Full truck load (FTL) transport is a form of transport in which the entire vehicle is dedicated to a single shipper. The entire cargo space is reserved for a single load, regardless of whether it utilises the full capacity of the trailer.
Unlike less than truckload (LTL) transport, FTL allows for direct transport of goods from the loading point to the destination – without transhipments, additional loads or stops along the way. This makes transport faster, more predictable and safer for the cargo.
This service is most often chosen by companies that:
- ship large quantities of goods at once,
- operate on a just-in-time basis and need timely deliveries,
- want to reduce the risk of damage and delays,
- transport goods that require stable transport conditions.
FTL is a solution for manufacturing companies, logistics operators, exporters and distributors who are looking for a proven form of road transport for goods. It is used in domestic and international logistics – both within the EU and on routes outside the community.
What is full truckload transport?
Full truckload transport means that the entire vehicle – usually a lorry with a trailer – is dedicated to transporting a single load from a single sender. This means that:
- the entire cargo space is reserved for only one shipment,
- there is no transhipment or loading of goods from other customers along the way,
- transport takes place directly from point A to point B – without stops at sorting centres or warehouses.
In practice, this means that the goods are loaded at the point of dispatch and delivered directly to the recipient without any changes to the route or carrier. This makes transport faster, more predictable and safer than in the case of groupage transport, where one vehicle handles multiple orders at the same time.
FTL transport is mainly used when:
- the load takes up the entire trailer or is so valuable that it is not worth combining it with other shipments,
- delivery time and minimising the risk of delays are a priority,
- constant control over the transport is required – without outside interference.
This solution is mainly used in industrial logistics, wholesale trade, export and transport of products requiring special conditions.
What goods are most often transported in full truckload mode?
FTL transport is chosen when full control over the cargo, safety and punctuality are important. Not all goods require a full vehicle, but there are groups of products for which this is the safest and most effective form of transport. Below are a few examples of cargoes that are regularly transported using FTL – both in domestic and international transport.
Palletised cargo
Full loads of Euro pallets or industrial pallets – especially for repeat deliveries between warehouses.
High-volume or heavy goods
Products that take up an entire trailer or are too heavy to be combined with other cargo.
Damage-sensitive goods
Electronic equipment, glass, furniture, construction elements – anything that should not be reloaded.
ADR loads
Hazardous substances requiring separate transport and strict compliance with regulations. FTL allows them to be transported safely and in accordance with standards.
Refrigerated and food products
Goods requiring constant temperature and fast delivery. FTL ensures continuity of the cold chain.
Industrial machinery and equipment
Unusual dimensions, heavy equipment, agricultural or construction machinery – it is better to transport them separately, without the risk of damage from other loads.
What does the FTL transport process look like step by step?
The full truckload transport process is simple but well organised. This gives the customer clarity about what is happening with their cargo at every stage. Below we describe what a standard FTL order looks like.
Step 1: Submitting an enquiry
The process begins with contact – by telephone or email. It is worth providing basic information in the enquiry: the place of loading and unloading, the type of goods, the dimensions of the load and the preferred delivery date.
Step 2: Verification of details
After receiving the enquiry, we determine the details – we analyse the technical requirements, check the availability of a suitable vehicle and verify the route. On this basis, we prepare an accurate quote.
Step 3: Order confirmation
After accepting the offer, we set the schedule and book the transport. The customer receives confirmation of the date, driver details and vehicle information.
Step 4: Loading of goods
The vehicle is provided according to the agreed schedule. Loading takes place at the location specified by the customer. The driver secures the goods in accordance with transport standards.
Step 5: Transport and monitoring
Transport takes place directly – from point A to point B, without transhipment. Real-time vehicle tracking is available on request.
Step 6: Unloading and documentation
Upon arrival, the driver unloads the goods in accordance with the recipient’s instructions. The customer receives the transport documents and confirmation of delivery.
What are the benefits of full truckload (FTL) transport?
FTL transport is not just about transporting goods without sharing cargo space. It offers specific benefits for companies that need to operate quickly, predictably and without the risk of losses along the way. In many industries, FTL is no longer an option – it is an operational standard without which it is difficult to maintain continuity of supply.
