LTL Shipment Solutions
Ship smarter with DHL’s LTL shipment solutions. Whether you’re moving a few pallets or partial loads, our Less-Than-Truckload services help your business scale with flexible, reliable road freight across Austria and throughout Europe.
With defined lead times, an extensive trucking network, and DHL’s expertise, you save time and keep your supply chain moving without interruption.
Connect with an LTL Shipping Expert and see how we can simplify your domestic and cross-border LTL freight shipping.
Complete LTL Freight Solutions
Our freight LTL services combine cost control with reliability. By moving your goods with other shippers, DHL ensures you benefit from shared capacity and clear pricing.
Service Options Tailored to Your Needs
Why Choose DHL?
- Defined lead times: Know exactly when your shipment will arrive, so you can plan production schedules and customer deliveries with confidence.
- No single-shipment surcharges: Send smaller loads without paying extra fees, keeping costs predictable for both one-off and recurring shipments.
- Scheduled and on-demand departures: Match your shipping to your business rhythm—whether you need regular, set routes or flexible, urgent departures.
- Oversized cargo handling: Ship larger or irregular freight with confidence, knowing DHL has the trailers and processes to handle oversized loads without complication.
- National and cross-border coverage: Our LTL freight shipping options cover both Austria and all major European markets, supporting your growth at home and internationally.
- Global expertise: Access DHL’s worldwide network and compliance know-how, reducing risk and helping shipments move smoothly across borders.
Connect with an LTL Shipping Expert
Let us know a few details about your freight needs and we will put in contact with the right expert
Understanding What LTL Freight Means
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL shipment) is designed for businesses that don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire truck. Instead, your shipment shares trailer space with freight from other companies. You only pay for the portion of the trailer you use, making it a practical option for small and mid-sized loads.
With LTL freight shipping, you can move goods as soon as they’re ready instead of waiting to fill a full truck. That means quicker shipping cycles, lower upfront costs, and more flexibility to keep your supply chain running smoothly.
Full Truckload (FTL) shipping means the entire truck is dedicated to a single customer’s goods. It is the fastest and most secure option, as your cargo is moved with door-to-door delivery and no intermediate handling. This comes at a higher cost, since you pay for the full capacity whether you use it or not.
Part-Truckload (PTL) shipping sits between LTL and FTL. It’s designed for freight that is too large for a standard LTL shipment but doesn’t need a full truck. PTL gives you fewer handling points and quicker transit times than groupage, while still keeping costs lower than FTL.
LTL freight’s meaning, on the other hand, is about sharing trailer space with other shippers in DHL’s European groupage network. It is the most cost-effective solution for smaller consignments, with reliable, scheduled departures and predictable delivery — though transit times can be slightly longer due to consolidation and routing.
When to use each option:
- LTL freight: Best for smaller consignments, such as up to 6 pallets, when you want the most cost-effective solution.
- PTL freight: Best for larger freight that doesn’t fill a truck but needs quicker, more direct delivery.
- FTL freight: Best when you can fill a truck or when speed and security are your top priorities.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL shipment) is designed for businesses that don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire truck. Instead, your shipment shares trailer space with freight from other companies. You only pay for the portion of the trailer you use, making it a practical option for small and mid-sized loads.
With LTL freight shipping, you can move goods as soon as they’re ready instead of waiting to fill a full truck. That means quicker shipping cycles, lower upfront costs, and more flexibility to keep your supply chain running smoothly.
Full Truckload (FTL) shipping means the entire truck is dedicated to a single customer’s goods. It is the fastest and most secure option, as your cargo is moved with door-to-door delivery and no intermediate handling. This comes at a higher cost, since you pay for the full capacity whether you use it or not.
Part-Truckload (PTL) shipping sits between LTL and FTL. It’s designed for freight that is too large for a standard LTL shipment but doesn’t need a full truck. PTL gives you fewer handling points and quicker transit times than groupage, while still keeping costs lower than FTL.
LTL freight’s meaning, on the other hand, is about sharing trailer space with other shippers in DHL’s European groupage network. It is the most cost-effective solution for smaller consignments, with reliable, scheduled departures and predictable delivery — though transit times can be slightly longer due to consolidation and routing.
When to use each option:
- LTL freight: Best for smaller consignments, such as up to 6 pallets, when you want the most cost-effective solution.
- PTL freight: Best for larger freight that doesn’t fill a truck but needs quicker, more direct delivery.
- FTL freight: Best when you can fill a truck or when speed and security are your top priorities.
