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Logistics managers are trapped in a false dilemma. For years, the default choice for freight has been a binary one: less-than-truckload for small shipments or full truckload for large ones. This black-and-white thinking forces businesses into costly compromises. They either pay for empty space on a dedicated truck or subject valuable freight to the slow, damage-prone less-than-truckload network.
This is the messy middle, where shipments of six to eighteen pallets live. It’s too big for less-than-truckload but too small for full truckload. Mismanaging this freight is a quiet but constant drain on resources, inflating costs and eroding supply chain reliability.
Partial truckload shipping is the strategic answer. It’s more than just a third option; it’s a flexible, cost-effective model designed specifically for this middle ground. Understanding how to leverage partial truckload is no longer a niche skill. It’s an essential capability for any business looking to build a more agile, resilient, and cost-efficient supply chain.
Finding the Sweet Spot Between Small and Full Shipments
Partial truckload is a freight mode where a shipment occupies a significant portion of a truck trailer but doesn’t require the entire space. Typically, this involves shipments ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 pounds or containing between six and eighteen standard pallets.
Unlike less-than-truckload, which relies on a complex “hub-and-spoke” system where freight is repeatedly loaded, unloaded, and sorted at multiple terminals, shipments in this middle category are typically picked up and delivered on the same truck, resulting in significantly reduced handling. Unlike full truckload, which dedicates an entire truck to a single shipper, this approach allows multiple shippers to share space and costs on a single linehaul route.
Think of this method as similar to the carpool lane in transportation. It provides a quicker and more efficient service compared to the local-stop-heavy route linked with less-than-truckload shipping, while also being more economical than using a full truckload carrier.
Key Operational Differences and What They Mean
At first glance, a partial truckload shipment may seem similar to a more robust less-than-truckload shipment. However, operationally, these two categories are fundamentally distinct. The differentiation between them is crucial, as it directly influences the cost, speed, and safety of the transported goods.
Handling and Damage Risk
A less-than-truckload shipment can be handled up to a dozen times as it moves through various terminals. Each touchpoint increases the risk of damage, loss, or misdirection. Partial truckload freight, by contrast, typically stays on one truck from origin to destination, minimizing handling and making it ideal for fragile or high-value goods.
Transit Time and Predictability
The hub-and-spoke model results in longer and more variable less-than-truckload transit times. A truck may sit at a terminal waiting for other freight to fill it. Partial truckload routes are more direct, resulting in faster and more predictable delivery schedules that are much closer to full truckload timelines.
Pricing and Complexity
Less-than-truckload pricing is notoriously complex, involving freight classes, intricate formulas, and a lengthy list of potential accessorial fees. Partial truckload pricing is often simpler, based primarily on the linear feet of trailer space used and the total weight of the cargo.
Maximizing Supply Chain Efficiency and Savings
Integrating partial truckload into a logistics framework is not just a cost-cutting tactic. It’s a strategic move that delivers compounding benefits across the supply chain, particularly as fuel and labor costs continue to rise. First, the direct cost savings are significant. Shippers can save between 15% and 25% by using partial truckload instead of booking a full truckload truck for a shipment that only fills half the trailer.
Second, reduced handling directly translates to lower damage rates. Reduced handling and lower risk of damage are among the primary advantages of partial freight services. In 2022, a significant number of less-than-truckload shipments had claims, with carriers covering only about two-thirds. Shippers faced nearly $2,000 in costs for each damaged or delayed shipment, highlighting the hidden expenses involved. To reduce risks, it’s crucial to document cargo carefully and consider partial-load solutions for high-value or fragile items. Freight in partially filled trailers experiences fewer handling events, reducing the chance of damage.
From a cost perspective, partial-load transport provides competitive pricing for certain shipment sizes. Direct routes and reduced handling result in savings compared with medium-sized, less-than-truckload shipments. This approach avoids the complex terminal networks that drive up costs in smaller-load logistics while offering more predictable pricing than full-truck deliveries for mid-volume freight.
Finally, partial truckload contributes to corporate sustainability goals. By optimizing trailer capacity and reducing the number of half-empty trucks on the road, partial truckload helps lower a company’s overall carbon footprint. This improved asset utilization is a key metric for businesses focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
Keys to Successful Partial Truckload Execution
While the benefits are clear, successful partial truckload shipping requires more than just calling a new carrier. It demands a strategic approach to avoid common pitfalls that can negate the potential savings and efficiencies. Here are the key steps.
Vet Your Carrier Network Rigorously
The partial truckload market is fragmented. Some providers are asset-based carriers with their own fleets, while others are brokers that connect shippers with available capacity. It’s crucial to understand who is actually moving the freight. Ask potential partners about their tracking capabilities, their process for handling claims, and their experience with your specific freight type.
Establish Clear Communication Protocols
Partial truckload transit times can sometimes be less precise than full truckload, as the driver may have one or two additional stops. Ensure your carrier provides clear expectations for pickup and delivery windows. Real-time visibility through a Transportation Management System or a carrier’s online portal is non-negotiable for critical shipments.
Don’t Overlook the Details
Ensure your Bill of Lading is accurate and detailed. Since freight pricing is often based on space, providing precise dimensions and weight is critical to avoid costly rebills and disputes. Document any special handling requirements, such as “do not stack” or “protect from freezing.”
Integrate Partial Truckload into Your Transportation Management System
Modern logistics runs on technology. Your Transportation Management System should be able to quote partial truckload rates alongside less-than-truckload and full truckload options, allowing your team to make the most informed decision for every shipment. This removes guesswork and ensures you consistently choose the optimal mode.
Conclusion
The logistics landscape is too complex to be reduced to binary choices. As supply chains become leaner and more data-driven, ignoring the middle ground between less-than-truckload and full truckload shipping is no longer sustainable. Partial truckload shipping offers a smarter path forward. One that balances cost, speed, and control without compromising quality.
Companies that integrate partial truckload shipping into their logistics strategy gain more than operational savings. They also gain flexibility and resilience in an unpredictable market. By optimizing trailer space, reducing touchpoints, and leveraging technology for visibility, shippers can transform what was once a costly gray area into a competitive advantage.
In an industry where margins are measured in miles and minutes, mastering the messy middle becomes the next frontier of logistics efficiency.
