What Is Partial Truckload? PTL vs. Volume LTL Shipping

Let's be honest, most shippers would prefer to ship in truckload quantities, which allows them easier access to end-to-end visibility and overall cost efficiency. By filling a single trailer with up to 24 standard pallets and 42,000 pounds, and moving it directly to its final destination, shippers enjoy the ultimate 'deal' by using full truckload, or FTL, transportation.

But product dimensions, order customizations, and market conditions — including variable consumer demand, the rise of e-commerce, and the rapid delivery capabilities of giants like Amazon — have led to significant growth in smaller shipments. Today, companies often need to ship smaller quantities, meaning fewer pallets, less weight, and less physical space than a full truckload.

But what happens when your shipments fall between traditional LTL and full truckload? In this blog post, we'll explore your transportation management options for larger-than-LTL freight and help you determine which shipping mode is right for your needs.

Less-than-truckload, or LTL, shipping enables companies to pay for the space they use on a trailer that's also hauling freight for other shippers and manufacturers. LTL shipments can be up to 10 pallets and 10,000 pounds. Instead of traveling directly to their ultimate destination, LTL shipments typically move through a carrier's network of terminals and distribution centers, where other freight is added to the load to optimize based on network instead of delivery dates. Shippers lose some speed and control, but because of that LTL is the most cost-effective way to move these smaller quantities.

Understanding Your Larger-Than-LTL Options

Many shippers have loads that are larger than traditional LTL shipments, but still represent less than a full truckload. As they prepare to dispatch these larger-than-LTL shipments, companies have two choices available:

Partial truckload shipping involves loads that are substantial, but still not large enough to fill a trailer. They usually consist of eight to 18 pallets, weighing between 8,000 and 27,500 pounds. Because these larger loads can take up a lot of space, shipping via partial truckloads enables companies to exert some buying leverage over more traditional LTL loads. That said, rates are variable, depend on mileage, and fluctuate with market conditions. Delivery time may also vary based on how many other customers are sharing the truck.
Volume LTL transportation has pricing based on the size and weight of the shipment, and this mode is the most popular for small and mid-sized companies. Volume LTL shipments consist of six or more pallets, weigh over 5,000 pounds and/or occupy more than 12 linear feet in the trailer. Sharing a truck with multiple other customers means more stops for loading, unloading, and delivery — resulting in much less control and delivery speed than a full truckload.

So which mode is right for your larger-than-LTL shipments? The answer is complex, but there are some basic distinctions to keep in mind.

Volume LTL shipments require a freight class, while partial truckload shipments don't.
Volume LTL costs are based on a carrier's published LTL rates, but partial truckload rates vary based on mileage, specific lane, weight, and linear space.
Partial truckloads involve fewer customers, so there are fewer stops and less freight handling.
Partial truckloads are also generally better insured than volume LTL shipments, but this shipping mode is not well suited for loose items or distances under 250 miles.

Both shipping modes involve some level of risk related to delivery timeliness due to their nonlinear routes and multiple stops. If pickup or delivery appointments are missed or delayed along the way, there's a good chance it will affect shippers' end-customer delivery promises. Partial truckload shipment delays may also result in costly layover fees.

Balancing Cost, Service, and Other Factors

It might be relatively straightforward to manage your TL or LTL transportation needs, but it gets complicated for shipments that fall into the "middle ground" of partial truckloads and volume LTL. Cost can't be the only deciding factor because rates are volatile — and they're always subject to strategic negotiation. Service levels are also tricky to gauge, because consolidating your loads with other customers will always introduce some element of risk in terms of timing and potential delays.

Other factors to consider are special handling needs, accommodations for loose or bulky items, and the benefits of forming a close, long-term relationship with a single carrier versus bidding out every larger-than-LTL shipment.

As a full-service Modern 4PL, Redwood offers not only expert freight brokerage and managed transportation options for TL and LTL shipments, but also for partial truckloads and volume LTL. We have decades of experience in getting the best-available rates based on our purchasing volumes, as well as consolidating your larger-than-LTL shipments into full truckloads.

Across the full range of your freight needs, Redwood can serve as a trusted advisor — ready to jump in with hands-on execution or procurement services as needed. The changing worlds of commerce and logistics have made it tough to sort the options out on your own, and we can help.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the space between LTL and full truckload shipping requires careful consideration of cost, service levels, and your specific freight characteristics. Whether you choose partial truckload or volume LTL, having the right partner can make all the difference in optimizing your transportation operations.

FAQs

What is the difference between partial truckload and volume LTL shipping?

Partial truckload is designed for larger shipments that do not fill a trailer, usually 8 to 18 pallets and 8,000 to 27,500 pounds. Volume LTL is used for six or more pallets, over 5,000 pounds, or more than 12 linear feet, and it is priced using a carrier’s published LTL rates. Partial truckload generally has fewer stops and less handling, while volume LTL usually offers less control and slower transit.

When should a shipper choose partial truckload instead of volume LTL?

A shipper should consider partial truckload when the freight is too large for standard LTL but still does not justify a full truckload. It can be a better fit for shipments that need fewer stops, less handling, and more buying leverage than traditional LTL. It is less suitable for loose items or short moves under 250 miles, where volume LTL may be a better match.

How are partial truckload rates different from volume LTL rates?

Partial truckload rates are more variable and typically depend on mileage, lane, weight, linear space, and market conditions. Volume LTL pricing is based on the carrier’s published LTL rate structure and the shipment’s size and weight. Because partial truckload pricing is less standardized, it can move with market demand and may be negotiated strategically.

Does volume LTL require a freight class?

Yes, volume LTL shipments require a freight class, while partial truckload shipments do not. That difference matters because freight class affects how LTL shipments are priced and processed. If your shipment falls in the middle ground between LTL and full truckload, freight class requirements can be one of the deciding factors.

Is partial truckload more reliable than volume LTL?

Partial truckload is generally better insured than volume LTL, but both modes still carry delivery risk because they involve multiple stops and nonlinear routes. Missed pickup or delivery appointments can affect end-customer promises, and partial truckload delays may also lead to layover fees. Reliability depends on the lane, scheduling, and how many other customers share the truck.

Why is partial truckload not ideal for loose freight or short distances?

Partial truckload is not well suited for loose items because the freight may be less stable and harder to handle efficiently in a shared-truck environment. It is also generally not a strong fit for distances under 250 miles. In those cases, the service structure and route economics may not support the advantages partial truckload is meant to provide.

What factors should you consider besides cost when choosing between partial truckload and volume LTL?

Cost is only one factor. Shippers should also look at service levels, delivery timing, special handling needs, loose or bulky freight, and whether they want a long-term carrier relationship or a bid-by-bid approach. Because rates are volatile and shared freight introduces timing risk, the best choice depends on the shipment’s characteristics and service requirements.