Volume LTL Shipping Explained: What You Need to Know

Freight shipping doesn’t always fall neatly into categories like “small parcel” or “full truckload.” For many businesses, the real challenge is moving freight that’s too large for standard LTL rates but doesn’t require the cost of a dedicated trailer. That’s where Volume LTL shipping comes in.

Also known as partial truckload, Volume LTL is an often-overlooked shipping option that sits between traditional less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL). It offers a more efficient way to move mid-sized freight—often with fewer stops, less handling, and lower risk of damage.

What Is Volume LTL?

Volume LTL is designed for shipments that exceed the standard size or weight thresholds for typical LTL but don’t quite require an entire truck. Think 6 to 18 pallets, or 5,000 to 25,000 pounds. These loads take up significant trailer space but still allow for shared capacity with other shipments.

Unlike traditional LTL, which may involve multiple transfers, terminals, and touchpoints, volume shipments are typically handled more like truckload freight. They often involve fewer stops, less cross-docking, and more direct routes between origin and destination.

How It Differs from Standard LTL

The biggest difference between Volume LTL and traditional LTL lies in how freight is handled and priced. Standard LTL involves freight being grouped with multiple smaller shipments, which are sorted and redistributed as they move through a carrier’s hub network. That model works well for small loads but increases the chances of delay or damage.

Volume LTL reduces those risks. With fewer stops and less terminal handling, shipments are exposed to less wear and tear. It’s not uncommon for volume shipments to stay on the same trailer for the duration of the route.

Pricing is also structured differently. While standard LTL relies heavily on freight class, dimensions, and NMFC codes, volume shipments are often quoted based on space occupied and mileage—streamlining the quoting process and reducing variability.

When Volume LTL Makes Sense

Not every load qualifies for Volume LTL. The ideal shipment is large enough to exceed standard LTL limits but not so large that it fills a truck. This is common for companies shipping high-volume products in moderately sized batches or for recurring shipments that don’t fully justify full truckload rates.

Volume LTL is particularly useful when transit time and cargo integrity are priorities. If your freight is time-sensitive, fragile, or high-value—but you don’t need a dedicated truck—it may be the right fit.

It also suits lanes that don’t always offer consistent full truckload capacity. By sharing space with other shippers while still avoiding the hub-and-spoke network of LTL, Volume LTL often provides a balance of cost savings and reliability.

Challenges and Considerations

While Volume LTL can be a great middle-ground solution, it’s not without limitations. Availability can vary depending on your location and the lanes you ship. Because these shipments often require more trailer space, they may be harder to schedule during peak freight seasons when capacity is tight.

Additionally, pricing can be less predictable than standard LTL. Many volume shipments require spot quotes rather than pre-published rates, which means planning ahead and understanding market fluctuations becomes more important.

Finally, not all carriers offer Volume LTL service—or define it the same way. Shippers need to vet providers and understand how their volume program is structured to ensure it fits their needs.

Final Thoughts

Volume LTL sits in a space that’s increasingly relevant for growing shippers and mid-sized freight operations. It offers many of the benefits of truckload shipping—faster transit, less handling, and simplified routing—without the cost of reserving an entire trailer.

For businesses that frequently move freight in the “gray zone” between LTL and FTL, understanding and using Volume LTL effectively can lead to better performance, fewer claims, and stronger freight planning. As more carriers continue to evolve their models to meet demand, this option is becoming a strategic piece of the logistics puzzle worth paying attention to.