Partial Truckload Shipping
Faster than LTL with fewer touchpoints. Ideal for mid-size loads that don't need a full trailer.
Partial truckload sits between LTL and full truckload. When you have a mid-size shipment that is too big for economical LTL but does not require a full trailer, partial truckload keeps costs down while reducing handling.
Because your freight stays on the same trailer with fewer touchpoints than LTL, partial truckload often means faster transit and a lower risk of damage.
What you get
- Fewer touchpoints than LTL for reduced damage risk
- No freight class required — priced by space and weight
- Faster transit than traditional LTL
- Great for 6 to 18 pallets or 5,000 to 27,500 lbs
- Cost-effective for heavy, dense freight
Ideal for
- Shipments of roughly 6 to 18 pallets
- Heavy or dense freight that prices poorly as LTL
- Fragile freight that should be handled less
- Loads that do not need a dedicated full trailer
How it works
Share your pallet count and weight
We assess whether partial truckload or LTL will give you the better rate and transit time for your specific load. Often the answer surprises shippers who assumed LTL was their only option.
We price by space, not class
Unlike LTL, partial truckload does not use freight class. We price based on the linear footage or pallet positions your freight occupies — simpler and often cheaper for dense loads.
Your freight shares a trailer with minimal stops
Partial truckload moves on a trailer with one or two other shippers at most, which means fewer terminal stops and less handling than LTL.
Faster delivery than LTL
With fewer stops and no terminal consolidation, partial truckload typically delivers 1–2 days faster than LTL on the same lane.
What affects the price
- Number of pallets or linear feet of trailer space used
- Origin to destination distance
- Weight of the shipment
- Current truckload market rates on your lane
- Accessorial needs such as liftgate or appointment delivery
Industries we serve
- Building products and construction materials
- Consumer goods and retail
- Food and beverage distributors
- Industrial equipment suppliers
- Furniture and fixtures manufacturers
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between partial truckload and LTL?
LTL moves through a carrier's hub-and-spoke terminal network, which means your freight is loaded, unloaded, and reloaded multiple times. Partial truckload stays on one trailer from origin to destination with minimal stops — fewer touchpoints, less damage risk, and often faster transit. LTL uses freight class; partial truckload is priced by space.
Is partial truckload always cheaper than LTL?
Not always, but for shipments of 6+ pallets or heavy, dense freight that gets penalized by LTL class ratings, partial truckload is frequently the better deal. We quote both options and show you which saves more for your specific load.
How do I know if my shipment qualifies for partial truckload?
If you are shipping roughly 6 to 18 pallets, or if your LTL quotes seem high relative to the weight, it is worth checking partial truckload rates. Share your load details with us and we will run both options side by side.
More questions? Visit our full FAQ or contact our team.
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