Save Money with Partial Truckload: A Cost-Effective Alternative to LTL Shipping. Try our Instant Freight Rate Calculator for Instant Quotes
Why Should You Use A . A Logistics For Partial Truckloads?
1- PTL rates from 30+ carriers are compared.
2- PTL solutions are available at any time and at any location in the United States and Canada.
3- Unbeatable savings on PTL, LTL, FTL, rail, aviation, and other services.
4- Tracking, documentation, and billing are all automated.
5- All goods quotations and shipments are managed in one location.
6- Working for you with over ten years of transport experience!
Efficient Partial Load Shipping Solutions for Optimal Efficiency
Our skilled team ensures smooth and secure shipping of your less-than-truckload cargo, handling all necessary variables such as pickup, delivery, customs management, and permits. Successful cargo transport relies on effective planning, and our reputation for exceeding customer expectations speaks for itself.
What Is The Meaning of Partial Load?
Partial freight shipping is a distinct category within the realm of freight transportation. It serves as a hybrid between full truckload and less-than-load (LTL) shipping, making it an attractive option for shipments that exceed LTL size but fall short of requiring a full truckload (FTL).
Typically, partial truckload carriers cater to shipments weighing between 5,000 lbs to 40,000 lbs or encompassing 5-14 pallets. If your shipment falls within these parameters, PTL shipping may be the most suitable choice. Unlike LTL shipping, which involves multiple transfers, PTL shipping offers a more direct route.
In PTL shipping, the same truck that picks up the shipment is responsible for its delivery. This eliminates the need for transfer from trailer to dock and back onto the trailer, reducing the risk of damage. Consequently, transit time for PTL shipments is significantly reduced.
Reduce Shipping Time
In logistics, the two prevailing shipping types are LTL and FTL, with the PTL option rarely provided by logistics providers to shippers. However, opting for PTL can lead to substantial cost savings in freight shipping if it aligns with a shipper’s specific requirements. When expanding your shipping options or laying the groundwork to determine the most suitable shipping method for your company, it becomes crucial to decide which mode is the optimal choice. To gain a better understanding, let’s delve further into the distinctions between LTL and PTL shipping.
Difference Between PTL & LTL
Which option to choose, LTL or PTL, depends on the nature of your products and the quantity you need to ship. If you are a small seller and your products are not easily damaged, LTL may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, PTL is generally faster. Pricing-wise, both methods are similar.
Although there are minor differences between PTL and LTL, the main distinction lies in how the shipments are handled. With PTL, the shipment typically remains on the same truck from pickup to delivery, resulting in less handling. In contrast, an LTL shipment may be transferred between trailers multiple times depending on the route it takes.
Since PTL pricing is based on weight, size, and distance, you don’t need to determine the freight class. Considering the various factors involved, it’s advisable to seek guidance from experts like A.A Logistics. They can assist you in identifying the best shipping solution, whether it’s PTL, LTL, or FTL (Full Truckload).
Which types of shippers typically utilize the Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping method?
Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping is typically favored by small to medium-sized businesses that require a combination of LTL and FTL shipping services. PTL is suitable for shipments ranging from 5 to 20 pallets, while Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping is ideal for shipping up to 4 pallets.
In PTL shipping, various trailers and distribution hubs are utilized to handle the partial truckload shipment. Mainstream shipping services often handle loads multiple times, making PTL an attractive option.
LTL shipments generally have longer delivery times due to carrier availability and truck space constraints. Full Truckload (FTL) shipping, on the other hand, utilizes an entire trailer space for transportation, offering direct routes and minimizing handling risks. FTL shipments typically have faster transit times but can be more expensive compared to other options.
While PTL shipments remain on the same truck, they may be combined with other loads. It is crucial to specify if you require a dedicated shipment to meet your delivery time requirements. Without specifying, your shipment may be shared with other shippers, potentially leading to longer delivery times.
In a shared PTL scenario, where the truck is shared with other customers, the fare is divided based on various factors such as weight and type of freight. A.A Logistics can assist in providing rate estimates before you request a pickup, ensuring transparency and convenience.
Advantages of Partial Truckload:
Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping offers the advantage of faster delivery at a lower price. PTL shipments typically have weight limits ranging between 5,000 lbs and 25,000 lbs. This type of shipping competes with Less Than Truckload (LTL) rates while providing delivery times similar to Full Truckload (FTL) services.
The benefits of Partial Truckload shipping include:
Fewer Stops and Less Handling: PTL shipments involve fewer stops and handling compared to LTL shipping. With fewer transfers between trailers, there is reduced handling, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring a smoother transportation process.
Cargo Insurance Options: PTL shipping provides options for cargo insurance, allowing you to protect your goods during transit. This offers additional peace of mind knowing that your shipment is covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Streamlined Logistics Management: PTL services offer comprehensive logistics management for your shipment. From door-to-door delivery to cross-border logistics within North America (US, Mexico, and Canada), PTL providers can handle the entire process efficiently.
Expedited Transport for Critical Shipments: Partial Truckload services are suitable for expedited transport of emergency supplies and mission-critical equipment. They offer guaranteed service quality at competitive rates, ensuring timely delivery when it matters most.
GPS Tracking and Real-Time Updates: PTL providers often offer GPS tracking and real-time location updates, allowing you to monitor the progress of your shipment and stay informed about its current whereabouts.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: PTL shipping provides comprehensive insurance options for high-value loads. This ensures that your valuable cargo is protected throughout its journey.
By leveraging Partial Truckload services, you can benefit from faster delivery times, competitive pricing reduced handling, and various insurance options for a wide range of shipments.
When to use Partial Truckload Shipping
As mentioned earlier, Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping can often be a preferable choice over Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping. This is especially true for shipments involving more than 4 pallets or exceeding a total weight of 5,000 lbs. In some cases, the cost of PTL and LTL may be the same. However, opting for LTL means accepting longer transit times and the likelihood of your shipment being transferred between trailers multiple times.
One advantage of PTL shipping is that it does not charge based on dimensional weight. Additionally, as previously mentioned, PTL shipments undergo fewer unloads, reducing the chances of damage during transportation. It is worth noting that some companies offering PTL services may refrain from shipping sensitive or specialized items to avoid dealing with unique classifications or the potential for damage.
By considering PTL for shipments with larger quantities or heavier weights, you can potentially benefit from cost savings, shorter transit times, and reduced risk of damage compared to LTL alternatives.
