What is Partial Truckload Shipping? 4 Benefits to Explore

If your freight is too big for LTL, but too small for FTL, then you require a service somewhere in between. Fortunately, partial truckload (PTL) shipping can be the perfect solution. It’s a transportation option that will give you the perfect balance between LTL and FTL, along with other benefits. Let’s break it down.

Key takeaways:

• Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping is a middle-ground option between LTL and FTL that allows shippers to book space on a truck without excessive stops or handling.
• PTL offers cost savings by eliminating freight classification, avoiding accessorial charges, and pricing shipments based on space and weight rather than a per-mile rate.
• Faster transit times and reduced handling make PTL a more efficient option than LTL, minimizing the risk of damage and improving delivery predictability.
• PTL is ideal for shipments between 5,000 and 40,000 pounds that require point-to-point delivery and long-distance transport without multiple terminal stops.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how PTL works and how it compares to other shipping options.

How Does Partial Truckload Shipping Work?

Partial truckload shipping is a middle-ground between LTL and FTL. We’ve broken down how it works in four key components. 

1. Freight is matched with other shipments – PTL shipments are strategically combined with others moving in the same direction.
2. Fewer touchpoints, faster transit – PTL shipments don’t go through multiple distribution centers. Instead, they travel on a consistent route that only stops for other deliveries.
3. You pay for space – For PTL loads, you’ll pay for how much space your freight will take up in a trailer.
4. Better scheduling – PTL shipments run on more consistent schedules compared to other methods of shipping freight.

Thanks to how PTL works, it’s a straightforward and easy-to-understand way of shipping freight. 

How Does PTL Shipping Compare To LTL and FTL?

While PTL services share many similarities with LTL and FTL, there are many ways that it differs. We’ve listed some notable ways that PTL transport stands apart. 

• Shipment size and weight
• Pricing structure
• Transit times

LTL shipments are lighter than PTL loads, while FTL freight shipments are heavier. To demonstrate the weight discrepancy between each transportation option, consider some data we’ve provided. 

As far as size is concerned, LTL shipments usually consist of six pallets or fewer. PTL loads are typically between five and 20 pallets, while FTL takes up an entire trailer. 

The pricing model is slightly different between the three modes as well. 

• LTL Pricing: Determined by freight class, weight, and density of the cargo, and distance.
• PTL Pricing: Based on the weight of the cargo and how much space it takes up in a trailer.
• FTL Pricing: Usually charged on a flat door-to-door or per mile rate.

Transit times vary for each service as well. LTL shipments take the longest because they have to go through multiple terminals to change trailers. PTL shipments may have to stop along routes for deliveries to be made, but these delays are less intrusive. 

FTL is the fastest method because an entire trailer of freight will be taken to one destination. Therefore, no stops have to be made along a route. 

What Are the Advantages of Partial Truckload Shipping?

PTL transportation services come with a variety of benefits that you won’t be able to enjoy with other shipping methods. We’ve outlined the most notable advantages in the following sections. 

No Freight Class Is Required

LTL shipping requires freight classification, which can be tricky and lead to surprise fees. PTL eliminates this problem. Instead of class-based pricing, PTL shipping expenses are based on how much space they take up and their weight. This leads to a variety of benefits. 

• No re-classification charges
• Reduced complexity in billing and documentation
• Easier shipping experience for your business
• Predictable shipping expenses

Thanks to the elimination of freight classes, your PTL shipments will run more smoothly. 

Cost Savings and Efficiency

PTL provides more cost savings compared to LTL and FTL. This is primarily due to the straightforward pricing structure of PTL. Unlike LTL, PTL shipments won’t be subject to the same accessorial charges. 

This includes fees for services like:

• Liftgate usage
• Residential delivery
• Inside pickup or delivery

Accessorial charges can quickly add up for LTL shipments, but for PTL, you’ll avoid them entirely. A PTL load is usually cheaper than FTL as well. That’s because you’ll be paying for the amount of space your freight takes up instead of a per mile rate. 

Shorter Transit Times

While PTL can’t compete with the speed of an FTL load, it’s much faster than LTL shipments. For one, PTL services typically follow more direct routes from origin to destination. 

This streamlined approach reduces transit times compared to LTL shipments, which often have to stop for loading and unloading at various terminals. Your PTL load will still have to stop at different locations along its route. That said, the delivery schedule will be shorter and more predictable. 

Reduced Freight Handling

Freight in partial truckload shipments are handled less frequently compared to LTL loads. As mentioned, LTL loads deal with frequent touchpoints, increasing the risk of damage to the products being shipped. 

PTL loads bypass these terminals while in transit. The less cargo is touched, the lower the chances it’ll suffer damage.  

When Should I Use Partial Truckload Shipping?

Even though partial truckload shipping has many benefits, it might not be the right service for your needs. Trying to figure out if you should use it can be difficult. To help you out, we’ve provided a list of scenarios where using PTL will be beneficial. 

• Your cargo weighs between 5,000 and 40,000 pounds
• Your shipment is between five and 20 pallets
• Point-to-point delivery is required
• A load is traveling over a long distance

Since PTL shipping is a solution that falls between LTL and FTL, a load that is between 5,000 and 40,000 pounds and spread between five and 20 pallets is perfect for partial truckload services. 

If you have freight that needs to travel from one point to another, without interruption, then PTL is a good option as well. This is beneficial for time-sensitive deliveries. 

PTL is especially useful when shipping freight over long distances. Unlike an FTL shipment, you won’t be charged a per mile rate that raises your costs the further your freight travels. Instead, the amount you pay for a PTL load will stay constant from start to finish. 

Related: How To Palletize A Shipment

Secure Your Partial Truckload Quote with USA Truckload Shipping Today

At USA Truckload Shipping, we specialize in providing multiple logistics solutions that align with your specific requirements. Every load is unique, which is why we ensure that every one we take on gets the treatment it deserves. Our services don't stop there. 

We offer a comprehensive range of shipping solutions to meet all your logistics needs:

• Expedited Shipping: For shipments that need to be delivered in a short span of time, this service will move them quickly. 
• Standard Truckload Shipping: This option is excellent for standard products that can travel any distance you require.
• Hazmat Shipping: Great for moving dangerous goods with attention and care.

To discover how USA Truckload can transform your shipping operations, we invite you to take the first step towards a smarter solution. Fill out your RFP to experience the difference that professional and efficient transportation services can make. 
You can also call us at (866) 353-7178 or navigate to our contact page if you require more information about the services we offer.