“Kapai” is Chinese shorthand for truck delivery — in U.S. logistics, that covers both LTL (less-than-truckload) and FTL (full truckload) shipping. The core idea is simple: moving freight by truck, as opposed to parcel/express networks like FedEx or UPS, which run on a completely different system. If you're new to U.S. freight, you've probably asked: what exactly counts as freight shipping, how is it different from parcel shipping, and which one do you need? This article walks through it.
“LTL” and “FTL” Aren't Regulatory Terms — They're Industry Shorthand
LTL and FTL are not official FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulatory classifications — they're operational terms used across the industry. Different carriers and platforms may define the exact boundary slightly differently, but the core logic is consistent: LTL combines multiple customers' freight on one truck, billed by space and weight; FTL dedicates the entire trailer to a single customer's shipment. Knowing this helps you avoid mistaking one carrier's specific rule for an industry-wide standard.
Where's the Line Between Trucking Freight and Parcel Shipping?
The clearest dividing line is weight and size. FedEx and UPS's parcel networks typically cap out at 150 lbs per piece and 165 inches in combined length plus girth — this is the hard limit in UPS's own official service guide (the single-edge length limit varies by service tier — FedEx Ground caps at 108 inches while FedEx Express allows up to 119 inches, so it's not one universal number). Once a shipment exceeds parcel network limits, it typically needs to move as LTL freight or another freight mode.
In other words: a single item from a few pounds up to around 150 lbs usually ships faster and cheaper via parcel. Once you're over 150 lbs, oversized, or shipping multiple palletized pieces, it's time to get a freight quote.
How Do I Choose Between LTL and FTL?
Shipment volume drives the decision. Based on ShipMay's actual quoting logic: shipments up to 6 pallets are typically quoted as standard LTL; between 7 and 20 pallets, we quote both LTL (Volume/Partial rate) and truckload side by side so you can compare; above 20 pallets, our LTL booking system has a hard ceiling — truckload is the only option.
That's just a starting point — pallet dimensions, density, cargo value, and timing requirements all factor in too. For the full decision framework (including how Partial pricing works), see LTL, Partial, or FTL: Choosing by Weight and Pallet Count.
What Does the Process Actually Look Like?
A typical trucking shipment moves through quoting, scheduling pickup (for LTL, usually at least one terminal transfer), delivery, and invoicing — and each step can affect your final bill. For the full walkthrough, see The Complete Guide to U.S. LTL Freight Shipping; for how the total cost breaks down, see How Are U.S. Trucking Freight Costs Calculated?.
How ShipMay Helps
Not sure whether to ship parcel or freight, or LTL vs. truckload? Tell ShipMay your weight, dimensions, pallet count, and cargo value, and start a quote — we'll point you to the right option based on your actual shipment.
Related Reading
- LTL, Partial, or FTL: Choosing by Weight and Pallet Count
- The Complete Guide to U.S. LTL Freight Shipping
- How Are U.S. Trucking Freight Costs Calculated?
- LTL Freight Quote Checklist
- LTL Freight Quotes
- Truckload Shipping
Reference
- UPS official shipping dimensions and weight guidelines, the source for the 150 lb / 165 inch (length + girth) parcel network limit.
- National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), which maintains the LTL freight classification system.
