Partial Freight Shipping
The middle ground between LTL and FTL — fewer touches, competitive pricing
Overview
What Is Partial Freight?
Partial freight occupies a practical middle ground in the shipping world. It is designed for shipments that are too large, too heavy, or too numerous for standard LTL service, but that do not require the exclusive use of an entire trailer. Instead of moving through the LTL terminal network, partial shipments are typically loaded directly and share a truck with only one or two other loads.
This approach reduces handling, often improves transit times compared to LTL, and costs less than reserving a full trailer you do not need. Partial freight is especially valuable for shippers who regularly move 6 to 12 pallets or 5,000 to 20,000 pounds — the range where LTL becomes expensive or impractical, but FTL leaves half a trailer empty.
Comparison
How Partial Differs from LTL and FTL
Understanding the differences helps you choose the most efficient mode for your freight.
LTL
LTL shipments move through carrier terminals, where they are unloaded, sorted, and reloaded onto different trucks. Each handling point introduces the possibility of delays and damage. LTL works well for smaller, palletized shipments that can withstand this process.
Partial
Partial freight typically stays on the same trailer for more of the journey. The carrier may pick up one or two other shipments, but your freight experiences far fewer handling points than LTL. This makes partial a strong option for freight that is heavy, awkward, or sensitive to handling.
FTL
FTL gives you exclusive use of the trailer. If your shipment genuinely fills most of a truck or requires zero other freight on board, FTL is the clear choice. But if you are paying for a full trailer and only using half the space, you may be spending more than necessary.
Is Partial Right for You?
When Partial Is the Right Choice
- Your shipment weighs between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds
- You have 6 or more pallets but do not need a full trailer
- Your freight is too heavy or bulky for standard LTL handling
- You want fewer handling touchpoints than LTL provides
- Your shipment is non-stackable and would incur LTL capacity charges
- You need better transit times than LTL but don't require expedited service
- Your freight dimensions exceed standard LTL limits
- Cost efficiency matters but so does care in handling
Planning
Space and Timing Considerations
Unlike FTL, where you book a full trailer that departs on your schedule, partial freight requires the carrier to build a route that works for multiple shippers. This means pickup and delivery timing can be slightly less flexible. Providing as much lead time as possible — ideally 3 to 5 business days — gives us the best chance of matching your shipment with an efficient route.
Space on partial loads is allocated based on the linear feet your freight occupies, rather than by weight class or pallet position. When requesting a quote, provide accurate dimensions and pallet count so we can determine how much trailer space your shipment requires. Overestimating or underestimating can affect both pricing and carrier availability.
Transit times for partial freight generally fall between LTL and FTL. Because the shipment makes fewer stops than LTL but may share the route with one or two other pickups or deliveries, you can typically expect service that is faster than LTL terminals but not as direct as a dedicated FTL.
Freight Preparation
Handling and Stackability
One of the key advantages of partial freight is reduced handling. However, your shipment still shares a trailer with other freight, so proper preparation is important. Palletize and shrink-wrap your freight securely. If your shipment cannot be stacked, make sure this is clearly communicated at booking and marked on the freight itself.
Non-stackable freight affects how efficiently the carrier can use the trailer space above your shipment. This does not disqualify your freight from partial service, but it is a factor in pricing and carrier matching. Stackable, well-palletized freight generally receives the most competitive partial rates because it allows the carrier maximum flexibility in loading.
If your freight has unusual characteristics — odd shapes, extreme weight distribution, or special handling requirements — let us know upfront. We coordinate with carriers who can accommodate these needs, but they require advance planning to ensure the right equipment and securement are available.
Request a Partial Freight Quote
Tell us about your shipment — weight, dimensions, pallet count, and locations — and we will find the right partial freight solution for your needs.
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