Choosing the right shipping method
How you ship your cargo affects your costs, your delivery times, and how your freight arrives. Every option has advantages and drawbacks, and sorting through them can feel overwhelming.
Partial truckload shipping, often shortened to PTL, is a popular choice for many businesses. But like any shipping method, it is not one-size-fits-all: it is the perfect fit for some shipments and a less-than-ideal option for others.
This guide breaks PTL down in plain terms: what it is, its pros and cons, when to use it, and how to get the most out of it, so you can make the best logistics decision for each load.
What is partial truckload shipping?
Partial truckload fills the gap between less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL). It is the right option for shipments too large for LTL that do not need the whole capacity of a truck.
The details vary from load to load, but a PTL shipment generally falls within these ranges:
- Total weight: 5,000 to 40,000 pounds
- Pallet count: 5 to 14 pallets
- Trailer space: a share of the trailer, alongside a few other partial loads (the truck may stop for them, but your freight stays on the trailer)
If your shipment falls within that range, PTL can be a practical and cost-effective solution.
PTL works across many industries, and it is especially popular for goods that are sensitive to repeated handling, that need a faster transit, or that need more space than LTL offers. The freight is loaded onto the truck at pickup and stays there until delivery, which reduces the risk of damage from loading and unloading.
It also works with a range of equipment, including dry vans, flatbeds, step-decks, and other open-deck trailers. That versatility makes partial truckload flexible enough for a wide variety of cargo.
The pros of partial truckload shipping
Understanding a method’s advantages is the first step. These are the main benefits of PTL:
Cost-effectiveness
You pay only for the space your freight occupies, not for an entire truck you do not need. That makes PTL a more economical choice for mid-sized shipments, and it usually avoids the freight class and reclassification charges that come with LTL.
Safety
PTL tends to be safer for your goods. The cargo is loaded at the start of the trip and stays on the truck until it reaches its destination, so the risk of damage from repeated loading and unloading is minimized.
Faster transit times
Your freight is not making stops at terminals to be sorted with other shipments, as it would in LTL. That can mean faster transit and more predictable delivery, which makes your supply chain easier to plan.
Flexibility
PTL handles a variety of cargo types and sizes. Whether you are shipping palletized goods, machinery, or equipment, it is a versatile option for many businesses.
The cons of partial truckload shipping
PTL is not without its challenges. These are the drawbacks to weigh:
Limited availability
PTL depends on partial space being available on trucks headed your way. Availability shifts with demand for truck space, which can mean delays or higher costs in busy periods.
Variable transit times
PTL is usually faster than LTL, but it is not immune to variability. The route, traffic, the other loads sharing the trailer, and truck availability can all affect transit time, which can make scheduling harder.
Not suitable for smaller shipments
PTL is built for mid-sized shipments. If your freight is small, you may end up paying for space you do not need, and LTL is usually the better buy.
Partial truckload compared with LTL and full truckload
Seen side by side, PTL’s place between the other two modes is clear.
| Shipment | Less than truckload LTL | Partial truckload PTL | Full truckload FTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical weight | 150–15,000 lb | 5,000–40,000 lb | Loads that fill most or all of a trailer |
| Pallets | Up to 10 pallets | 5–14 pallets | The whole trailer is yours |
| Trailer space | Shared with freight from many shippers | You pay only for the space you use | Reserved for your freight alone |
| Handling | Re-handled at each terminal | No transfers between dock and trailer | Loaded once, unloaded once |
| Transit time | Longest, because freight is consolidated | Faster than LTL | Fastest and most predictable |
| Cost | Lowest total for small shipments | Between LTL and full truckload | Highest total, lowest cost per unit on large loads |
Less than truckload LTL
- Typical weight
- 150–15,000 lb
- Pallets
- Up to 10 pallets
- Trailer space
- Shared with freight from many shippers
- Handling
- Re-handled at each terminal
- Transit time
- Longest, because freight is consolidated
- Cost
- Lowest total for small shipments
Partial truckload PTL
- Typical weight
- 5,000–40,000 lb
- Pallets
- 5–14 pallets
- Trailer space
- You pay only for the space you use
- Handling
- No transfers between dock and trailer
- Transit time
- Faster than LTL
- Cost
- Between LTL and full truckload
Full truckload FTL
- Typical weight
- Loads that fill most or all of a trailer
- Pallets
- The whole trailer is yours
- Trailer space
- Reserved for your freight alone
- Handling
- Loaded once, unloaded once
- Transit time
- Fastest and most predictable
- Cost
- Highest total, lowest cost per unit on large loads
The ranges overlap: the best mode for a shipment also depends on its dimensions, density, and deadline. For more on the middle option, see what partial truckload shipping is.
When to choose partial truckload shipping
Knowing when to choose PTL saves time and money and keeps your goods safe. It is often the best choice for large items that do not need a full truck, for deliveries to remote locations, and when time is of the essence. In particular:
When your shipment is in the PTL range
The most obvious case: 5,000 to 40,000 pounds, or 5 to 14 pallets. If your freight is too large for LTL but does not need a full truckload, PTL is a cost-effective, practical choice.
When you are shipping high-value or delicate items
PTL involves less handling than LTL, because the goods stay on one truck from pickup to delivery. That makes it a safer option for high-value or delicate items that could be damaged by loading and unloading.
When you need faster transit times
Your goods are not sorted at terminals with many other shipments, so PTL often beats LTL on transit time. If you are working to a tight timeline, it can be an excellent choice.
When you are shipping irregular or oversized items
PTL’s flexibility suits irregularly shaped or oversized freight that does not fit neatly into LTL or a full truckload, especially on open-deck equipment.
Find the carrier that is best for you
Send us the weight, pallet count, and lane, and we will compare partial truckload with LTL and full truckload for your shipment.
How to get the most out of partial truckload
A few habits make PTL quotes sharper and deliveries smoother:
- Give accurate numbers. Partial rates depend on the space your freight takes, so share the exact weight, pallet count, and dimensions, and say whether the pallets can be stacked.
- Be flexible on pickup when you can. A day or two of leeway makes it easier to match your freight with a truck heading the same way.
- Plan ahead in busy seasons, when partial space is harder to find.
- Pack for the road. Well-built pallets travel better on any mode; our guide to shipping a pallet walks through it.
- Compare modes near the edges. Close to 5,000 pounds, check LTL; close to a full trailer, check full truckload.
Partial truckload with RS Group
As a logistics company, RS Group knows how much the choice of shipping method matters to the safe, timely delivery of your goods. Partial truckload is a cost-effective and efficient option in the right situations, and knowing when to use it saves time and money.
We work closely with every client to find the best shipping method for their needs, and we are always ready to put our PTL expertise to work when it makes the most sense. See our partial truckload service for how we run it.