GITNUXREPORT 2025

Supply Chain In The Ltl Industry Statistics

North American LTL industry exceeds $75 billion revenue, growing with digital innovations.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global supply chain industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2028

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The top three challenges faced by LTL companies include driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and capacity constraints

Statistic 3

The e-commerce sector contributed to over 40% of LTL shipping growth in 2022

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The utilization rate of dark warehouses in supply chain logistics is estimated at 65%, improving efficiency in distribution

Statistic 5

Cold chain LTL shipments saw a 15% increase in growth in 2022 due to higher demand for pharmaceuticals and perishable goods

Statistic 6

Sustainability initiatives have led to a 12% reduction in carbon emissions among major LTL carriers

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The average age of trucks in the LTL industry is approximately 7 years, highlighting a relatively modern fleet

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LTL freight spends on digital freight matching platforms increased by 50% in 2022, showing industry shift towards digitization

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Over 70% of LTL carriers now offer guaranteed shipping options as a standard service, indicating increased service reliability

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The average cost per mile for LTL shippers has increased by approximately 8% in 2023, driven by fuel and labor costs

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Capacity utilization rates in LTL transportation hover around 85%, indicating high but not maxed-out efficiency

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Cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS) adoption in LTL is at 60%, improving planning and execution

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The volume of hazardous materials transported via LTL in regulated industries increased by 8% in 2022, highlighting safety and compliance priorities

Statistic 14

The share of eco-friendly trucks in the LTL fleet is estimated at 20%, with a goal to increase to 50% by 2030

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The average volume per shipment in LTL has increased by 12% year-over-year, indicating larger shipments

Statistic 16

Approximately 65% of LTL shipments are palletized, improving handling and safety

Statistic 17

The number of LTL shipments utilizing predictive analytics tools increased by 30% from 2022 to 2023, optimizing routing and scheduling

Statistic 18

The global cold chain logistics market, including LTL, is projected to reach $350 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 13%

Statistic 19

LTL carrier capacity expansion plans for 2023 count over 150 new terminals, aiming to increase coverage and capacity

Statistic 20

Digital payment solutions for freight invoices saw a 40% adoption increase in 2022, streamlining accounting processes

Statistic 21

The average age of freight terminals in the U.S. is approximately 15 years but is trending younger due to modernization efforts

Statistic 22

Recovery and return logistics in LTL have grown by 10% annually, driven by e-commerce returns

Statistic 23

The share of environmentally friendly packaging used in LTL shipments increased by 18% in 2022, as part of sustainability efforts

Statistic 24

Over 80% of LTL shippers are seeking digital tools for better visibility and control over shipments, indicating a substantial digital transformation drive

Statistic 25

The percentage of LTL shipments with same-day delivery options increased by 25% in 2023, accommodating customer demands for quick delivery

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Regional LTL carriers constitute 55% of the market share, with national carriers holding the remaining 45%, indicating a balanced industry landscape

Statistic 27

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the LTL fleet is projected to reach 15% by 2030 as part of sustainability goals

Statistic 28

Industry-wide LTL shipment volume growth in the Asia-Pacific region was approximately 12% in 2022, driven by industrial expansion

Statistic 29

The average discount rate for LTL freight quotes is around 8%, reflecting market competitiveness

Statistic 30

The number of LTL shipments utilizing advanced analytics for demand forecasting increased by 28% in 2022, enhancing capacity planning

Statistic 31

The North American LTL (Less Than Truckload) industry generated over $75 billion in revenue in 2022

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The average LTL freight shipment size in the U.S. was approximately 9,000 pounds in 2021

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LTL carriers in the U.S. handle over 200 million shipments annually

Statistic 34

In 2022, about 85% of LTL shipments were domestic within the U.S.