Our Freight Services and Equipment
The European Freight System
In Europe, LTL freight rates are calculated based on weight, volume, route, type of goods, and handling needs — not according to a “class system” like in the U.S.
To make sure your shipment is categorized correctly, DHL provides resources to guide you. Visit our European Road Freight Help Center for more practical advice on preparing freight for shipping.
Why Choosing the Right LTL Freight Class is Important
Providing correct weight, dimensions, and handling information ensures accurate pricing and avoids delays. DHL specialists can support you with calculations, and online tools help you determine lead times for your LTL shipment.
Our Equipment & Capabilities
DHL offers a versatile set of equipment options to ensure your freight moves the way it should — whether it’s a single pallet, a regional load, or oversized cargo that needs special handling.
- Standard trailers: Used for most shipments, providing reliable capacity for both LTL shipments and full truckload needs.
- Mega trailers and 40-ft options: Flexible equipment for regional or higher-volume shipments.
- Special equipment: Temperature controlled units, coil carriers and secure transport trailers.
- Oversized cargo handling: Designed for freight that doesn’t fit standard pallet dimensions, ensuring even complex or irregular loads can be transported safely.
Ready to Choose Your DHL Freight Shipping Solution?
Get tailored solutions that move your business forward by talking to our experts
LTL Freight Rates and Costs
Every freight LTL shipment is unique, and costs are shaped by several variables, including:
- Distance between pickup and delivery
- Weight and dimensions of the goods
- Types of goods and handling requirements
- Seasonal demand and overall network capacity
DHL sets out to keep these variables transparent. With our LTL freight shipping services, you benefit from clear definitions of lead times, flexible scheduling options, and straightforward invoicing without penalties for small-volume shipments. This makes it easier to plan budgets and compare service levels.
Get a freight LTL quote now and see your shipping costs upfront, for no hidden surprises.
What’s Included in the Price?
Your DHL LTL freight quote covers the essentials needed to move goods reliably within Austria and across Europe:
Value-Added Services
For businesses with more complex shipping needs, DHL offers tailored services that go beyond the essentials. These include:
- Priority LTL with DHL Freight Eurapid: faster delivery, priority handling, Pre-10/Pre-12 options.
- DHL Freight ColdChain: GDP-compliant solutions for pharmaceuticals and temperature-sensitive goods.
- DHL Freight HighValue: For high-value and theft-sensitive goods, with enhanced security including GPS tracking, dual drivers, and defined lead times.
- GoGreen Plus Flex: Decarbonized road freight through sustainable fuels, with emission certificates provided.
- Customs services: Support for cross-border shipments across Europe and beyond.
- Cargo Insurance: Full-value protection against loss or damage — no deductibles, single invoice, fast claims ≤ 30 days.
- Transport-Related Warehousing: In-transit storage, local distribution, and advanced handling via multi-customer warehousing facilities.
Case Study
Ensuring Integrity for Clinical Trial Shipments
A global pharmaceutical company needed to move clinical trial samples safely and on time across multiple sites. We provided a customized logistics solution with temperature-controlled packaging, precise scheduling, and real-time monitoring.
This ensured zero sample losses and full compliance, helping the customer meet strict research deadlines. Our expertise in secure, reliable transport applies to all industries—whether shipping fragile, high-value, or irregular freight, DHL delivers safe, on-time, and fully visible shipments.
Learn more about DHL’s proven expertise in specialized logistics services and how it can support your business with confidence.
Ready to choose your DHL LTL Shipping Solution?
Every shipment is unique—so we offer a variety of LTL trucking services tailored to your cargo, budget, and timeline.
Get Started with DHL
Choose a trusted LTL freight carrier and simplify your shipping with tailored solutions:
- Across Austria and Europe: From local pickup to delivery in over 40 European countries, our road freight network keeps your business connected.
- Quick online quotes: Get a fast LTL freight quote with DHL’s European Road Freight Quote tool and see your shipping costs upfront.
- Expert guidance: Our specialists are here to help you choose the right options for your route, volume and timeline.
Partner with DHL today and see how our expertise can unlock your business’ growth.
Tracking and Support
From pickup to delivery, we give you full visibility and the dedicated support your business depends on, which includes:
- Comprehensive tracking: Monitor shipment status online with DHL’s Track & Trace for easy and convenient LTL freight tracking.
- Customer service when you need it: Access DHL’s customer service for help with your inquiries.
- Enterprise support options: Account holding customers can use dedicated online portals for greater shipment visibility and fully integrated management.