LTL, or less than truck load, is a shipment that does not fill an entire truck and therefore shares vehicle space with other consignments, making it relevant for small trial orders or domestic distribution in food and agricultural trade.
In trade practice
For frozen food, international LTL is uncommon because reefer cargo requires dedicated temperature control and co-loading with incompatible goods risks temperature abuse. It is most practical for small trial batches moving domestically or over short cross-border distances. Groupage services can offer a partial alternative for international frozen shipments, but buyers should confirm that the consolidator maintains the required temperature throughout. Costs per kilogram are higher than for a full truck load.
In a specification
Where LTL is agreed, the contract or transport instruction should state the required temperature range, confirm that the carrier operates a dedicated reefer compartment and specify liability for temperature deviation.