A 60-pound box of equipment, a crate of samples or two small pallets of product. These shipments sit in an awkward middle: too big for a typical parcel service, too small to justify a truck. In South Florida, two options usually come up: a local courier or LTL freight. The right one depends on weight, timing and where it is going.
What a courier is best at
Courier service is point-to-point. A driver picks up your item and delivers it directly, usually in a car, van or small truck, without stops at a terminal or consolidation with other shippers’ freight. That makes it a strong fit for:
- Small or urgent items that need to arrive the same day.
- Documents, samples, parts and packages with a single destination.
- Round-trip deliveries where the driver waits or returns with items.
- Shipments where you want a direct handoff to a specific person.
Go LTL publishes its local courier rates, including local flat rates for shipments up to 70 lbs, under 50 lbs and round-trip options. You can browse all of them on the courier rates page. Additional charges can apply.
What LTL is best at
LTL (less than truckload) combines your freight with others’ freight to share the cost of a truck. It is designed for palletized or crated goods that are heavier or bulkier than a courier vehicle can reasonably handle. LTL is a better fit when:
- The shipment is on a pallet or needs a liftgate or forklift.
- Weight or size is beyond what a courier can safely move.
- The delivery is not time-critical and a standard transit time is acceptable.
- Cost per pound matters more than speed.
For a full introduction, see when LTL freight is the right call.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Courier | LTL |
|---|---|---|
| Typical shipment | Boxes, small items, a few pieces | Pallets, crates, larger freight |
| Handling | Direct, point-to-point | Shared truck, may cross-dock |
| Speed | Same-day often possible | Scheduled transit |
| Pricing basis | Distance, weight and service type | Weight, class, dimensions and lane |
| Delivery equipment | Car, van or small truck | Box trucks, dry vans with liftgates |
How to decide in four questions
- How urgent is it? If it needs to arrive today, start with a courier.
- How big and heavy is it? Single cartons favor courier; a pallet favors LTL.
- Where does it need to go? A direct local run is a courier job; a multi-city or regional lane may be better as freight.
- What does the receiving location require? A dock-less delivery to a shop or office might need a liftgate, which is an LTL or box-truck service.
If the weight is on the edge, ask for quotes on both. A quick comparison can save money, especially when the shipment is under a few hundred pounds. We also explain how courier pricing works so you can read a quote with confidence.
Parcel carriers are another option
National parcel carriers handle small, light packages well, but fees can rise quickly with weight, dimensional weight and delivery surcharges. At the heavier end, LTL often becomes more economical. Our post on parcel vs. LTL shipping shows where the break-even tends to fall, and the small parcel service page explains what is available locally.
Tips for shipping small, heavy items
- Use sturdy cartons or crates rated for the weight.
- Secure items to a pallet if they exceed what two people can lift.
- Mark weight clearly on the outside so handlers can plan.
- Confirm the delivery address type: residential, commercial or limited access.
- Tell the carrier if a lift gate, appointment or inside delivery is required.
The bottom line
Use a courier when speed and a direct run matter. Use LTL when the freight is palletized, heavy or going further and cost efficiency is the priority. Not sure which fits? Tell us about your shipment and we will recommend the better option.
Frequently asked questions
Is a courier faster than LTL?
Usually, yes for local deliveries. A courier goes directly from pickup to drop-off, while LTL freight is often consolidated and routed through a network. Availability and cutoffs still apply.
What is the weight limit for courier service?
It depends on the provider and vehicle. Many couriers focus on lighter items; heavier or palletized freight is usually better suited to a box truck or LTL service. Ask for the specific limits before booking.
Can I ship a single pallet by courier?
In some cases, if the provider has a vehicle and equipment to handle it. A single pallet often moves more economically as LTL, but a dedicated run can make sense when speed matters.