days ($2,500-3,000)
    Tier 5

    White Glove / High-Value

    1-3 days with guaranteed appointment

    Premium FTL service for high-value, fragile, or security-sensitive freight. Enhanced security, specialized handling, climate control, lift gates, inside delivery available.

    Features:
    • Vetted experienced drivers
    • GPS tracking with geofencing
    • Climate control available
    • Specialized handling equipment
    • High-value insurance
    • Inside delivery available
    • Signature required
    Pricing:
    30-50% premium plus accessorial services
    Best For:
    Electronics, medical equipment, artwork, antiques, high-value goods, fragile machinery
    Example:
    Secure electronics shipment LA to NYC ($4,000-5,500)

    FTL Equipment Types

    From standard dry vans to specialized equipment, we arrange the right trailer for your freight through our vetted carrier network

    Dry Van (Standard 53')

    Standard enclosed trailer, most common FTL equipment. Protects freight from weather and theft. Suitable for palletized goods, boxes, general freight.

    Dimensions
    53'L × 8.5'W × 9'H interior
    Capacity
    26 standard pallets (48"×40"), 45,000 lbs max
    Typical Freight
    Packaged goods, retail products, e-commerce, general cargo, non-perishable items
    Temperature/Protection
    Ambient (not climate controlled)
    Loading
    Rear doors or side access
    Best For
    80% of FTL shipments, general freight protection

    Refrigerated (Reefer)

    Temperature-controlled trailer for perishable and temperature-sensitive freight. Maintains temperatures from -20°F to +70°F.

    Dimensions
    53'L × 8.5'W × 8.5'H (slightly shorter height)
    Capacity
    24-26 pallets, 43,000 lbs max
    Typical Freight
    Food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, flowers, frozen goods, perishables, cosmetics, medical supplies
    Temperature/Protection
    -20°F to +70°F (adjustable)
    Loading
    Rear doors with insulated seal
    Best For
    Any temperature-sensitive products in transit; multi-temp zone trailers available through our carrier network

    Flatbed (48' or 53')

    Open flat platform trailer for oversized, heavy, or oddly-shaped freight that can't fit in enclosed van. No roof or sides.

    Dimensions
    48-53'L × 8.5'W, no height restriction
    Capacity
    48,000 lbs max (DOT weight limit)
    Typical Freight
    Steel, lumber, machinery, construction materials, equipment, vehicles, coils, pipes
    Temperature/Protection
    Tarps available for weather protection
    Loading
    Crane, forklift, or overhead loading from any side
    Best For
    Oversized loads, heavy machinery, construction materials

    Step Deck (Drop Deck)

    Flatbed with two levels—upper deck and lower deck (5 feet lower). Allows taller freight while staying within legal height limits.

    Dimensions
    Upper 10-11', lower 37-40' × 8.5'W, 10' legal height
    Capacity
    48,000 lbs max
    Typical Freight
    Tall equipment, machinery over 8.5' tall, vehicles, construction equipment, large crates
    Temperature/Protection
    Tarps available
    Loading
    Ramps for rolling equipment onto lower deck
    Best For
    Tall equipment that exceeds standard flatbed 8.5' height limit

    Conestoga (Curtain-Side)

    Flatbed with retractable curtain sides and roof. Combines weather protection of dry van with side-loading access of flatbed.

    Dimensions
    53'L × 8.5'W × 9'H
    Capacity
    45,000 lbs max, 26 pallets
    Typical Freight
    Palletized freight needing side access, trade show materials, frequent load/unload needs
    Temperature/Protection
    Weather protection with curtain closed
    Loading
    Side access (no need for dock), forklift from side
    Best For
    Frequent stops, side loading required, weather-sensitive flatbed freight

    Specialized Trailers

    Specialized equipment for unique freight needs

    Dimensions
    Varies by type
    Capacity
    Varies by type
    Typical Freight
    Hotshot (20-40' small trailers), Lowboy (extra-low deck), Double Drop (two lower levels), Tanker (liquid bulk), Auto Transport (car carrier), RGN (removable gooseneck)
    Temperature/Protection
    Varies
    Loading
    Specialized loading per equipment type
    Best For
    Oversized, overweight, or specialized cargo needs

    What is FTL Shipping?

