FTL (full truckload) is a dedicated 3-ton, 7-ton, 10-ton or 12/15 m that leaves when your file is ready. LTL is cheaper per CBM. FTL is faster and does not wait for a co-loader. Pick one on the quote — mixing them is how transit promises break. This page is the Difference Between LTL And FTL brief from Ras Al Khor — neighbouring URLs are different jobs.
| LTL / groupage | FTL / dedicated | |
|---|---|---|
| What you buy | Space on a shared trailer | The vehicle |
| Riyadh typical | 3–5 days | 48–72 hours |
| Jeddah typical | 4–6 days | 3–4 days |
| Dammam typical | 2–4 days | 24–48 hours |
| Cost shape | Per CBM or chargeable kg | Per truck |
| Leaves when | Trailer fills or scheduled departure | Your papers and packing pass |
| Best for | Cartons, mixed pallets, flexible date | Furniture sets, machinery, a fixed opening |
How LTL actually waits
A Riyadh groupage trailer leaves several times a week when volume fills. A Najran or Tabuk groupage may sit longer. Your 0.8 CBM does not justify a 12 m truck; it does justify patience or a dedicated 3-ton if the date is fixed.
How FTL actually leaves
Dedicated means this consignment, this vehicle. We still do not roll with an open SABER gap. FTL buys time on the highway, not a waiver on papers.
Which truck size
3-ton closed: villas, old Dubai pickup, Jeddah apartments. 7–10 ton: mixed commercial. 12 m and 15 m: warehouse docks and you-fill-it loads. Low-bed: oversize. Reefer: named temperature, not a cold story on a dry trailer.
Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are three products
Riyadh dedicated is typically 48–72 hours after intake (~1,080 km). Jeddah dedicated is 3–4 days (~2,050 km) and often needs a small last-mile vehicle after a trailer. Dammam dedicated is 24–48 hours (~620 km) into Eastern Province docks. LTL on each lane waits for a trailer to that city — a Najran groupage is not a Riyadh groupage. Name the suburb before you pick LTL versus FTL.
What LTL money does not buy
It does not buy a departure the afternoon you enquire. It does not buy a 3-ton to an Olaya apartment if the cargo is on a 15 m with steel. It does not skip SABER. Furniture can ride LTL when every piece is packed to travel with pallets; a loose villa set belongs on dedicated. If the date is a store opening, read the FTL column and ignore the cheaper CBM.
What FTL money does buy
The vehicle and the clock after papers pass. A dedicated 3-ton to a Riyadh villa is a different booking from a 12 m to Sulay. You still send photos, a packing list and two receiver numbers. FTL is not a waiver at Al Batha. Indicative 12 m to Riyadh is AED 5,200–8,200; to Jeddah AED 6,800–10,500; to Dammam AED 4,200–6,800 — confirm at the Ras Al Khor scale.
How to choose on WhatsApp
Send CBM or photos plus the door type. Under ~8–10 CBM of cartons with a flexible date: LTL. A villa set, machinery, or “must be there Thursday”: FTL or air. Mixing both on one message (“LTL price, FTL time”) is the brief we will split into two quotes. WhatsApp +971 55 214 5290.
Goods we ship from Dubai to GCC
- Commercial pallets
- Household and furniture
- Retail cartons
- Spare parts
- Project cargo
Delivery areas in GCC
How a booking works
- 01 · Send CBM or photosUnder ~8–10 CBM often LTL; a villa set often 3-ton FTL.
- 02 · Name the dateFlexible → LTL. Opening tomorrow → FTL or air.
- 03 · Name the doorTrailer vs pickup is a last-mile question.
- 04 · Pay for the mode you bookedLTL money does not buy FTL clocks.
- LTL Riyadh3–5 days · AED 200–350 / CBM
- FTL Riyadh 12 m48–72 h · AED 5,200–8,200
- LTL Dammam2–4 days · AED 160–280 / CBM
- West coastAdd about a day versus Riyadh
Common questions
Is groupage safe for furniture?
Yes if we wrap and load it as furniture, not as loose cartons. Dedicated 3-ton is cleaner for a full villa.
Can my LTL leave today?
Only if a trailer to that city is already closing. Otherwise it waits. FTL is the today option.
Do you mix LTL on an FTL truck?
Not without both shippers agreeing. Your dedicated rate assumes your cargo, your clock.
How much is LTL from Dubai to Riyadh?
Plan AED 200–350 per CBM, 3–5 days, after intake. A 12 m dedicated is AED 5,200–8,200 in 48–72 hours. Photos and the suburb lock it.
Is FTL always a 12 m trailer?
No. Villas and Jeddah Corniche streets often need a 3-ton closed pickup. Eastern Province warehouses often take a 12 m or 15 m. The door decides the vehicle; the date decides dedicated versus groupage.
Can furniture go LTL?
Yes if we wrap it to ride with other cargo. A full villa set is usually a dedicated 3-ton. Unpacked sofas on a shared pallet trailer are how claims start.