What is the difference between LTL and TL shipping?

LTL refers to orders of less-than-truckload quantity typically co-mingled with other similar-sized shipments headed for the same destination. Truckload (TL) shipping is for larger orders that require all or most of the capacity of a trailer. However, in certain circumstances (usually dictated by the receiver or for shippers to avoid compliance issues), shippers will ship LTL orders by themselves as TL to expedite delivery.