Between full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, PTL (meaning “partial truckload”) takes the middle road. If your shipment is too big for LTL but doesn’t need a full truck, PTL offers a cost-effective middle ground.
When deliveries are too much for LTL and not enough for FTL, PTL can bridge the gap. ShipperGuide supports more efficient, cost-effective deliveries with real-time bidding, booking, tendering and tracking.
Discover ideal use cases for PTL shipping and how it compares to LTL and FTL. We’ll outline typical pros/cons, costs, and handling considerations. With the right TMS, teams can evaluate modes side-by-side and choose the best fit for each shipment.
When shipments are bigger than the typical less-than-truckload (LTL) limit, but won’t fill the full trailer, PTL shipping reserves the fraction of required space. The usual PTL shipment covers roughly 6 to 18 pallets and ~5,000–27,000 lbs, often priced by linear feet/space and weight rather than freight class.
The typical PTL shipment aligns with these conditions and characteristics:
Unlike LTL shipping, partial loads involve fewer transfers—cutting the risks of added stops, handling, and touchpoints. PTL also is often quoted without NMFC freight class (i.e., by linear feet/space + weight), further reducing logistics complexity and costs.
Compared to FTL standards, partial truckload (PTL) shipments save 10% to 35%. By reducing scenarios that risk small, shared freight—PTL typically lowers LTL claims by 25%.
Choosing between PTL, LTL, and FTL depends on cost, handling risk, speed, and capacity needs. Shippers should benchmark each mode against shipment specs and service requirements.
As business needs and market conditions shift, PTL offers flexible delivery windows, fewer touchpoints than LTL, and better economics than FTL when you don’t need the whole trailer. The benefits of strategic PTL procurement fill gaps when loads are too large or awkward for LTL and too costly to run FTL (under-utilized trailer) for FTL.
In rate negotiations, PTL pricing is typically based on linear feet (space), weight, and lane, rather than NMFC class, so spot pricing is common.
Optimizing spend and service means choosing PTL, LTL, and FTL with speed, benchmarks, and reliable data. ShipperGuide provides side-by-side mode evaluation, real-time quotes, benchmarking, and instant tendering.
Most teams struggle to evaluate PTL against other modes in real time. ShipperGuide centralizes mixed-mode procurement—benchmarking, booking, and tracking PTL/LTL/FTL in one place—so teams can mode-shift quickly without extra labor.
Weighing the risks, costs, and unique characteristics of each load burdens professionals strained by existing operations—before hopeful optimizations stand a chance at reality.
Explore these common industry concerns and their practical answers to anticipate difficulties, reduce delays, and upgrade decisively.
Use PTL when shipments exceed standard LTL (≈6–18 pallets / 5k–27k lbs), are long or low-density, sensitive to damage, or when LTL classing/handling adds cost or risk. If the trailer won’t be full in FTL and LTL is too complex or risky, PTL is a strong middle option.
PTL procurement is driven by space (linear feet), weight, and lane, often quoted on the spot market. With ShipperGuide, shippers can compare PTL/LTL/FTL quotes side-by-side, evaluate handling/touchpoints, and tender in minutes, supporting quick mode shifts based on size, fragility, and timing.
ShipperGuide helps teams make data-driven mode decisions for every shipment, revealing savings that manual processes often miss. If you want real-time tracking and total visibility across shipment modes, replace spreadsheets and email chains with one workflow.
ShipperGuide helps shippers evaluate PTL alongside LTL and FTL, compare costs, and secure capacity instantly—all in one platform. Schedule a demo today.