Speed and predictability
There are no intermediate stops in full truckload transport. The vehicle travels directly from the loading point to the unloading point. No transhipments, no additional loads, no sorting. For many companies, this means real time savings – especially where a delay of a few hours affects the entire production line.
Example:
A steel component manufacturer in Silesia sends complete batches of structures to construction sites in Germany every day. Thanks to FTL, the goods arrive directly at their destination without being stored en route. Every day of delay would generate penalties for late delivery. Thanks to full truckload transport, the company maintains the rhythm of deliveries in line with the construction schedule.
Lower risk of damage to transported cargo
No transhipments means less handling of the goods. The cargo is loaded once and transported to its destination in the same position. This reduces the risk of damage, pallet displacement and complaints.
Example:
A household appliance company transports ovens to a chain of supermarkets. Previously, some of the loads were transported by groupage and arrived at customers with dents or cracks in the fronts. After switching to FTL, the number of complaints dropped to almost zero – the goods were no longer being reloaded.
Possibility to match the vehicle to the specific nature of the cargo
FTL offers greater flexibility in vehicle selection. You can use a semi-trailer with a lift, a refrigerated trailer, a low loader or a container with appropriate security measures, depending on what is being transported.
Example:
A pharmaceutical distributor exports medicines that require transport at a temperature of +2 to +8°C. Thanks to FTL, the company uses a refrigerated trailer with certified temperature control and data recording. Without downtime or reloading, the medicines maintain constant conditions from loading to unloading.
Greater control over the load
In groupage transport, goods often ‘disappear’ for several hours in the sorting facility or pass through several transhipment points. With FTL, the route is determined in advance and the customer knows the exact time of loading and unloading.
Example:
The central warehouse of a grocery store chain needs precise deliveries at 6:00 a.m. so that stores can stock up before opening. FTL transport enables overnight delivery according to schedule, without delays due to traffic or handling other loads.
Cost-effectiveness for larger volumes
Although the price for an entire vehicle may be higher than a share in a consolidated load, FTL becomes more cost-effective when the loading space is fully utilised, especially for regular deliveries.
Example:
An importer of household chemicals from Italy sends full truckloads to Poland once a week. Thanks to fixed routes and repeatable loads, the company benefits from preferential rates, and FTL is cheaper than sharing the load with other shippers.
Placing an order for full truckload transport
Ordering FTL transport does not require complicated formalities. The entire process can be completed quickly – by phone or email. All you need to do is provide a few key details to receive a specific quote and confirmation of the date.
What do you need to prepare?
In order to efficiently price the transport and reserve a vehicle, you need to provide the following basic information:
- loading and unloading locations (exact addresses),
- planned loading date and time,
- type of goods and packaging method (e.g. pallets, bulk, container),
- dimensions and weight of the load,
- special requirements (e.g. refrigerated, ADR, semi-trailer with lift).
How does the contact process work?
You can send your request by e-mail or telephone. After receiving your enquiry, the freight forwarder analyses the route, checks vehicle availability and provides a quote. Once accepted, the booking is confirmed and the customer receives the order details.
How quickly can transport be arranged?
In many cases, it is possible to provide a vehicle on the same day or within 24 hours. For international routes, the standard organisation time is 1-2 working days. It all depends on the location, type of goods and fleet availability.
Domestic and international full truckload transport with Jasek Transport
Jasek Transport provides full truckload (FTL) transport services in Poland and internationally, both within the European Union and beyond its borders. We handle regular routes and one-off orders. We ensure timely and safe transport of cargo with various requirements – from pallets and machinery to refrigerated cargo and ADR.
Domestic full truckload transport
In Poland, we offer fast and direct deliveries between warehouses, distribution centres, production plants and shops. We operate both long routes between provinces and shorter regional routes.
Most frequently served routes:
- Silesia – Mazovia,
- Lower Silesia – Greater Poland,
- Pomerania – Lesser Poland.
Thanks to our own fleet and flexible planning, we are able to organise transport even on the same day.
International full truckload transport
In international transport, we serve the entire EU as well as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition:
- Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium,
- the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria,
- Italy, France, Spain,
- Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia,
- Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria.