    Understanding full truckload freight and when it's the right choice for your business

    What is FTL?

    FTL (Full Truckload) shipping is a freight transportation method where you rent an entire truck trailer (typically 53 feet) for your shipment exclusively. Your freight is the only cargo on the truck from origin to destination with no stops or transfers in between.

    How FTL Works:

    • Truck picks up at your facility
    • Freight loaded and sealed
    • Direct transport to destination (no terminal transfers)
    • Delivered typically within 1-3 days
    • Minimal handling reduces damage risk
    • Dedicated capacity for your shipment

    Typical FTL Shipment Sizes:

    • 10-26 pallets (full trailer capacity: 26 standard pallets)
    • 15,000-45,000 lbs (up to 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight)
    • 2,500-3,000 cubic feet of cargo space
    • Full trailer dimensions: 53'L × 8.5'W × 9'H (standard dry van)

    Ideal FTL Scenarios

    High Volume Shipments

    • -10+ pallets or 15,000+ lbs
    • -Fills 50% or more of trailer space
    • -Buying entire truck is cost-effective

    Time-Critical Freight

    • -Need delivery within 1-3 days
    • -Can't afford terminal delays
    • -Direct routing required

    Fragile or High-Value Goods

    • -Minimize handling and transfers
    • -Reduced damage risk
    • -Dedicated secure transport

    Special Equipment Needs

    • -Temperature control (reefer)
    • -Flatbed or specialized trailer
    • -Oversized or heavy equipment

    Regional or Long-Distance

    • -Coast-to-coast shipping
    • -Multi-state distribution
    • -Faster than LTL for long distances

    NOT Ideal For

    Small Shipments

    • -Less than 10 pallets
    • -Under 15,000 lbs
    • -LTL more cost-effective

    Low-Budget Flexibility

    • -Limited freight budget
    • -Don't need speed
    • -Can wait 5+ days

    Multiple Small Stops

    • -Delivering to 5+ locations
    • -Small quantities per stop
    • -LTL or multi-stop better

    Infrequent Shipping

    • -Only ship occasionally
    • -No regular freight needs
    • -Can't consolidate loads

    Uncertain Volume

    • -Don't know exact pallet count
    • -Variable shipment sizes
    • -May not fill truck

    FTL vs LTL Decision Guide

    Not sure whether to use FTL or LTL? Follow this decision tree to find the best option

    START: How many pallets?
    1-6 pallets
    Use LTL (cost-effective)
    7-9 pallets
    GRAY AREA - Compare rates
    10+ pallets
    Continue ↓
    How urgent is delivery?
    Can wait 5+ days
    Consider LTL (save money)
    Need within 3-4 days
    Consider FTL (faster)
    Need within 1-2 days
    Definitely FTL
    Is freight fragile or high-value?
    No, standard freight
    Either works, compare rates
    Yes, fragile/valuable
    FTL recommended (less handling)
    Do you need special equipment?
    Standard dry van OK
    Either LTL or FTL based on volume
    Need reefer/flatbed/specialized
    FTL (limited LTL options)

    Side-by-Side Quick Comparison

    FactorLTLFTL
    Shipment Size1-6 pallets, 150-15,000 lbs10-26 pallets, 15,000-45,000 lbs
    Cost$200-$2,000 per shipment$1,500-$5,000 per shipment
    Cost Per PoundHigher (but lower total for small loads)Lower (but higher total cost)
    Transit Time1-5 days (multiple stops/transfers)1-3 days (direct, no stops)
    HandlingMultiple touches (5-10 times)Minimal (2-3 times: load, unload)
    Damage RiskHigher (more handling)Lower (less handling)
    FlexibilityShip anytime, any sizeNeed full load to justify
    EquipmentLimited specialty equipmentAll equipment types available
    TrackingReal-time, terminal updatesReal-time, GPS truck tracking
    Best ForSmall regular shipments, cost focusLarge shipments, speed, fragile items

