What Is Partial Truckload Shipping and Why Use It?

Table Of Contents

Deciding which freight shipping method is the best for your needs is important, as this decision determines the cost, time it takes to transport, and the level of care used during handling. Part truck load shipping has many advantages and might be the right choice for your next shipment. But what is the partial shipment?

What Is Partial Shipment?

The partial load definition is: a freight trailer used for shipments or cargo that are too large for less than truckload shipping but still do not require a full truckload trailer.

A partial truckload is often underutilized; with its specific size and weight restrictions for shipments, it falls between LTL and full truckload. The cargo must be a minimum of 5,000 lbs and/or 6 pallets in order to qualify for partial shipping. Partial shipment cost is not determined by freight classification and it involves less handling, resulting in shorter transportation times.

Partial Freight Benefits

There are a number of benefits of partial freight to keep in mind when looking for the best, most affordable, and most efficient shipping solution. These benefits include:

• Just one truck needed: Partial flatbed loads stay on one truck for the entire journey. When the process of loading and unloading is only done once, the transit times are reduced significantly.
• No freight classes to worry about: Partial load shipping doesn’t require a freight class, allowing you to avoid the common occurrence of re-classification charges, as well as avoid the process of trying to determine what freight class your shipment falls into.
• Cargo is handled less: Because there is only one loading and unloading of the shipment, there is less handling. This significantly decreases the chance of the package being damaged, as loading and unloading are often when damage occurs.

When to Use Part Load Shipment?

Part load shipment is used for a few different applications. Listed are some example scenarios for which partial shipment would be most effective.

• Fragile freight: If you are worried about potential freight damage, a part load truck decreases the amount of handling necessary, thus decreasing the odds of damage during transit.
• Low-density freight: For a low-density freight, meaning a freight that is very light but takes up a lot of room, this shipping method would be the best choice.
• Lower costs: Partial truckload shipment allows you to pay for the space you’re using and the weight capacity necessary for the shipment. Other shipping methods might require you to pay for an entire trailer, or else focus the cost on either the weight or space.

Difference Between LTL And Partial Shipping

You might have heard the term “ LTL partial loads ” when trying to decide how best to transport your shipment. As mentioned above, these two methods are not the same; partial truckload shipping falls somewhere in between less than truckload shipping (LTL) and full truckload shipping . Unlike LTL, partial shipping does not require freight class, eliminating the possibility of extra charges like minimum density fees and re-classing costs.

With partial truckload shipping, the carriers won’t make stops at distribution terminals or holding facilities, so your shipment can reach its destination faster, and with far less handling involved than other methods. More handling, loading, and unloading increase the chances of damage to your valuable shipment.

The biggest difference between LTL and partial shipments is size and weight. LTL shipments are used for cargo that is less than 12 feet long and no more than 6 pallets, while partial truckload can accommodate 6 to 18 pallets and cargo up to 25,000 lbs.

Conclusion

Now that you know what it is, when to use it, its advantages over other shipping methods, and its benefits, it’s time to start utilizing partial truckload shipping. DFW trucking company can help you take advantage of partial shipment and get your cargo to its destination safely and efficiently. Get a quote today for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is partial truckload shipping?

Partial truckload shipping is for freight too large for LTL but not big enough to need a full trailer — generally a minimum of 5,000 pounds or 6 pallets, up to about 18 pallets or 25,000 pounds.

When should a shipper use partial truckload instead of LTL?

Partial truckload works well for fragile freight that benefits from less handling, low-density freight that takes up more space than it weighs, and shipments where paying for exact space and weight beats paying for a full trailer.

What’s the difference between LTL and partial truckload shipping?

LTL involves freight classification and multiple stops at distribution terminals, while partial truckload skips freight class charges and terminal stops, so it moves faster and with less handling — though it costs more than LTL for smaller loads.