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The typical LTL freight shipment weight ranges from 150 to 15,000 pounds

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The global LTL trucking market is expected to reach $210 billion by 2025

Statistic 37

Cross-border LTL shipments between the U.S. and Canada account for approximately 15% of total LTL freight, indicating significant international activity

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The number of LTL carriers operating in North America exceeds 300, illustrating industry fragmentation

Statistic 39

The top three U.S. states for LTL shipping volume are California, Texas, and Illinois, accounting for over 40% of total shipments

Statistic 40

Approximately 60% of LTL shipments are concentrated in the manufacturing and retail sectors, reflecting industrial demand

Statistic 41

U.S. LTL market share by major players shows XPO Logistics leading with around 35%, followed by FedEx Freight and Old Dominion, with 20% and 15% respectively

Statistic 42

The total number of registered trucks for LTL freight in North America exceeds 650,000, representing a significant fleet size for the industry

Statistic 43

The world's largest LTL freight market is North America, accounting for roughly 60% of global LTL shipments

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The U.S. LTL industry employs approximately 200,000 drivers nationwide, emphasizing its significance as a major employment sector

Statistic 45

The average shipment transit time for LTL freight in the U.S. is around 2.5 days

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Fuel costs account for roughly 30% of LTL carrier operating expenses

Statistic 47

The average dwell time at freight terminals for LTL shipments is approximately 24 hours, impacting delivery times

Statistic 48

LTL industry labor costs represent around 40% of total operating expenses, emphasizing the importance of workforce management

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The average profit margin for LTL carriers is approximately 7-10%, depending on operational efficiency and market conditions

Statistic 50

The average delivery accuracy rate for LTL shipments is about 98%, indicating high reliability

Statistic 51

The majority of LTL shipments are routed through just-in-time (JIT) supply chains, comprising approximately 65%, emphasizing efficiency and low inventory costs

Statistic 52

Freight mis-shipments in LTL account for less than 1% of total shipments, indicating a high level of accuracy

Statistic 53

Risk factors like driver shortages have caused a 25% increase in freight rates over the past year

Statistic 54

The percentage of shipments using LTL freight insurance increased by 10% in 2022, reflecting heightened awareness of freight security

Statistic 55

Freight claim rates in LTL are less than 1.5%, demonstrating strong freight security and handling

Statistic 56

Supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical issues increased the average transportation cost for LTL by 5% in 2023

Statistic 57

The average cost of damage claims per shipment in LTL is approximately $150, showing improved handling and packaging

Statistic 58

Cybersecurity threats have increased by 22% in logistics operations, prompting more carriers to invest in security protocols

Statistic 59

Technology adoption in the LTL industry has increased by 35% in the last five years

Statistic 60

Approximately 25% of LTL shipments are now managed via digital platforms

Statistic 61

Implementation of real-time tracking increased LTL customer satisfaction ratings by 20%

Statistic 62

60% of LTL carriers plan to invest in automation over the next three years

Statistic 63

The adoption of AI-powered route optimization tools has increased operational efficiency in LTL by 22%, reducing transit times and costs

Statistic 64

The adoption rate of electronic logging devices (ELDs) in LTL carriers increased to 78% in 2023, enhancing compliance and efficiency

Statistic 65

The average number of touchpoints per LTL shipment has decreased by 15% due to automation, reducing handling time and damage

Statistic 66

The use of blockchain technology for LTL freight tracking is in pilot phases with 20% of carriers testing solutions as of 2023, aiming to improve transparency

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Approximately 70% of LTL carriers use some form of predictive maintenance for their fleets, extending vehicle lifespan and reducing breakdowns

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Automation in freight yard operations has reduced container handling times by 30%, increasing throughput and efficiency

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The average number of days for LTL freight to reach its destination has decreased by 10% over the past two years owing to better routing technology

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Key Highlights

The North American LTL (Less Than Truckload) industry generated over $75 billion in revenue in 2022
The average LTL freight shipment size in the U.S. was approximately 9,000 pounds in 2021
LTL carriers in the U.S. handle over 200 million shipments annually
The global supply chain industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2028
Technology adoption in the LTL industry has increased by 35% in the last five years
Approximately 25% of LTL shipments are now managed via digital platforms
The average shipment transit time for LTL freight in the U.S. is around 2.5 days
Fuel costs account for roughly 30% of LTL carrier operating expenses
The top three challenges faced by LTL companies include driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and capacity constraints
In 2022, about 85% of LTL shipments were domestic within the U.S.
The e-commerce sector contributed to over 40% of LTL shipping growth in 2022
Implementation of real-time tracking increased LTL customer satisfaction ratings by 20%
60% of LTL carriers plan to invest in automation over the next three years

The North American LTL industry, a $75 billion powerhouse handling over 200 million shipments annually, is transforming rapidly through technological innovations, growing e-commerce demands, and sustainability initiatives—making it a dynamic sector to watch in the global supply chain landscape.

