Partial Truckload Shipping
Partial truckload (PTL) shipping gives businesses another option for freight that may be too large for standard LTL shipping but does not require a full truck. Translogistics, Inc. (TLI) helps shippers compare partial truckload, Volume LTL, and full truckload options based on shipment weight, pallet count, dimensions, pickup and delivery locations, transit requirements, and available carrier pricing.
Get StartedPartial Truckload and Volume LTL
When freight exceeds typical LTL shipment limits or takes up more trailer space than standard LTL pricing can accommodate, Volume LTL and partial truckload may be worth considering. Volume LTL uses LTL carrier networks for shipments that qualify for volume pricing, while partial truckload can provide an alternative for shipments that need more space or different handling than standard LTL service offers. TLI helps shippers compare available options and coordinate transportation through our carrier network and ViewPoint transportation management system (TMS).
How Partial Truckload Shipping Works:
Partial truckload shipping is designed for shipments that need only part of a trailer’s capacity. Depending on the carrier, freight may move alongside other compatible shipments or through a routing arrangement suited to its size and handling requirements. Rates may account for shipment weight, the amount of trailer space used, distance, and other shipment details. TLI helps evaluate available carrier options to find a transportation solution that fits your freight.
What is Volume LTL and Partial Truckload?
Partial freight is a freight mode that helps shippers share the space of a trailer. Utilizing either truck load or LTL carriers, a shipper can move their loads through partial or volume LTL options.
When to use Shared Space Freight Services
Partial Truckload and Volume LTL shipping is utilized for the following kinds of shipment:
- In-Between Shipment: If a shipper has a shipment too large for LTL, but not large enough to justify a full-truckload
- Cubic-Capacity Rule: If a standard LTL rate hits the cubic-capacity rule, then consider a volume rate or a partial option.
- Flexible Transit: If freight has flexibility, then Partial TL and volume LTL may be a good option.
How is Shared Space Priced
A shipper will only pay for the linear feet required on partials. Volume LTL rates are dynamically priced based on current capacity and ability to accommodate the larger shipment.
Why is Flexibility Required on Transit
Partial truckloads build out their shipment with other shipments. Until the carrier builds the load, there may be a delay on pick up. Likewise, Volume LTL requires the LTL carrier to properly plan capacity for the larger shipment.
How do Volume LTL and Partial Truckload Differ
Partial truckloads are coordinated through truck load carriers, while Volume LTL shipments move through standard LTL carriers. Volume LTL will still move through their terminal network towards the destination.
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HOW TLI HELPS SHIPPERS OPTIMIZE THE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
TLI Helps Shippers Manage Multi-Modal Shipments Types:
- Compare Rates Across Multiple Routing Options
A shipment’s standard LTL rate is not always its most competitive option. TLI helps shippers evaluate available Volume LTL, Partial Truckload, and Load-to-Ride pricing to identify opportunities for better transportation economics.
- Evaluate Shipment Size and Trailer Utilization
Shipment weight alone does not determine the best mode. Packaging type, pallet count, dimensions, linear feet, loading requirements, freight characteristics, and equipment availability all affect routing decisions. TLI evaluates these factors when comparing available options.
- Balance Transportation Costs With Transit Requirements
The lowest quoted rate may not be the best overall choice if it creates unacceptable delays or handling risks. TLI considers pickup availability, expected transit time, delivery requirements, and service characteristics alongside the transportation rate.
- Manage Freight Through One Transportation Partner
Through TLI’s managed transportation services and ViewPoint TMS, shippers can centralize freight quoting, booking, shipment visibility, documentation, and reporting. This helps transportation teams manage multiple shipping modes without coordinating every carrier relationship independently.
