Loadsmart | What is Partial Truckload Shipping

What is a partial truckload?

Did you know in the United States 36% of heavy-duty trucks on the road today run empty on average? The Bureau of Transportation Statistics discloses that in 2019 one out of four trucks in operation in the U.S ran empty, two were almost empty and one was 51% full. Loadsmart can take the waste out of your transportation by filling these trucks with your partial shipments. In the world of transportation, one size doesn’t fit all. Partial truckload shipments, also sometimes known as volume LTL, are too big for less than truckload (LTL) and too small for full truckload. When you have a shipment between 6 and 18 pallets or 8,000 and 28,000 pounds, we’re talking partials.

In this article, we’ll answer these key questions:

What are the benefits of partial truckload?

No freight class is required; freight class is not required for partial truckload shipping, which can help you avoid extra charges associated with freight reclassification/overlength charges if you happen to get it wrong
Faster transit times when needed than volume less than truckload on long haul freight
Partial truckload can be ideal for shipments susceptible to damage during loading and unloading and regular cross docking with traditional LTL carriers that hit multiple break-bulk facilities.
Can often provide significant savings over full truckload
Can be paired with white-glove and final mile services typical LTL providers do not provide

What typically makes good partial freight?

Fragile freight: If you are worried about potential freight damage, a partial truck decreases the amount of handling necessary, thus decreasing the odds of damage during transit.
Low-density freight/ High Class Freight: For a low-density freight, meaning a freight that is very light but takes up a lot of room, this shipping method would be the best choice.
High Service/High Value Freight: Partial truckload offers the security and service protocols not typically provided by typical LTL providers.
Seasonal or Project freight moving in between major metro markets and / or destined to major retailers and DC’s.

Loadsmart makes shipping partial truckloads simple and hassle free using our proprietary predictive AI Smart Match technology we match your partial freight with the right carrier at the right price. In fact, you can save as much as 15% to 25% percent by shipping a partial truckload!

Reach out to your Loadsmart rep to learn more, how we can save time by letting us do the legwork for you, save money by leveraging one of the largest partial networks and only pay for the space you need and move more with less.