Less than truckload (LTL) shipments as a key solution in modern logistics

At Raben Ukraine, we see businesses shifting from large shipments to more frequent and smaller shipments every day. E-commerce, dynamic imports, changing routes and demand for fast delivery are shaping a new reality. In these conditions, less than truckload (LTL) shipments are becoming a solution that allows companies to remain flexible, save resources and maintain the stability of their supply chains.

Raben has been operating in the LTL segment for many years, and the trend is clear — companies need exactly this type of delivery: regular, fast, with predictable costs and complete transparency at every stage of transport. 

‘Flexibility and fast delivery are the new currency of logistics. LTL enables businesses to respond to market changes without unnecessary costs,’ says Svitlana Mazurkevich, groupage shipments coordinator of the international transport department at Raben Ukraine.

Why LTL is growing: trends in numbers

The LTL segment is showing stable and faster growth compared to FTL both in Europe and worldwide.

The reason for this is the adaptation of companies' logistics strategies. Businesses are moving away from large batches in favour of frequent and smaller shipments, which allows them to reduce inventory, respond more quickly to fluctuations in demand and avoid the risks associated with delays. 

This approach allows to:

• reduce inventory levels,

• respond more quickly to fluctuations in demand,

• reduce the risk of delays and disruptions.

LTL provides flexibility, which is becoming critically important in unstable markets and with the growth of e-commerce. The growth of online commerce, omnichannel sales, and international trade is driving demand for smaller shipments.

In addition, technological innovations — digital platforms for tracking shipments, warehouse automation, route optimisation — make LTL more efficient and transparent. This allows companies to forecast costs and control every stage of delivery. 

‘LTL is not just an alternative to FTL, but a strategic choice for businesses seeking flexibility and savings,’ comments Tetiana Gnedina, coordinator of the international transport department at Raben Ukraine.

Growth trends in numbers show:

• According to a report by Technavio, the Less-than-Truckload (LTL) segment is showing steady growth and will reach a CAGR of +6.8% by 2029. This means that the market will grow by more than $110.7 billion between 2024 and 2029 [1] . 

• The LTL segment in Europe is showing steady growth and will reach a volume of $98.2 billion by 2030, compared to $67.1 billion in 2024. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% between 2025 and 2030. Europe accounts for approximately 29.3% of the global LTL market, second only to North America, but is showing steady growth thanks to the development of international trade and adaptation to omnichannel sales. [2] .

• According to Transport Intelligence's European Road Freight Transport Report 2024, the LTL segment is showing more dynamic growth compared to FTL [3] .

This confirms once again that the market is moving towards smaller shipment sizes and shorter delivery cycles.

Advantages of LTL for businesses with Raben Group solutions:

• Raben combines shipments from different customers into joint shipments, optimising routes and reducing costs;

• International and domestic routes, regular linehauls between depots, our own fleet of vehicles, a base of reliable contractors, and own groupage network in Europe ensure fast delivery Europe-wide and throughout Ukraine, even for small volumes;

• Support for the Just-in-Time model: regular LTL shipments with flexible shipment selection.

• Adaptation to e-commerce, B2B and changes in the import structure: an extensive network of depots and distribution centres ensures efficient sorting, storage and picking of goods;

• Optimised routes and frequent deliveries in small batches help keep goods in constant circulation without excess inventory;

• The combination of LTL transport and a cross-docking network allows you to ship less but more often, without increasing logistics costs; 

• Thanks to the strengthened Raben Eurohub structure in Central Europe, transit routes to and from Ukraine become even faster and more reliable, supporting stable supply chains for Ukrainian businesses and importers. The network of six strategically located Eurohubs across Europe provides faster and more regular international connections, and these gateways allow us to secure our customers’ business even in uncertain times by offering competitive, tailor‑made logistics solutions.

Ukraine: why is LTL gaining popularity?

In Ukrainian logistics, LTL is becoming one of the key delivery formats.

The reason for this is a change in business behavior and the need to optimize resources:

• According to analytical research by GlobalPost, groupage shipments ranging from 1 kg to 7 pallets are growing rapidly, becoming the optimal solution for small and medium-sized businesses. This is especially relevant for Ukrainian companies that operate in a rapidly changing environment and require maximum logistics efficiency. [4].

• Research by E3S Web of Conferences (2024) highlights that companies are switching to flexible logistics models, as traditional routes may change. [5].

‘In such a situation, LTL helps to avoid delays, reduce risks and maintain stability of supplies. This solution gives businesses flexibility, allows them to respond quickly to market changes and optimise costs. We see that companies are increasingly choosing LTL as a strategic delivery format because it ensures process transparency and maintains supply chain continuity even in difficult conditions,’ summarizes Svitlana Mazurkevich, groupage shipments coordinator of the international transport department at Raben Ukraine.

Key segment of international transport 

LTL is a practical delivery format for businesses working with small and medium-sized consignments.

Economical, flexible and stable, it allows you to respond quickly to market changes and control logistics costs. Given the confirmed market trends, LTL transportation will be one of the key logistics areas in 2026 and will become part of the long-term logistics strategy of companies focused on sustainable development.

That is why Raben Ukraine considers LTL not as a separate service, but as a basic element of a modern logistics model.

[1] : Technavio report

[2] : Grand View Research

[3] : Transport Intelligence, 2024 — report

[4] : GlobalPost — article  

[5] : Research E3S Web of Conferences (2024)