Compare Volume LTL vs. Partial Truckload vs. Multi-Stop Truckload
Different shipment sizes and routing requirements call for different freight solutions. The best option depends on the shipment’s dimensions, total weight, number of stops, lane, delivery requirements, and available carrier rates.
| FEATURE | VOLUME LTL (VLTL) | PARTIAL TRUCKLOAD (PTL) | MULTI-STOP TRUCKLOAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Larger LTL shipments that qualify for volume pricing | Freight that uses part of a truck trailer | Multiple pickups or deliveries coordinated on one truck |
| Carrier type | LTL carrier | Truckload carrier | Truckload carrier |
| Trailer space | Shared with other LTL freight | Shared or partially utilized truckload capacity | Reserved for the planned multi-stop shipment |
| Typical pricing basis | Quoted volume rate based on shipment and lane details | Negotiated rate based on space, weight, lane, and capacity | Route-based pricing reflecting stops, miles, time, and handling |
| Terminal handling | May move through the LTL terminal network | Often avoids the standard LTL terminal network | Typically moves directly between scheduled stops |
| Multiple stops | Subject to carrier service and pricing rules | Subject to carrier agreement and routing | Core feature of the routing plan |
| Transit considerations | Depends on terminal routing and carrier schedules | Depends on carrier availability and route | Depends on stop sequence, dwell time, and delivery windows |
| Best routing opportunity | A larger shipment qualifies for a competitive LTL volume rate | A shipment needs more space or a different routing structure than standard LTL | Multiple shipments or locations can be served efficiently on one route |
What Is Partial Truckload Shipping?
Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping is a freight transportation option for shipments that occupy only part of a truck trailer. Instead of paying for an entire truck, shippers purchase the capacity needed for their freight through a truckload carrier that can accommodate compatible shipments.
Partial truckload is particularly useful for medium-sized, heavy, or bulky shipments that may be expensive to move through standard LTL networks. PTL shipments typically move more directly than traditional LTL freight because they generally avoid the repeated terminal transfers associated with conventional LTL service.
PTL pricing depends on factors such as trailer space, shipment weight and dimensions, lane, equipment requirements, carrier availability, and pickup and delivery schedules. Dry van and flatbed equipment may be available, depending on the freight and lane. Shippers should consider partial truckload when they want an alternative to standard LTL handling and pricing without committing to a dedicated full truckload.
Consider Partial Truckload when:
- Your shipment occupies a substantial portion of a trailer but does not require a full truck.
- You want to reduce freight claims exposure due to repeated LTL terminal handling.
- Your freight may require dry van, flatbed, or other suitable truckload equipment.
- A more direct truckload routing option fits your delivery requirements.
What Is Volume LTL Shipping?
Volume LTL, or Volume Less-than-Truckload, is a pricing option offered by LTL carriers for larger shipments that do not require a full truck. Rather than relying exclusively on standard LTL tariff pricing, the carrier provides a volume rate based on the shipment, lane, and available network capacity.
Volume LTL can be particularly competitive for shipments that exceed standard LTL size or weight thresholds, occupy substantial trailer space, or trigger a carrier’s cubic-capacity pricing rules. A volume quote may provide a better rate than the standard LTL rate for the same freight.
Unlike typical partial truckload service, Volume LTL generally moves through the LTL carrier’s terminal network. This can involve additional handling and terminal transfers, which shippers should consider when evaluating cost, transit time, and cargo-handling requirements. TLI helps shippers compare available Volume LTL rates against other freight routing options to determine whether a volume rate offers the best overall value.
Consider Volume LTL when:
- Your shipment exceeds standard LTL size or weight thresholds.
- A carrier’s volume rate is more competitive than its standard LTL tariff.
- Your shipment can accommodate the carrier’s terminal network and transit schedule.
- You want to compare volume pricing across multiple LTL carriers.
What Is Load-to-Ride Freight Shipping?
Load-to-Ride (LTR) is a shared-capacity freight option that uses a dedicated partial truckload carrier to consolidate compatible shipments locally before transporting the combined load to the destination city. Rather than moving each shipment independently, the carrier builds a larger, more efficient truckload movement from freight traveling in a compatible direction.
TLI provides access to dedicated Load-to-Ride carriers that build loads with local shippers and move the consolidated freight without transloading it through a conventional LTL terminal network. This gives shippers another option to evaluate when standard LTL, Volume LTL, or a dedicated truckload may not be the best fit.
Load-to-Ride can be especially useful for businesses shipping recurring freight from concentrated origin areas to compatible destination markets. By sharing transportation capacity, shippers may benefit from competitive pricing while avoiding the repeated terminal transfers typical of standard LTL networks. Because the carrier must assemble a compatible load, pickup timing and capacity depend on the lane, shipment characteristics, and carrier schedule. Shippers should compare the quoted rate and expected transit time against other available services before selecting a routing option.
Consider Load-to-Ride when:
- Your freight originates near other compatible shipments.
