LTL Trucking Solutions
Ship smarter with DHL’s LTL Trucking Solutions. Whether you’re moving a few pallets or partial loads, our Less-Than-Truckload solutions help your business scale with flexible, reliable road freight across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
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 shipments.
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.
- Nationwide and cross-border coverage: Our LTL freight shipping options cover Mexico as well as cross-border routes to the U.S. and Canada, supporting your growth domestically 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) shipping is designed for businesses that don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire truck. Instead, your goods are combined with shipments from other customers in DHL’s network, so you only pay for the space you use. It’s a smart, cost-effective 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.
LTL freight’s meaning, on the other hand, is about sharing trailer space with other shippers in DHL’s 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 additional handling and routing.
When to use each option:
- LTL freight: Best for partial shipments, such as up to 6 pallets, when you want the most cost-effective solution.
- FTL freight: Best when you can fill a truck or when speed and security are your top priorities.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping is designed for businesses that don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire truck. Instead, your goods are combined with shipments from other customers in DHL’s network, so you only pay for the space you use. It’s a smart, cost-effective 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.
LTL freight’s meaning, on the other hand, is about sharing trailer space with other shippers in DHL’s 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 additional handling and routing.
When to use each option:
- LTL freight: Best for partial shipments, such as up to 6 pallets, when you want the most cost-effective solution.
- FTL freight: Best when you can fill a truck or when speed and security are your top priorities.
Our Freight Services and Equipment
Freight Class in Mexico
In Mexico and for U.S. cross-border shipments, LTL freight pricing is based on the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), which assigns a “class” to your shipment between 50 and 500. This class depends on density, handling, stowability, and liability — in short, how difficult your freight is to move.
- Lower classes (50–100): Dense, durable products such as bricks or metal rods. These are cheaper to ship because they take up less space.
- Mid-range classes (125–250): Goods like furniture or electronics that balance weight and size.
- Higher classes (300–500): Lightweight but bulky freight, such as plastic goods, which cost more to move because they occupy more trailer space.
Why Choosing the Right LTL Freight Class is Important
Selecting the correct class is essential for accurate pricing and to avoid re-billing or delays. Need guidance? Our DHL specialists are here to help you determine the right class for your shipment, so you can avoid unexpected costs or disruption.
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.
- Semi-trailers: Standard trailers used for most shipments, giving customers reliable capacity for both LTL and full truckload needs.
- 40-ft trailers: A flexible option for smaller or regional shipments where a full 53-ft trailer isn’t required.
- 53-ft trailers: The largest standard option, providing maximum space for large consolidations or high-volume freight.
- 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
- Freight class
- Weight and dimensions of the goods
- Special handling requirements such as fragile or irregular cargo
- 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 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 Mexico and across borders:
Value-Added Services
For businesses with more complex shipping needs, DHL offers tailored services that go beyond the essentials. These include:
- Customs brokerage and support: Local customs experts manage import/export declarations and compliance for Mexico–U.S.–Canada trade lanes.
- GoGreen Solutions: Reduce your carbon footprint with sustainable fuel options and carbon-reduction measures.
- Specialized solutions: Temperature-controlled (Cold Chain) and highly secured transport options are available for sensitive or high-value freight.
- Cargo insurance: Flexible protection offerings to safeguard your shipment against loss or damage.
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:
- Nationwide access: Local pickup and delivery across Mexico, supported by regional DHL offices and customer service centers.
- Instant online quoting: Use DHL’s Freight Quote tool to get a quick, customized LTL freight quote based on your shipment details.
- Expert guidance: Connect with a DHL specialist and receive expert advice on the best service for your route 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.