Industry Trends and Growth

The global supply chain industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2028
The top three challenges faced by LTL companies include driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and capacity constraints
The e-commerce sector contributed to over 40% of LTL shipping growth in 2022
The utilization rate of dark warehouses in supply chain logistics is estimated at 65%, improving efficiency in distribution
Cold chain LTL shipments saw a 15% increase in growth in 2022 due to higher demand for pharmaceuticals and perishable goods
Sustainability initiatives have led to a 12% reduction in carbon emissions among major LTL carriers
The average age of trucks in the LTL industry is approximately 7 years, highlighting a relatively modern fleet
LTL freight spends on digital freight matching platforms increased by 50% in 2022, showing industry shift towards digitization
Over 70% of LTL carriers now offer guaranteed shipping options as a standard service, indicating increased service reliability
The average cost per mile for LTL shippers has increased by approximately 8% in 2023, driven by fuel and labor costs
Capacity utilization rates in LTL transportation hover around 85%, indicating high but not maxed-out efficiency
Cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS) adoption in LTL is at 60%, improving planning and execution
The volume of hazardous materials transported via LTL in regulated industries increased by 8% in 2022, highlighting safety and compliance priorities
The share of eco-friendly trucks in the LTL fleet is estimated at 20%, with a goal to increase to 50% by 2030
The average volume per shipment in LTL has increased by 12% year-over-year, indicating larger shipments
Approximately 65% of LTL shipments are palletized, improving handling and safety
The number of LTL shipments utilizing predictive analytics tools increased by 30% from 2022 to 2023, optimizing routing and scheduling
The global cold chain logistics market, including LTL, is projected to reach $350 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 13%
LTL carrier capacity expansion plans for 2023 count over 150 new terminals, aiming to increase coverage and capacity
Digital payment solutions for freight invoices saw a 40% adoption increase in 2022, streamlining accounting processes
The average age of freight terminals in the U.S. is approximately 15 years but is trending younger due to modernization efforts
Recovery and return logistics in LTL have grown by 10% annually, driven by e-commerce returns
The share of environmentally friendly packaging used in LTL shipments increased by 18% in 2022, as part of sustainability efforts
Over 80% of LTL shippers are seeking digital tools for better visibility and control over shipments, indicating a substantial digital transformation drive
The percentage of LTL shipments with same-day delivery options increased by 25% in 2023, accommodating customer demands for quick delivery
Regional LTL carriers constitute 55% of the market share, with national carriers holding the remaining 45%, indicating a balanced industry landscape
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the LTL fleet is projected to reach 15% by 2030 as part of sustainability goals
Industry-wide LTL shipment volume growth in the Asia-Pacific region was approximately 12% in 2022, driven by industrial expansion
The average discount rate for LTL freight quotes is around 8%, reflecting market competitiveness
The number of LTL shipments utilizing advanced analytics for demand forecasting increased by 28% in 2022, enhancing capacity planning

Industry Trends and Growth Interpretation

As the LTL industry's shipment volumes swell alongside a 10.4% CAGR and rapid digital and sustainability strides, carriers are navigating driver shortages and capacity constraints with more digital tools and green initiatives, all while riding the e-commerce growth wave and aiming for a brighter, smarter, and more eco-friendly freight future.

Market Size and Volume

The North American LTL (Less Than Truckload) industry generated over $75 billion in revenue in 2022
The average LTL freight shipment size in the U.S. was approximately 9,000 pounds in 2021
LTL carriers in the U.S. handle over 200 million shipments annually
In 2022, about 85% of LTL shipments were domestic within the U.S.
The typical LTL freight shipment weight ranges from 150 to 15,000 pounds
The global LTL trucking market is expected to reach $210 billion by 2025
Cross-border LTL shipments between the U.S. and Canada account for approximately 15% of total LTL freight, indicating significant international activity
The number of LTL carriers operating in North America exceeds 300, illustrating industry fragmentation
The top three U.S. states for LTL shipping volume are California, Texas, and Illinois, accounting for over 40% of total shipments
Approximately 60% of LTL shipments are concentrated in the manufacturing and retail sectors, reflecting industrial demand
U.S. LTL market share by major players shows XPO Logistics leading with around 35%, followed by FedEx Freight and Old Dominion, with 20% and 15% respectively
The total number of registered trucks for LTL freight in North America exceeds 650,000, representing a significant fleet size for the industry
The world's largest LTL freight market is North America, accounting for roughly 60% of global LTL shipments
The U.S. LTL industry employs approximately 200,000 drivers nationwide, emphasizing its significance as a major employment sector