    Breakeven Analysis:

    Under 8 pallets
    LTL almost always cheaper
    8-10 pallets
    Compare quotes—could go either way
    10-12 pallets
    FTL often cheaper and faster
    12+ pallets
    FTL definitely more cost-effective

    Route Optimization & Direct Shipping

    One of FTL's biggest advantages is direct routing. Your freight goes straight from Point A to Point B with no stops

    LTL Route Example

    Chicago → Los Angeles
    1
    Day 1
    Pickup in Chicago → Chicago terminal (unload/sort)
    2
    Day 2
    Line-haul to Kansas City terminal → Transfer/sort
    3
    Day 3
    Line-haul to Salt Lake City terminal → Transfer/sort
    4
    Day 4
    Line-haul to Los Angeles terminal → Sort for delivery
    5
    Day 5
    Local delivery in Los Angeles
    Total Time:5 days
    Terminal Stops:4 transfers
    Handling Touches:8-10 times

    FTL Route Example

    Chicago → Los Angeles
    1
    Day 1
    Pickup in Chicago → Driver heads west
    2
    Day 2
    Driver continues (team) or rests overnight (single driver)
    3
    Day 2-3
    Delivery in Los Angeles (Day 2 with team, Day 3 with single)
    Total Time:2-3 days
    Terminal Stops:0 transfers
    Handling Touches:2 times (load/unload)
    Result:
    ✓ 40% faster delivery
    ✓ 75% less handling
    ✓ Significantly lower damage risk

    Routing Options

    1
    Point-to-Point Direct
    Fastest, most common (single pickup → single delivery)
    2
    Multi-Stop FTL
    One truck, multiple stops (extra fees per stop)
    3
    Drop Trailer
    Leave trailer at location for loading over time, pick up later
    4
    Live Load/Unload
    Driver waits while loading (typical: 2 hours free, detention after)
    5
    Drop and Hook
    Swap trailers at facility (faster, no detention risk)

    Our Carrier Network

    A vetted nationwide network of FTL carriers, giving you capacity, competitive rates, and reliable service

    Tier 1

    Large National Carriers

    Fleet Size
    1,000-10,000+ trucks
    Coverage
    All 50 states, Canada, Mexico
    Equipment
    All types (dry van, reefer, flatbed)
    Best For
    Consistent volume, predictable lanes, enterprise customers
    Tier 2

    Regional Carriers

    Fleet Size
    50-500 trucks
    Coverage
    Multi-state regions (West, Midwest, South, Northeast)
    Equipment
    Mostly dry van and reefer, some flatbed
    Best For
    Regional shipping lanes, frequent shipments in region, personalized service
    Tier 3

    Small Carriers & Owner-Operators

    Fleet Size
    1-50 trucks
    Coverage
    Local to regional (often within 500 miles)
    Equipment
    Varies (often specialized in one type)
    Best For
    Cost-sensitive lanes, backhaul opportunities, flexible needs, specialized equipment

    Carrier Vetting Process

    Safety Ratings

    • FMCSA safety rating (Satisfactory required)
    • Safety measurement system (SMS) scores reviewed
    • Accident history and frequency
    • DOT compliance and inspection results
    • Driver qualification files verified

    Insurance Verification

    • $1 million minimum cargo insurance
    • $1 million auto liability insurance
    • Additional coverage for high-value loads
    • Certificate of insurance (COI) on file
    • Verify active coverage before each shipment

    Operating Authority

    • Valid MC (Motor Carrier) number
    • DOT number registered and active
    • Interstate or intrastate authority appropriate
    • Broker vs. carrier verified (no double brokering)

    Equipment Standards

    • Equipment age and condition inspected
    • Maintenance records reviewed
    • Carrier's own specialized equipment certifications verified (reefer, hazmat)
    • GPS tracking and communication systems
    • Loading equipment availability (straps, bars, blankets)

    Performance Monitoring

    • On-time delivery percentage (target: 95%+)
    • Damage claims rate (target: <0.5%)
    • Communication responsiveness
    • Customer feedback and reviews
    • Carrier scorecard tracking

