What is Partial Truckload?

Partial truckload (PTL) is a way to move freight that is too big for parcel or standard less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping but does not need a whole trailer. It typically applies to shipments above roughly 2,300 kg or six or more pallets, where several consignments share the same truck.

How partial truckload works

With PTL your freight shares trailer space with other shipments but stays on one vehicle for the whole journey. Some carriers call it "volume LTL" because it behaves like LTL but at higher volume. Unlike LTL, it needs no freight class to get a rate.

Why shippers choose partial truckload

• One vehicle end to end: the freight is loaded and unloaded once, so there is less handling and faster transit than LTL.
• No freight class needed: avoids reclassification fees.
• Less handling, less damage: a good fit for goods prone to damage during repeated loading.

PTL sits between LTL and full truckload (FTL), giving shippers a cost-effective option for mid-sized loads.