Market Size and Volume Interpretation

With over $75 billion in annual revenue and more than 200 million shipments handled, the North American LTL industry exemplifies both its vast economic footprint—dominating 60% of global shipments—and its inherent fragmentation, with over 300 carriers and a fleet enough to power the bustling manufacturing and retail sectors across key states like California, Texas, and Illinois.

Operational and Routing Practices

The average shipment transit time for LTL freight in the U.S. is around 2.5 days
Fuel costs account for roughly 30% of LTL carrier operating expenses
The average dwell time at freight terminals for LTL shipments is approximately 24 hours, impacting delivery times
LTL industry labor costs represent around 40% of total operating expenses, emphasizing the importance of workforce management
The average profit margin for LTL carriers is approximately 7-10%, depending on operational efficiency and market conditions
The average delivery accuracy rate for LTL shipments is about 98%, indicating high reliability
The majority of LTL shipments are routed through just-in-time (JIT) supply chains, comprising approximately 65%, emphasizing efficiency and low inventory costs

Operational and Routing Practices Interpretation

Despite a swift 2.5-day transit, high fuel and labor costs—making up nearly 70% of expenses—and a 24-hour dwell time, the LTL industry maintains an impressive 98% accuracy rate, highlighting that efficiency and reliability still navigate the delicate balance between cost management and timely delivery in today’s JIT-driven supply chains.

Security and Risk Management

Freight mis-shipments in LTL account for less than 1% of total shipments, indicating a high level of accuracy
Risk factors like driver shortages have caused a 25% increase in freight rates over the past year
The percentage of shipments using LTL freight insurance increased by 10% in 2022, reflecting heightened awareness of freight security
Freight claim rates in LTL are less than 1.5%, demonstrating strong freight security and handling
Supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical issues increased the average transportation cost for LTL by 5% in 2023
The average cost of damage claims per shipment in LTL is approximately $150, showing improved handling and packaging
Cybersecurity threats have increased by 22% in logistics operations, prompting more carriers to invest in security protocols

Security and Risk Management Interpretation

While LTL carriers boast an astonishingly low mis-shipment rate of less than 1%, the industry’s rising freight rates, increased insurance adoption, and growing cybersecurity investments underscore that even with high-accuracy operations, mounting external risks are compelling stakeholders to prioritize security and resilience in an already efficient supply chain.

Technology Adoption and Innovation

Technology adoption in the LTL industry has increased by 35% in the last five years
Approximately 25% of LTL shipments are now managed via digital platforms
Implementation of real-time tracking increased LTL customer satisfaction ratings by 20%
60% of LTL carriers plan to invest in automation over the next three years
The adoption of AI-powered route optimization tools has increased operational efficiency in LTL by 22%, reducing transit times and costs
The adoption rate of electronic logging devices (ELDs) in LTL carriers increased to 78% in 2023, enhancing compliance and efficiency
The average number of touchpoints per LTL shipment has decreased by 15% due to automation, reducing handling time and damage
The use of blockchain technology for LTL freight tracking is in pilot phases with 20% of carriers testing solutions as of 2023, aiming to improve transparency
Approximately 70% of LTL carriers use some form of predictive maintenance for their fleets, extending vehicle lifespan and reducing breakdowns
Automation in freight yard operations has reduced container handling times by 30%, increasing throughput and efficiency
The average number of days for LTL freight to reach its destination has decreased by 10% over the past two years owing to better routing technology

Technology Adoption and Innovation Interpretation

As the LTL industry accelerates its digital transformation—driven by a 35% rise in tech adoption, widespread use of AI, blockchain pilots, and automation investments—its shipments are buckling under fewer touchpoints, arriving faster and happier, proving that connecting innovation with freight is indeed the way the cargo container rolls.