    Capacity Management

    Peak Season
    Partnerships ensure capacity during Q4 rush
    Backhaul Network
    Leverage return trips for cost savings
    Dedicated Lanes
    Preferred carriers for high-volume routes
    Spot Market Access
    Dynamic pricing for immediate capacity needs
    Contract Rates
    Volume discounts passed to customers

    Industries We Serve

    FTL shipping solutions tailored to your industry's unique requirements

    Manufacturing

    Typical Shipments
    Raw materials in bulk, finished goods, production equipment
    Why FTL
    High volume, regular scheduled shipments, JIT delivery needs
    Equipment
    Dry van, flatbed for machinery
    Frequency
    Daily or multiple times per week

    Retail Distribution

    Typical Shipments
    Store replenishment, warehouse-to-warehouse transfers, seasonal inventory
    Why FTL
    Full pallets to distribution centers, time-sensitive restocking
    Equipment
    Dry van, reefer for perishables
    Frequency
    Multiple times per week per location

    Food & Beverage

    Typical Shipments
    Packaged foods, beverages, ingredients, frozen/refrigerated goods
    Why FTL
    Temperature control in transit, bulk quantities, food safety requirements
    Equipment
    Reefer (primary), dry van for shelf-stable
    Frequency
    Daily for large operations

    Automotive

    Typical Shipments
    Vehicle parts, tires, assemblies, aftermarket accessories
    Why FTL
    JIT manufacturing, high volume parts distribution
    Equipment
    Dry van, flatbed for large parts
    Frequency
    Multiple times daily for OEM suppliers

    Construction

    Typical Shipments
    Building materials, lumber, steel, equipment, machinery
    Why FTL
    Job site delivery, bulk materials, heavy equipment
    Equipment
    Flatbed, step deck, lowboy
    Frequency
    Project-based, often weekly during active construction

    Furniture

    Typical Shipments
    Home and office furniture, fixtures, displays
    Why FTL
    Bulk quantities, retailer shipments, white glove delivery
    Equipment
    Dry van, conestoga for protection
    Frequency
    Weekly for manufacturers and retailers

    Paper & Packaging

    Typical Shipments
    Corrugated boxes, paper rolls, packaging materials
    Why FTL
    High volume, bulk shipments, heavy loads
    Equipment
    Dry van, flatbed for paper rolls
    Frequency
    Daily for large packaging operations

    Chemical & Industrial

    Typical Shipments
    Chemicals, plastics, industrial materials, bulk liquids
    Why FTL
    Bulk quantities, dedicated trailers, hazmat loads placed with hazmat-certified carriers
    Equipment
    Dry van, tanker, specialized
    Frequency
    Regular scheduled deliveries

    Agriculture

    Typical Shipments
    Produce, grain, livestock feed, farming equipment
    Why FTL
    Seasonal harvest, bulk quantities, time-sensitive perishables
    Equipment
    Reefer for produce, dry van for feed, flatbed for equipment
    Frequency
    Seasonal peaks (harvest), daily during season
    53,000
    Sq Ft Warehouse in Valencia, California
    1
    Facility, One Team, One Point of Accountability
    5
    Core Services, All Run From Valencia

    What We Run Out of Valencia

    Dedicated Warehouse Space
    3PL Fulfillment
    Cross-Docking
    Distribution
    Transportation & Delivery

    Alvy runs one warehouse — 53,000 square feet in Valencia, California — and your inventory sits in it, racked or floor-stacked, handled by our own team. Nothing is scattered across a network of subcontracted sites you will never see. For shippers moving high-value goods, that is the whole argument: one building you can walk, one team you can hold accountable, and no third party in the middle.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Everything you need to know about full truckload (FTL) shipping

    Looking for Logistics Services Near You?

    Our logistics company serves businesses nationwide with local expertise and personalized service. Contact us today for a custom logistics management solution tailored to your needs.

    California state outline

    Strategic California Coverage

    Our Valencia, California facility sits on the I-5 corridor just north of Los Angeles, putting us within reach of the state's major ports, airports, and freight lanes. From there we route shipments across California and out to the rest of the country.

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