What is a partial shipment?
A partial truckload (PTL) shipment is too big for less-than-truckload shipping but does not need a whole trailer.
Partial truckload sits between less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload. It is the mode for freight that has outgrown LTL, which tops out at about 15,000 pounds and 10 pallets, but would still leave much of a trailer empty.
A shipment generally qualifies as a partial truckload at 5,000 to 40,000 pounds, or 5 to 14 pallets. It shares a trailer with a few other partial loads, but it is not routed through carrier terminals the way LTL freight is: it is loaded once at pickup and stays on the same truck until delivery, though the truck may stop along the way for the other loads.
That changes two things. With less handling, transit times are usually shorter and the risk of damage is lower. And pricing works differently: instead of the freight class system LTL uses, partial loads are usually priced on the trailer space, weight, and distance they need.
Partial truckload is still underused, despite those advantages. For shipments that exceed LTL but fall short of a full truckload, it is often the best balance of cost and transit time.
Partial truckload at a glance
- Weight
- 5,000 to 40,000 pounds.
- Pallets
- 5 to 14 pallets.
- Trailer
- Shared with a few other partial loads, and not routed through LTL terminals; the truck may stop for the other loads.
- Handling
- Loaded once at pickup, unloaded once at delivery.
- Pricing
- Based on the space, weight, and distance, usually without a freight class.
- Equipment
- Most often a dry van; flatbeds and other open-deck trailers carry partial loads too.
Have a partial load?
Send us the weight, pallet count, and lane, and we will price it as a partial truckload against LTL and full truckload.
What are the benefits of partial truckload?
Partial freight offers several advantages that make it an attractive, cost-effective way to ship:
Simplified logistics
One truck carries the load from start to finish. With no transfers between trucks or terminals, transit times drop, and with fewer touchpoints there are fewer chances for delays and errors.
No freight class complications
Partial loads are usually priced without the NMFC freight class that LTL depends on. You skip the work of classifying the shipment and avoid the reclassification charges that follow an incorrect class.
Reduced handling
Partial freight is loaded once and unloaded once. Less handling means less chance of damage in transit, so your goods arrive in the condition they left and your customers stay happy.
You pay for the space you use
You pay for the share of the trailer your freight takes, not for a whole truck, which keeps mid-sized shipments economical.
Weighing these benefits helps you make an informed choice for each shipment. At RS Group we specialize in finding the right rates for your freight, and for loads in the partial range, PTL is often the best option. Our guide to the pros and cons of partial truckload covers the trade-offs.
Which companies use partial truckload?
Companies of every size use PTL, because it fills the gap between LTL and full truckload. Some of the most common:
Mid-sized companies
Mid-sized businesses often have shipments that exceed LTL limits without needing a full truck. PTL moves those larger loads for less than the cost of a dedicated trailer.
Manufacturers and distributors
Manufacturers and distributors rely on PTL to move goods in larger quantities than LTL allows, with faster delivery and costs kept in check.
Retailers and e-commerce
Retailers and online sellers ship a mix of large and small orders. PTL lets them consolidate the shipments that exceed LTL limits but would not fill a truck, lowering transportation costs.
Brokers and logistics providers
Freight brokers and logistics providers use PTL to match shipments with available truck capacity, putting space to good use and giving their clients more options.
Construction and building materials
Lumber, steel, and equipment are bulky and heavy. PTL carries loads too large for LTL that still do not need a full truckload, including on flatbeds.
Specialized industries
Automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and other industries with sensitive or high-value cargo use PTL for its more controlled, lower-touch transportation.
Partial truckload FAQ
What is the difference between LTL and partial truckload?
LTL moves smaller shipments, 150 to 15,000 pounds on up to 10 pallets, through a network of carrier terminals where freight is unloaded and reloaded on the way. Partial truckload moves larger shipments, 5,000 to 40,000 pounds or 5 to 14 pallets, on one truck from pickup to delivery.
Is partial truckload cheaper than LTL?
It can be. For larger shipments a partial rate often beats LTL once freight class and terminal handling are counted, and the transit is usually faster. For small shipments, LTL is normally the cheaper choice. We quote both, so you can compare.
Does partial truckload use freight class?
Usually not. Partial loads are typically priced on the space they take, their weight, and the distance, rather than on NMFC freight class.
How do I book a partial truckload?
Send us the origin and destination, the total weight, the pallet count and dimensions, and whether the pallets can be stacked. Our partial truckload service page has the details, or request a quote directly.