- Your origin and destination align with the carrier’s consolidation network.
- You want to explore shared-capacity pricing without using a conventional LTL terminal network.
- Your pickup schedule has enough flexibility to accommodate load building.
Partnering with an Expert: TLI
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PARTIAL TRUCKLOAD SHIPPING SERVICE
Experts coordinating your Partial Truckloads.
Volume LTL
TLI utilizes freight technology to automatically retrieve volume rates. The system also flags shipments that may violate standard LTL cubic-capacity rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multi-Stop FTLs, Partial Truckload and Volume LTL Shipping:
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping combines smaller shipments from multiple shippers within a carrier’s network, typically moving freight through several terminals. Partial Truckload (PTL) uses space on a truckload carrier’s trailer and generally moves more directly between pickup and delivery locations. PTL may be a good alternative for larger shipments when LTL pricing or terminal handling is less attractive.
Volume LTL is a special pricing option offered by LTL carriers for larger shipments. Freight generally moves through the LTL terminal network. Partial Truckload is coordinated through truckload carriers and typically moves more directly, with fewer terminal handling events. The best option depends on the lane, shipment size, price, carrier availability, and delivery requirements.
A Load-to-Ride network consolidates compatible shipments locally and transports the combined load to the destination city. TLI offers access to dedicated partial carriers that build loads with local shippers and move consolidated freight without conventional LTL terminal transloading. It provides another shared-capacity option for shippers seeking competitive rates and alternative routing strategies.
Load-to-Ride and Partial Truckload are related shared-capacity options, but the operating model can differ. TLI’s Load-to-Ride service partners uses dedicated carriers that consolidate local freight before moving the combined load to the destination city. Other partial truckload arrangements may involve different pickup, consolidation, and routing processes. Compare the actual service, rate, and transit expectations when selecting a carrier.
Partial Truckload can be less expensive than standard LTL for some larger, heavier, or bulky shipments, especially when conventional LTL pricing or terminal handling is less favorable. However, savings depend on the lane, shipment dimensions, weight, equipment, and carrier availability. Comparing actual quotes is the best way to determine which service offers the best value.
Consider requesting a Volume LTL quote when a shipment exceeds your carrier’s standard LTL size, weight, or cubic-capacity limits. As a preliminary guideline, shipments exceeding six pallets, 5,000 to 6,000 pounds, or approximately 12 linear feet may warrant comparison pricing. These are general screening guidelines, not universal eligibility requirements. Carrier-specific rules apply.
Partial Truckload generally avoids the repeated terminal transfers associated with conventional LTL shipping. Fewer handling events may reduce opportunities for damage, although the actual handling process depends on the carrier and service. Shippers should confirm how freight will be handled, consolidated, and delivered before booking.
Partial Truckload shipments can move on dry vans, flatbeds, and other suitable equipment, depending on freight dimensions, weight, loading requirements, and carrier availability. TLI regularly schedules multi-stop flatbed and dry van loads for shippers. TLI also helps identify appropriate equipment and routing options based on the shipment’s characteristics.
Partial Truckload rates depend on factors such as shipment dimensions, linear feet or trailer space, weight, origin, destination, trailer equipment type, pickup and delivery requirements, and available capacity. Some carriers price partials using a portion of the truckload rate or the space occupied. Pricing methods vary, so shippers should compare actual quotes.
TLI evaluates shipment characteristics, routing requirements, available carrier capacity, pricing, and expected transit time to identify suitable options. By comparing multiple modes through one freight management partner, shippers can make more informed routing decisions rather than defaulting to a single carrier or service.
TLI supports multiple freight modes, including standard LTL, Volume LTL, Partial Truckload, Load-to-Ride, and Full Truckload. Through TLI’s freight management services and ViewPoint TMS, shippers can centralize key shipping activities and improve visibility across their transportation program.
Find the Right Freight Routing Option for Your Shipment
Do not assume standard LTL or Full Truckload is your only choice. TLI helps manufacturers, distributors, and commercial shippers compare Volume LTL, Partial Truckload, Load-to-Ride, and Full Truckload services to identify the right balance of cost, capacity, transit time, and handling requirements.
Whether you ship occasional oversized pallets or manage recurring freight across multiple lanes, TLI can help you evaluate alternatives and simplify your transportation operations.
