Partial Truckload (PTL)
A shipping mode that falls between FTL and LTL, typically for shipments of 6 to 18 pallets or 8,000 to 28,000 lbs. Partial truckload offers benefits of both: lower cost than booking a full truck, with less handling and faster transit than LTL because the freight does not move through terminals. Partials are often combined with one or two other shipments going in the same direction.
Detailed Explanation
A shipping mode that falls between FTL and LTL, typically for shipments of 6 to 18 pallets or 8,000 to 28,000 lbs. Partial truckload offers benefits of both: lower cost than booking a full truck, with less handling and faster transit than LTL because the freight does not move through terminals. Partials are often combined with one or two other shipments going in the same direction.
Example
A shipper has 10 pallets weighing 14,000 lbs — too much for economical LTL but not enough to justify a full truck. They book a partial truckload, saving 30% versus FTL.
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