We carry out transport on behalf of exporters, importers, manufacturers and logistics operators.
What does Jasek Transport offer?
- An experienced team and knowledge of transport procedures,
- Fast delivery times – including express delivery,
- Real-time cargo monitoring,
- An individual approach to the route and type of cargo,
- Punctuality and complete transport documentation.
Full Truck Load (FTL) transport – frequently asked questions
How far in advance do I need to place an order for full truckload transport?
It is best to submit your request 1–2 working days in advance. For domestic routes, we are often able to provide a vehicle on the same day. For international transport, the standard organisation time is 24–48 hours, depending on the destination and type of cargo.
Can I transport unusual goods, such as machinery or ADR?
Yes. We provide specialist transport services, including ADR and oversized loads. We select the vehicle according to the specific nature of the load and the route.
Do you offer transport to and from high-bay warehouses?
Yes. We handle loading and unloading at logistics centres, high-bay warehouses and industrial plants. We have vehicles equipped with lifts and pallet trucks if required by the delivery location.
Can I track the status of my shipment?
Yes. We offer the option of tracking your vehicle en route – via GPS or by contacting our dispatcher. You will be kept informed of the location and estimated delivery time.
Do you include ADR?
Yes, to the extent permitted by law. Find out more here.
What documents are required to order transport?
The basic requirements are the loading and unloading addresses, a description of the goods, their dimensions and weight, the delivery date, and information about any special requirements (if applicable).
Is long-term cooperation possible?
Yes. We handle both one-off orders and regular routes for regular customers. For long-term cooperation, we can offer preferential pricing and guaranteed fleet availability.
How many pallets can fit on a semi-trailer?
A standard tarpaulin semi-trailer (known as a TIR) can hold a maximum of:
- 33 Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm),
- 26 industrial pallets (120 × 100 cm).
- The dimensions of the cargo space of a typical semi-trailer are approximately 13.6 m long, 2.45 m wide and 2.7–3 m high. The load capacity is usually 24–25 tonnes, but the exact number of pallets depends on the type of goods, the method of packaging and any weight restrictions.
If the transport involves non-standard pallets or large-volume loads, it is best to consult us in advance – we will match the appropriate type of vehicle.
Is it possible to arrange transport at weekends or at night?
Yes, transport outside standard working hours is possible – including at night, on public holidays and bank holidays (provided that we are not restricted by traffic bans on those days). This requires prior arrangement and confirmation of vehicle and driver availability. We handle such orders on an individual basis.
What if the loading or unloading date changes?
Simply contact our operations department. If the change is made in advance, we can adjust the new schedule. In the event of sudden changes, we look for solutions on an ongoing basis, e.g. rescheduling transport to another day or vehicle.
Does the carrier provide cargo insurance?
Yes, every shipment carried out by our company is covered by an OCP (carrier’s civil liability) policy. In the case of high-value cargo, additional CARGO insurance is available at the customer’s request.
Who prepares the transport documents?
The documents are usually prepared by the customer. If for some reason they are unable to do so, we can prepare the transport order and CMR. As a carrier, we cannot prepare a delivery note or consignment note. A consignment note is not the same as a CMR.
Does the driver help with unloading?
As a rule, the driver is present during loading/unloading, but does not participate in unloading. If assistance is required, e.g. with a lift or pallet truck, this can be requested in advance and we will arrange a suitable vehicle.
What to do in case of damage to the cargo?
In case of damage to the cargo, a damage report should be drawn up at the unloading site and photographs should be taken. Then, please contact us – we will take care of the further procedure of reporting the damage to the insurer and clarifying the matter.
Can I reserve an entire vehicle even if my load does not fill the trailer?
Yes. You have the right to reserve an entire vehicle even for a partial load – for example, for reasons of security, confidentiality or recipient requirements. It will still be considered FTL transport.
What does customs clearance look like for transport outside the EU?
For shipments to countries outside the EU (e.g. the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway), we work with customs agencies that handle document preparation, declarations and border formalities. The customer receives support throughout the entire process – from valuation to completion of customs clearance.
