Freight shipping can be confusing. When you're trying to figure out the best way to move your product, you're hit with all these acronyms: FTL, LTL, PTL... and that's before we even get into equipment types.
I've been in this industry for over 15 years, and I've seen how these terms trip people up. So let's break it down in plain English.
First, let's decode those acronyms:
Now let's get into what they actually mean and when to use them. This guide will help you understand the key differences and, more importantly, know when to use each option.
When you book FTL, you're paying for the entire truck, whether you fill it or not. You're paying for exclusive use of an entire trailer, typically a 53-foot dry van that can hold up to 45,000 pounds or 26 standard pallets. Your freight is the only cargo on that truck, and it travels directly from your pickup location to the destination without any stops to load or unload other shipments. Think of it like chartering a private jet: the entire capacity is dedicated to your shipment regardless of whether you fill it completely. With FTL, your freight stays on the same truck from origin to destination, minimizing handling and transfer points.
FTL rates are usually calculated by the mile, with variations based on origin, destination, and market conditions. With FTL, you're paying for that truck to be exclusively yours, regardless of how full it is.
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My take: If your freight is taking up most of a trailer, FTL is almost always your best bet. The dedicated service and reduced handling make it worth the cost for larger shipments. |
Less Than Truckload (LTL) is a shipping method where your freight shares trailer space with shipments from multiple other customers. Your cargo typically moves through a "hub and spoke" network — first to a local terminal, then to regional hubs, and finally to the destination terminal before delivery. Each shipment is priced according to the space it occupies, its weight, dimensions, freight classification, and distance traveled. LTL carriers consolidate many smaller shipments to create full loads between their terminals, making it economically viable to ship smaller quantities.
Think of it like a bus system. You're paying only for your "seats" on the trailer, but the trade-off is multiple handling points as your freight is sorted, consolidated, and transferred between different trucks throughout its journey.
LTL pricing is complex — it's based on weight, dimensions, freight class, distance, and accessorials. You're essentially paying for your portion of the trailer.
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My take: Traditional LTL carriers have this down to a science. Their hub-and-spoke system is incredibly efficient, which is why they can ship smaller freight cheaply. But there's a tradeoff in handling, speed, and potential for damage. I've seen plenty of customers save money on shipping via LTL only to lose it on damaged product claims. It's why we don't do LTL shipments and instead, opt for PTL when it makes sense for the shipper. |
Partial Truckload (PTL) is a specialized shipping option that fills the gap between FTL and LTL. It involves shipments that are too large for economical LTL service but don't require a full trailer. With PTL, your freight typically travels with just a few other shipments (usually 2-3 others at most) on the same truck.
Unlike LTL, your freight isn't handled through the traditional hub-and-spoke terminal system — it's usually loaded once at pickup and unloaded once at delivery, with minimal or no transfers between trucks. PTL carriers typically arrange their routes to accommodate multiple shippers' needs, picking up and delivering in sequence. This approach combines some of the direct service benefits of FTL with the cost advantages of shared trailer space.
PTL is particularly valuable for shipments of around 4-18 pallets or 4,000-15,000 pounds, which would be inefficient to ship via traditional LTL or prohibitively expensive as FTL.
Pricing for partials falls between LTL and FTL. You're not paying for the entire truck, but you're paying a premium over LTL for better service.
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My take: Partials are the hidden gem of shipping. For that awkward middle ground where your shipment is too big for economical LTL but doesn't fill a truck, partials can save you serious money while still providing good service. At Badger, we get excited about partials because we can really show our value in this space. The big carriers often overlook it, but with our network, we can find the right capacity for these shipments and save customers a bundle compared to booking FTL. |
Still confused? Here's a quick decision guide anyone can follow:
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Let's put a finer point on this by looking at some actual examples.
Scenario 1: manufacturing componentsYou're shipping 5 pallets of specialized manufacturing components worth $50,000.
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Scenario 2: retail productsYou're shipping 20 pallets of boxed consumer goods to a distribution center.
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Scenario 3: marketing materialsYou're shipping 2 pallets of brochures and display materials to a trade show.
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Choosing between FTL, LTL, and PTL comes down to three main factors:
Get these three factors right, and you'll be making smart shipping decisions that balance cost with service quality.
Have questions or need a quote? Contact us and let's talk through your specific shipping needs.
At Badger Logistics, we combine asset-based trucking with extensive brokerage capabilities, warehousing, and maintenance services to provide integrated logistics solutions for Wisconsin shippers. This guide reflects not just my personal experience but the collective wisdom of our team, which brings over a century of combined Wisconsin logistics experience to every shipment we handle.
While freight transportation will always involve challenges, the right approach and partnerships can transform logistics from a constant struggle into a sustainable competitive advantage. I hope this guide helps you navigate Wisconsin's unique shipping environment more effectively.
For specific questions or to discuss your particular freight challenges or to get a competitive quote, feel free to reach out directly or submit the quote request form below. We'll be in touch within one business day.