Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping
The sweet spot between LTL and FTL — more space than LTL, less cost than a full truck
Partial truckload (PTL) fills the gap between LTL and FTL for shipments that are too large for LTL but don't need an entire trailer. Typically 6,000 to 28,000 lbs or 6-18 pallets, PTL shipments share trailer space with one or two other compatible loads — fewer handling points than LTL (no terminal transfers), faster transit, and often 20-40% cheaper than booking a full truck. PTL is ideal for shippers who consistently ship above LTL thresholds but below full trailer capacity.
6,000 to 28,000 lbs (6-18 pallets typical)
Weight Capacity
20-40% less than FTL on the same lane. 10-30% more than LTL but with faster transit and less handling.
Typical Rates
Faster than LTL (no terminal transfers). Slightly slower than FTL (1-2 additional stops). Typically 1-3 business days.
Transit Time
Shared 53-foot trailer. Your freight occupies 6-24 linear feet depending on load size.
Dimensions
Key Features
Everything you get with our Partial TL freight service.
Bridge between LTL and FTL — optimal for mid-size shipments
Fewer handling points than LTL — no terminal consolidation
Faster transit than LTL — direct routing with minimal stops
Lower cost than booking a full truck for partial loads
Reduced damage risk — 1-2 stops vs. 4-6 in LTL network
No freight class classification required (unlike LTL)
Linear foot pricing — pay for space used, not weight-based class
Ideal for consistent shippers between 6,000-28,000 lbs
Common Commodities
Freight types most commonly shipped via Partial TL.
Consumer goods (mid-volume)
Industrial supplies
Building materials
Furniture and fixtures
Retail merchandise (store replenishment)
Paper and packaging products
Automotive components
Food products (non-perishable)
Trade show materials and displays
Machinery parts
When to Choose Partial TL
Ideal For
Shipments between 6,000 and 28,000 lbs, 6-18 pallets, freight too large or heavy for cost-effective LTL, loads where reduced handling and faster transit matter but full truck cost isn't justified.
Equipment Comparison
How Partial TL compares to other freight options.
Partial TL vs. LTL
LTL is cheaper for loads under 6,000 lbs but involves multiple terminal transfers, more handling, and higher damage risk. PTL eliminates terminal handling — your freight stays on one trailer. Above 8,000 lbs, PTL often costs the same or less than LTL.
Partial TL vs. FTL
FTL gives you the entire trailer but you pay for unused space. If your freight fills less than half the trailer, PTL saves 20-40% by sharing space with compatible loads while maintaining most of FTL's speed and low-handling advantages.
States We Serve with Partial TL
View detailed Partial TL freight information for each state, including local industries, key lanes, and regulations.
Partial TL Shipping FAQs
What is partial truckload shipping?
Partial truckload (PTL) is a shipping mode for freight that falls between LTL and FTL — typically 6,000 to 28,000 lbs or 6-18 pallets. Your freight shares a trailer with one or two other compatible shipments, reducing cost while maintaining faster transit and fewer handling points than LTL.
When should I use PTL instead of LTL?
Consider PTL when your shipment exceeds 6,000 lbs or 6 pallets, when your freight class makes LTL expensive, when you need faster transit than LTL provides, or when reducing handling/damage risk is important. Above 8,000 lbs, PTL is often the same price or cheaper than LTL.
How is partial truckload priced?
PTL is typically priced by linear feet of trailer space used, not by weight and freight class like LTL. This makes pricing simpler and often more favorable for dense freight that would get classified into expensive LTL freight classes.
Is PTL faster than LTL?
Yes. PTL freight stays on one trailer from pickup to delivery with at most 1-2 additional stops. LTL shipments typically pass through 2-4 terminals with loading/unloading at each. PTL transit times are usually 1-2 days faster than LTL on the same lane.
Need a Partial TL Carrier?
Tell us about your Partial TL freight — origin, destination, weight, and timeline — and we will match you with a vetted, FMCSA-verified carrier. Usually within hours.
Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts