LTL

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

LTL
Stands forLess than truckload
Meanings2
CategoriesBusiness & Finance, Government & Politics

LTL has two meanings. It stands for Less than truckload (logistics, supply chain & trade) or Less-than-lethal (police).

Meanings of LTL at a glance

#LTL stands forContext
1Less than truckloadBusiness & Finance › Logistics, Supply Chain & Trade
2Less-than-lethalGovernment & Politics › Police

1. Less than truckload

Business & Finance · Logistics, Supply Chain & Trade Abbreviations

Trucking service for shipments too small to fill a trailer, typically between about 150 and 15,000 pounds, in which freight from many shippers is combined on one truck and moved through a network of terminals.

Example: Our six pallets go LTL, so expect a few extra days in transit.

LTL pricing depends on weight, distance and freight class under the National Motor Freight Classification, plus accessorial charges such as liftgate or residential delivery. Freight is handled several times at terminals, so damage risk is higher than for full truckloads. The collapse of carrier Yellow in 2023 shifted volume across the US LTL market.

2. Less-than-lethal

Government & Politics · Police Abbreviations

Category of weapons and munitions designed to incapacitate without killing, such as beanbag rounds, rubber bullets, foam projectiles and pepper balls. Many agencies prefer "less-lethal," since these weapons can still cause death.

Example: Officers fired LTL rounds after the man advanced with a machete.

Injuries from projectiles during the 2020 protests led to restrictions in several cities. Proper distance and target areas are critical to reducing serious injuries. LTL options are deployed alongside firearms so officers have alternatives.

More logistics, supply chain & trade abbreviations

  • JIT – Just-in-time
  • L/C – Letter of credit
  • LCL – Less than container load
  • LPN – License plate number
  • MAWB – Master air waybill
  • MBL – Master bill of lading
  • MPS – Master production schedule
  • MRO – Maintenance, repair and operations

See all 106 logistics, supply chain & trade abbreviations →

More police abbreviations

  • LAPD – Los Angeles Police Department
  • LASD – Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
  • LEO – Law enforcement officer
  • LEOSA – Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act
  • M.O. – Modus operandi (method of operating)
  • MDT – Mobile data terminal
  • MISPER – Missing person
  • MVA – Motor vehicle accident

See all 84 police abbreviations →