What is Full Truckload (FTL) Transportation?

Full Truckload (FTL) transportation dedicates an entire truck and trailer to your shipment, providing the most direct, efficient, and secure method for moving large volumes of freight. Unlike Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments that combine multiple customers’ freight, FTL gives you exclusive use of the vehicle from origin to destination.

Ideal for shipments that are:

• 10,000+ pounds or 10+ pallets
• Time-sensitive with tight delivery windows
• High-value requiring enhanced security
• Full trailer volume (up to 45,000 lbs on 53-ft trailers)
• Requiring temperature control or specialized handling
• Traveling long distances where direct routing saves time

The Quality Wheels FTL Advantage

98.2% On-Time Delivery Performance

In an industry where timing directly impacts your bottom line and customer satisfaction, Quality Wheels maintains a 98.2% on-time delivery rate—one of the highest in the trucking industry. This isn’t luck; it’s the result of meticulous planning, experienced drivers, proactive communication, and a company culture that treats every deadline as sacred.

100% Tender Acceptance

When you tender a load to Quality Wheels, you get a “yes.” Our 100% tender acceptance rate means you can plan your logistics with confidence, knowing we’ll be there when you need us. No last-minute capacity surprises. No scrambling for backup carriers. Just reliable, consistent service.

Award-Winning Excellence

• World’s Greatest Trucking Company (2025) — Industry recognition for overall service excellence
• Top Carrier #36 out of 360,000+ — Ranked among America’s elite carriers (2026)
• Great Place to Work Certified™ — Driver satisfaction that translates directly to better service

Modern, Well-Maintained Fleet

Our 108-truck fleet features late-model equipment maintained to the highest standards. Every truck undergoes rigorous preventive maintenance, pre-trip inspections, and DOT compliance checks to ensure your freight moves safely and reliably.

Fleet capabilities include:

• 53-foot dry van trailers (standard and high-cube)
• Refrigerated units for temperature-controlled freight
• Open deck trailers for oversized cargo
• Specialized equipment for unique freight needs

Benefits of FTL Transportation

Direct Routing = Faster Transit

Your freight goes straight from pickup to delivery with no stops, transfers, or cross-dock delays. This direct routing typically reduces transit time by 1-3 days compared to LTL alternatives, getting your products to market faster and reducing carrying costs.

Enhanced Security & Reduced Damage Risk

With only your freight on the truck, there’s no loading and unloading at multiple terminals. Fewer touchpoints mean dramatically lower damage rates—critical for fragile, high-value, or sensitive cargo. Your shipment is sealed at origin and only opened at destination.

Cost-Effective for Large Volumes

When shipping 10+ pallets or 15,000+ pounds, FTL typically offers better per-pound rates than LTL. You’re paying for dedicated capacity that would otherwise require multiple LTL shipments with higher combined costs.

Flexibility & Customization

FTL provides maximum flexibility for unique shipping needs:

• Schedule pickup and delivery times that match your operations
• Accommodate special handling requirements
• Utilize driver-assist services for loading/unloading
• Implement temperature monitoring for sensitive products
• Request specific equipment types for specialized cargo

Complete Load Visibility

Through our Guaranteed Shipment Visibility system, you’ll have real-time tracking, proactive status updates, and instant access to critical shipment data. Know exactly where your freight is and when it will arrive.

Our FTL Service Process

1. Consultation & Quote

Contact our team with your shipping requirements: origin, destination, freight details (weight, dimensions, special handling), and timing. We’ll provide a competitive, transparent quote within hours.

What we need:

• Pickup and delivery locations with zip codes
• Total weight and dimensions
• Number of pallets or pieces
• Commodity description and freight class
• Pickup and delivery dates/times
• Any special requirements (liftgate, inside delivery, etc.)

2. Capacity Confirmation

Thanks to our 100% tender acceptance rate and strong carrier network, we’ll confirm capacity immediately. You’ll receive driver information, estimated pickup time, and your dedicated tracking credentials.

3. Pickup & Loading

Our professional drivers arrive on schedule with the right equipment. They conduct thorough inspections, verify cargo matches the bill of lading, and secure freight using industry best practices to prevent shifting or damage during transit.

4. In-Transit Monitoring

Your shipment is monitored continuously throughout transit:

• GPS tracking with real-time location updates
• Proactive communication if delays or issues arise
• Temperature monitoring for refrigerated loads
• 24/7 dispatch support for questions or changes

5. Delivery & Proof of Delivery

Drivers coordinate delivery appointments, arrive within the scheduled window, and conduct final inspections. You’ll receive electronic Proof of Delivery (POD) immediately upon completion, with photos available upon request.

Industries We Serve

Quality Wheels’ FTL services support diverse industries with unique logistics requirements:

Manufacturing & Industrial

Raw materials, finished goods, machinery, and industrial equipment requiring dedicated capacity and handling expertise.

Retail & E-Commerce

Consumer goods, seasonal products, and high-volume shipments that must arrive on schedule to meet customer demand.

Food & Beverage

Temperature-controlled transportation for perishables, beverages, and food products requiring FSMA compliance.

Automotive

Parts, components, and finished vehicles requiring careful handling and secure transportation.

Construction & Building Materials

Heavy equipment, lumber, fixtures, and materials that may require specialized trailers or handling.

Technology & Electronics

High-value electronics, servers, and equipment requiring enhanced security and climate control.

Technology-Enabled FTL Services

Quality Wheels leverages advanced technology to optimize every aspect of FTL transportation:

AI-Driven Route Optimization

Our AI-Driven & API-Integrated Logistics platform analyzes traffic patterns, weather conditions, road restrictions, and delivery windows to select optimal routes. This reduces miles by up to 15% and fuel consumption by 12%, savings we pass along through competitive rates.

