---
title: The Ideal Load for an LTL Truck and Why It’s Important
description: "Customodal CEO details the ideal LTL truck load: 48 4’x4’x4′ cube pallets, each weighing 850 pounds, for optimal efficiency."
image: https://blog.customodal.com/hubfs/ideal-load-for-ltl-truck.jpg
---

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# The Ideal Load for an LTL Truck and Why It’s Important

TAGS:

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#### Recent Articles

[ How Manufacturers Can Lower LTL Costs Without Hurting Service ](https://blog.customodal.com/how-manufacturers-can-lower-ltl-costs-without-hurting-service)

[ When Should Manufacturers Rebid Freight Contracts? ](https://blog.customodal.com/when-should-manufacturers-rebid-freight-contracts)

[ LTL vs Truckload: Which Is More Cost-Effective for Manufacturers? ](https://blog.customodal.com/ltl-vs-truckload-which-is-more-cost-effective-for-manufacturers)

[ How to Audit Your Freight Spend in 30 Days ](https://blog.customodal.com/how-to-audit-your-freight-spend-in-30-days)

[ Contract Freight vs Spot Freight for Manufacturers ](https://blog.customodal.com/contract-freight-vs-spot-freight-for-manufacturers)

[** PREVIOUS ARTICLE ](https://blog.customodal.com/nows-the-time-to-prepare-for-holiday-shipping)

[ NEXT ARTICLE ** ](https://blog.customodal.com/what-is-the-bullwhip-effect)

[Customodaladmin](https://blog.customodal.com/author/customodaladmin) September 30, 2021

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![The Ideal Load for an LTL Truck and Why It’s Important](https://blog.customodal.com/hubfs/ideal-load-for-ltl-truck.jpg)

## Customodal CEO Explains The Ideal Load for an LTL Truck and Why It’s important to have the ideal shape of your freight if possible.

The ideal load for an [LTL](https://customodal.com/blog/ltl-shipping-the-basics/) truck consists of (48) 4’x4’x4′ cube pallet each weighing 850 pounds. In a perfect world, this is what every truck would be hauling. However, reality is a little bit more complicated. Additionally, supply chain challenges, driver shortages, stalled freight off the west coast, and system delays grants LTL companies the power to surcharge anything less than ideal.

**In this video, learn about Overlength Freight, Cubic Capacity, & Situations in Which This Matters.**

#### **Freight and How it Fits into an LTL Shipping Trailer**

Each block represents a 4′ cubed pallet. 48 of these pallets can fit on a truck. This minimizes the amount of labor and maximizes cubic volume. A pallet that weighs 850 lbs and is 4′ x 4′ x 4′ is ideal. LTL companies like customers that ship 1-2 pallets per BOL. Small shipments like that allow for more invoices at a higher rate.

![ideal ltl truck load](https://blog.customodal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ideal-ltl-truck-size-1.jpg?width=809&height=300&name=ideal-ltl-truck-size-1.jpg)

*the Ideal LTL Truck Load*

#### **What about Overlength Freight?**

Let’s say there’s a pallet that is 8′ x 4’x 4′. It still fits as long as the material handling capability is available.

Now, if there is a 12’x 4’x 2′ pallet, this awkward size then displaces (3) of the 4x4x4’s. Suddenly, there is empty space available. Then you will be charged for opportunity cost.

![overlength freight](https://blog.customodal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ltl-cubic-deficit-explained-1.jpg?width=602&height=300&name=ltl-cubic-deficit-explained-1.jpg)

*overlength freight displaces other pallets*

#### **Understanding Cubic Capacity and Cubic Deficit**

If you are shipping a fragile piece that can’t have freight on top of it, the unused space on top means displacing other pallets. The cubic capacity is not ideal, creating a cubic deficit. LTL companies are going to charge for the space (deficit) that’s not being used.

![typical ltl truck](https://blog.customodal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ltl-truck-shipping-demonstration.jpg?width=887&height=300&name=ltl-truck-shipping-demonstration.jpg)

*an LTL truck that is not ideal…but more typical*

Customodal can help make sure you are getting the best possible deal on your shipping needs. [Contact our friendly team to learn more!](https://customodal.com/contact-customodal/)

[![](https://blog.customodal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/button-learnmore-Sep-06-2024-06-55-05-8859-AM.jpg?width=144&height=42&name=button-learnmore-Sep-06-2024-06-55-05-8859-AM.jpg)](https://customodal.com/contact-customodal/)

[Blog](https://blog.customodal.com/tag/blog)

## Related Articles

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## [Spot vs. Contract Rates in LTL Truckload Shipping](https://blog.customodal.com/spot-vs-contract-rates-in-ltl-truckload-shipping)

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## [New Tool Launched to Help Enhance Profitability](https://blog.customodal.com/new-tool-launched-to-help-enhance-profitability)

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