Why Book Partial Truckload: The Underrated Freight Shipping Service
If you book freight, you are likely familiar with the two primary shipping options: LTL (Less Than Truckload) and full truckload. You also know how they work: LTL revolves around sharing trailer space with other shipments in exchange for lower shipping rates, while full truckload provides an entire trailer for your shipment, with fewer stops than LTL.
There is one more freight shipping option that you may not be aware of: partial truckload (PTL) shipping. This option falls between LTL shipping and full truckload shipping. It’s ideal for transporting items that are too large for LTL but not quite enough to fill an entire truckload.
This option is not as well-known as the more popular shipping options, which is a shame. PTL shipments have advantages that can transform the way you ship your items, particularly those that don’t fit into other freight shipping options.
But what shipments qualify for PTL shipping? Every carrier has its own criteria for what counts, but generally, shipments that can be shipped via partial truckload include:
- Items that roughly weigh between 5,000 lbs and 20,000 lbs.
- Shipments that need more than 6 pallets.
- Items that are lighter but larger than typical LTL shipments
PTLs are usually picked up by a full truckload driver completing a delivery in one city and looking for a route to take them home. If there isn’t a full truckload shipment that they can pick up, they will pick up some partial truckload shipments instead. This helps drivers avoid empty miles and make extra cash while they’re at it.
It may seem unusual for full truckload drivers to handle PTL shipments, considering they occupy less space in a trailer, similar to LTL shipments. However, PTL shipping has the distinction of not requiring a freight classification number, just like full truckload.
LTL shipments must be assigned a freight class to inform transportation companies of the density and weight of their shipment. This ensures their safe and efficient transport while helping shippers avoid additional fees from carriers re-classifying their freight.
PTL shipments do not require a freight class, meaning they can be transported regardless of their actual weight and density. They do, however, need to weigh within a specific range; otherwise, they will be reclassified as full truckload, and rates will increase.
Aside from not requiring a freight classification, there are other benefits of choosing PTL shipping over LTL or full truckload:
Only One Truck Required
LTL shipments pass through multiple terminals, being handed off by workers to other trucks to condense shipments into ones heading in the same area. However, with PTL shipping, your freight remains in the same truck for the entire duration of the trip, which can sometimes result in faster transit times. This also means your freight isn’t being handled as frequently, which helps avoid potential losses or damages.
Fewer Stops
As a bonus of only needing one truck for transporting, your freight also makes fewer stops along the way. LTL shipments have to stop frequently to deliver other shipments, slowing down transit times and increasing fuel consumption. PTL shipments make minimal stops; not only does this hasten deliveries and decrease fuel consumption, but it also reduces the risk of damage to the goods during transit.
Many Pallets With Lighter Objects
LTL shipping only allows a few pallets per shipment at a time. Any additional pallets would occupy too much space in the trailer, forcing shippers to switch to full truckload, which would increase costs. However, you can solve this problem by utilizing PTL shipping, which accommodates 6-20 pallets at a time.
Safer Fragile Items
LTL shipping, while economical, can also be risky for more sensitive, fragile shipments. They have to share space with shipments of unknown weights and sizes; a heavier load falling or sliding could damage your load. PTL shipments, however, only have to share the trailer with one or two other shipments, meaning there is less risk of damage or loss.
Suitable for Freight In Limbo
PTL shipping is for freight in the middle. Too small for full truckload shipping but too large for LTL or parcel shipping; light items that are also too large to be safely transported by other shipping methods. If you are unsure about what shipping option is best for your mid-sized or uniquely sized freight, PTL shipping may be worth exploring.
Partial truckload is a specialized service for shippers who are not satisfied with LTL or full truckload shipping. It’s perfect for freight that’s large but lightweight, accommodates a larger number of pallets, and makes fewer stops, making it excellent when you don’t want your freight passes through many hands.
If you are preparing to ship your next freight and want to explore an alternative option, consider asking your freight agent or carrier about PTL shipping. This often-overlooked service offers numerous benefits for individuals with specialized freight needs and could be the key to a more enhanced freight shipping experience.
