How the cost of FTL transport is calculated

FTL means that a vehicle is allocated to a specific shipment, but the price is not determined by the phrase ‘full truck’ alone. The logistics coordinator needs exact addresses, the loading date and time slots, cargo characteristics, packaging type, stackability, loading method, body requirements and contacts at both locations.

Weight and volume are assessed together. Light, bulky cargo may fill the body before reaching payload capacity; dense cargo does the reverse. Individual units may not fit through the doors or may require top or side loading and special equipment. Incorrect initial specifications make the original quotation inapplicable.

A curtainsider semi-trailer, refrigerated trailer, insulated body, box van, container carrier or flatbed has different operating costs and limitations. Even curtainsiders differ in internal height, volume, loading height and the ability to move the side posts. For non-standard units, check the positioning plan, not just total cubic metres.

Gross weight, weight distribution, axle loads and securing are taken into account. Pallets, crating and protective packaging form part of the actual dimensions. If cargo projects beyond standard dimensions or exceeds permitted specifications, a normal FTL quotation becomes an oversized transport project with its own route and permits.

Distance matters, but the carrier costs an actual permitted route. Toll sections, truck restrictions, weight limits, seasonal bans, bridge clearance, border arrangements and safe parking all affect it. The shortest route on a map may not be available to the selected vehicle.

Toll tariffs depend on the road section and vehicle category, including height and number of axles. They change, so commercial quotations use current operator data at the time of route planning. International delivery also takes account of road charges and rules in transit countries.

A fixed slot requires vehicle arrival to be synchronised with warehouse hours and the driver's working schedule. If the cargo is not ready or a queue delays paperwork, the vehicle cannot undertake its next trip. The order should therefore agree free time, when chargeable waiting starts, and documents confirming arrival and completion of work in advance.

Every additional stop adds mileage, manoeuvring, waiting and the risk of missing the next slot. Multi-drop delivery requires the order of addresses, truck access, recipients' opening hours and return of documents to be considered. These conditions cannot be properly allowed for if the order only names the first and last city.

Temperature-sensitive cargo requires a suitable body, pre-cooling or pre-heating, range monitoring and door-opening rules. Dangerous cargo is quoted after ADR classification data are received. Oversized cargo requires route checks, permits and sometimes escorts. Every condition changes the pool of available carriers.

Even standard cargo may require straps, corner protectors, mats, bracing or securing-point calculations. If the consignor provides securing equipment, record this in advance; if the carrier does, describe the set and responsibilities. ‘Ordinary equipment’ does not replace a drawing, weight, centre of gravity and packaging photographs.

The transport market varies by route and date. Before holidays, during high demand or when restrictions apply, fewer vehicles are available. On a balanced route, a carrier can plan a return load; on a one-way market, some return mileage is empty and is reflected in the quotation.

A quotation therefore has a validity period, and an early enquiry does not always mean an early booking. To reserve a vehicle, the parties agree the date, specifications and cancellation responsibility. Changing the date just before loading may require finding a new vehicle at current market rates rather than simply postponing the same booking.

A useful quotation lists the route, vehicle type, date, agreed cargo specifications, included operations and assumptions. Where applicable, it separately describes VAT, toll roads and charges, waiting time, additional stops, loading and unloading, permits, insurance and return of documents.

Exclusions are equally important: what will change the price and what the customer supplies independently. This prevents disputes when the actual cargo differs from the order or a warehouse delays the vehicle. The final rate should apply to a specific set of conditions, rather than appear to be a universal tariff for any goods between two cities.

Suppose 18 pallets of packed equipment need to move from a warehouse with side loading to a distribution centre with a fixed slot. The logistics coordinator checks pallet weight and height, internal body dimensions, securing options, access to both sites, toll sections, mileage and vehicle turnaround time.

If it later emerges that two pallets cannot be stacked, one is taller than declared and the recipient adds a second address, the quotation is revised because body use, the route and working time have changed, not because of an arbitrary surcharge. This illustrates why a figure without a specification is not a reliable offer.

Prepare addresses and time slots, the ready date, goods description, number of packages, gross weight, dimensions, volume, packaging, stackability, loading method, body requirements, temperature, ADR or oversized-cargo requirements, additional stops and warehouse contact. Attach photographs or a layout for non-standard units.

GreenTrans Group uses these data to select transport and explains which conditions affect the quotation. Below are links to the FTL service and special transport arrangements; an enquiry with specifications can be sent through the contact channels.