What Is a Partial Truckload in Shipping?

Defining Partial Truckload (PTL)

Partial Truckload, often shortened to PTL, is a freight option that falls between Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL). With PTL, shippers pay for a dedicated portion of a trailer, rather than sharing with dozens of other shipments (as in LTL) or booking the entire truck (as in FTL).

This option is typically used for mid-sized loads that are too large or heavy for LTL but don’t need the full capacity of a trailer. PTL shipments usually range from 5,000 to 40,000 pounds and often occupy six to 18 pallets, though exact thresholds vary by carrier.

How PTL Differs From LTL and FTL

The main difference between PTL and LTL lies in handling. LTL shipments are moved through terminal networks, where freight is transferred multiple times before reaching the destination. PTL, on the other hand, usually stays on the same truck for most — if not all — of its journey.

Compared to FTL, PTL allows shippers to avoid paying for unused space. Instead of booking an entire truck, they reserve only the portion needed. This balance of cost and reduced handling makes PTL an attractive option for many mid-sized shipments.

How Partial Truckload Shipping Works

When a shipper books PTL, the carrier dedicates a defined section of the trailer to that load. The remaining space may be filled with another customer’s freight, but unlike LTL, the shipment isn’t constantly transferred at hubs.

This approach reduces handling, lowers the risk of damage, and often results in faster transit times than LTL. For shippers with freight that doesn’t quite fill a truck but still benefits from fewer touchpoints, PTL is often the right fit.

Advantages of Choosing PTL

Partial Truckload offers several clear benefits:

  • Cost Efficiency: Shippers pay only for the space they need, avoiding the expense of unused trailer capacity.

  • Reduced Handling: With fewer transfers, freight is less likely to be damaged compared to LTL.

  • Predictable Transit: PTL routes are more direct, often resulting in shorter delivery times.

These advantages make PTL especially useful for shipments that are valuable, oversized, or sensitive to damage.

When PTL Makes the Most Sense

PTL is best suited for freight that is too dense, heavy, or bulky to move economically through LTL networks. Shipments that occupy multiple pallets or weigh more than a few thousand pounds often fall into this category.

It is also a strong option when delivery timeframes matter. While LTL can involve multiple stops and transfers, PTL’s more direct routing provides greater consistency. For businesses that ship in the “in-between” range — not quite full truckload but larger than LTL — PTL fills the gap effectively.

The Role of PTL in Modern Shipping

Partial Truckload has carved out an important space in freight logistics. By bridging the gap between LTL and FTL, it gives businesses more flexibility to match their shipping method with the size and urgency of their freight.

As supply chains continue to demand efficiency and reliability, PTL remains a practical solution for shippers looking to balance cost, speed, and care in how their goods are moved.