Real-Time Tracking & Visibility

Every truck is equipped with GPS tracking devices that provide:

• Location updates every 15 minutes
• Geofencing alerts when approaching pickup/delivery
• ETA calculations based on actual traffic conditions
• Historical tracking data for analysis and improvement

TMS Integration

Our Transportation Management System (TMS) integrates seamlessly with your existing systems through:

• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for automated document exchange
• API connectivity for real-time data sharing
• Major TMS platforms including Oracle, SAP, Manhattan, and Blue Yonder
• Custom integration options for proprietary systems

Proactive Communication

Automated notifications keep you informed:

• Pickup confirmation with driver details
• Real-time status updates during transit
• Delivery appointment coordination
• Electronic POD delivery
• Exception alerts if issues arise

FTL vs. Other Shipping Methods

FTL vs. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)

Choose FTL when:

• Shipping 10+ pallets or 15,000+ pounds
• Time-sensitive delivery is critical
• Freight is fragile or high-value
• Direct routing reduces total transit time
• Cost per pound is lower than LTL rates

Choose LTL when:

• Shipping 1-9 pallets or under 10,000 pounds
• Cost savings outweigh slightly longer transit
• Freight can withstand terminal handling
• Multiple small shipments to different destinations

Quality Wheels offers both FTL and LTL options. Our team will recommend the most cost-effective solution for your specific needs.

FTL vs. Intermodal

FTL advantages:

• Faster door-to-door transit (no rail delays)
• Greater flexibility in pickup/delivery scheduling
• Better for shorter distances (under 750 miles)
• No drayage or terminal handling fees
• More direct routing options

Intermodal advantages:

• Cost savings on very long distances (1,000+ miles)
• Reduced fuel costs and carbon footprint
• Good for non-time-sensitive freight

Specialized FTL Services

Expedited FTL

When standard transit isn’t fast enough, our Standard and Expedited Cargo services provide dedicated team drivers, priority dispatch, and 24/7 monitoring to meet critical deadlines.

Dedicated Lanes

For consistent shipping needs on specific routes, explore our Dedicated Lanes program offering guaranteed capacity, optimized pricing, and streamlined operations.

Drop Trailer Service

Maximize efficiency with our Drop Trailer & Trailer Pool services, allowing you to load/unload on your schedule while we handle the line haul.

Oversize & Overweight

Shipping cargo that exceeds standard dimensions or weight limits? Our team has expertise in Overweight & Over-Dimensional Shipments, including permitting, routing, and specialized equipment.

Safety & Compliance

Quality Wheels maintains the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance:

FMCSA Safety Rating

We maintain an excellent safety rating with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), reflecting our commitment to safe operations.

DOT Compliance

Full compliance with Department of Transportation regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS), vehicle inspections, and driver qualification files.

Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive cargo insurance protects your shipment from origin to destination, with coverage limits exceeding industry standards.

Driver Training

Our professional drivers complete ongoing training in:

• Defensive driving techniques
• Cargo securement best practices
• Customer service excellence
• Technology platform usage
• Emergency response procedures

Equipment Maintenance

Preventive maintenance programs ensure every truck meets or exceeds safety standards:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Regular preventive maintenance schedules
• Immediate repair of any deficiencies
• Annual DOT inspections
• Tire, brake, and lighting system monitoring

Sustainability in FTL Transportation

Quality Wheels is committed to reducing the environmental impact of transportation:

• Route Optimization — AI-driven routing reduces empty miles and fuel consumption
• Modern Fleet — Late-model trucks with improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions
• Preventive Maintenance — Well-maintained vehicles operate more efficiently
• Driver Training — Fuel-efficient driving techniques reduce consumption by 5-10%
• Load Consolidation — Maximizing trailer utilization reduces total trips needed

Pricing & How to Get Started

Transparent, Competitive Pricing

Quality Wheels provides straightforward FTL pricing based on:

• Distance and route complexity
• Freight weight and dimensions
• Equipment type required
• Pickup and delivery requirements
• Market conditions and fuel costs

No hidden fees. Our quotes include all costs so you can budget accurately.

Request Your FTL Quote

Getting started is simple:

Step 1: Contact our team 📞 Call (847) 457-0990 or 📧 Email [email protected]

Step 2: Provide shipment details Share origin, destination, freight info, and timing requirements

Step 3: Receive your quote Get a competitive quote within hours, often faster

Step 4: Book your shipment Accept the quote and we’ll coordinate all details

Step 5: Track and deliver Monitor your shipment in real-time with guaranteed visibility

Why Shippers Choose Quality Wheels for FTL

“Quality Wheels has been our go-to FTL carrier for three years. Their 98% on-time performance is actually better than advertised in our experience, and their customer service team is incredibly responsive. We never worry about capacity—they always come through.” — Logistics Manager, Major Midwest Manufacturer

The Quality Wheels Difference:

• Elite performance metrics that beat industry averages
• Award-winning service recognized nationally
• 100% employee satisfaction means drivers who care
• Advanced technology provides visibility and optimization
• Strategic Schaumburg, IL location for Midwest access
• Customer success management with periodic reviews

Experience FTL Transportation Done Right

Don’t settle for unreliable carriers, missed deliveries, or surprise capacity shortages. Partner with Quality Wheels Inc., the carrier ranked #36 out of 360,000+ nationwide, and experience the difference that 98.2% on-time delivery and 100% tender acceptance make for your supply chain.

Get your FTL quote today:

📞 Call: (847) 457-0990 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Visit: Inquire & Partner 📍 Location: 2328 Hammond Drive Suite A, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Ready to Get Started?

Partner with an award-winning carrier trusted by shippers nationwide.