What Are The Benefits of PTL Shipping over LTL?

Partial truckload shipping can be a great way to save on shipping costs. Here’s everything you need to know about partial truckloads.

What Is A Partial Truckload?

A partial truckload is smaller freight that takes up a limited amount of space on a truck trailer allowing other items to be hauled simultaneously – hence the name partial truckload. Ok, so that wasn’t rocket science to figure out, but understanding the benefits of partial loads and how they differ from LTL shipping and other freight can be a little more complex. Instead, maybe the real question to ask is, "What qualifies freight as a partial load?"

Partial Truckload vs. LTL Shipping

You may have come across the term less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. LTL is different from a partial truckload because it typically involves pallets not equipment or machinery and is mixed with other shippers' pallets to fill the space in a trailer. LTL freight typically requires multiple stops at various distribution centers, warehouses, and other receiving locations thus, making the delivery times longer than with partials. Sometimes, partial loads are referred to as volume LTL, but it’s important to know that volume LTL is palletized and has a specific freight class where partial loads do not. These loads will usually be hauled via a dry van or reefer truck.

On the other hand, FR8Star partial truckloads are hauled via an open deck hot shot trailer. To qualify as a partial truckload with FR8Star, the freight must be less than 12 feet in length such as a small or mid-size John Deere tractor. Certain height and weight restrictions also apply as partial truckload carriers can only legally haul a specific gross weight (varies by trailer). Keep in mind, these dimensions might be different from other transportation services providing partial truckloads.

Reasons To Choose Partial Truckload Carriers

By now you understand that choosing to ship a partial load such as a small or mid-size tractor can save you money, but just how much? With FR8Star, you can save up to 50 percent off a traditional shipping rate when you choose a partial truckload. The amount of savings will depend on the size of your freight and the trailer space it will occupy (among other factors). With a partial load, you only pay for the space you use. Sharing a trailer with another shipper is the most cost-effective way to ship. You don’t have to worry about damages to your freight either. Unlike LTL options, all FR8Star partial truckload carriers meet the FMCSA requirements for insurance coverage. Best of all you don’t need to worry about facilitating anything other than pick-up and delivery times.

Partial Load Shipping Rates

Typical truckload shipping rates for a hot shot load capable of hauling equipment is around $2.50 or so per mile depending on a variety of shipping factors that you can learn more about here. However, some partial load rates will more than likely be closer to $2.00 and if your freight is less than 8ft in length, you could even get a bargain rate of around $1.30 per mile for your partial load. With everything that has contributed to the rise in shipping rates, it’s difficult to find a way to save. Consequently, traditional freight brokers (the middlemen of the shipping deal) can’t set an accurate shipping rate because the competition to book a truck has increased. On the other hand, FR8Star’s transparent partial load pricing can alleviate some of the issues and higher costs you may be encountering with other transport services by offering a cheaper, partial rate.

FR8Star Partial Truckload Shipping

As we mentioned before, FR8Star partial loads let you save money—up to 50 percent on your freight costs. This can really go a long way, especially if you frequently need to move freight, like an equipment dealer, after all, a penny saved is a penny earned right? FR8Star has a network of over 5,000 partial truckload carriers qualified, insured, and ready to haul your equipment. Get the peace of mind you’ve been looking for with our hassle-free partial load shipping. (certain restrictions such as dimensions and location apply to qualify for partial loads)