After 15+ years in the logistics industry, I've learned that partial loads represent one of the biggest opportunities for cost savings that shippers often overlook. This is especially true in the Midwest, where regional shipping patterns and carrier networks create unique opportunities for those who know how to navigate them.
If you're shipping 4-5 pallets or 4,000-5,000 pounds of freight (too much for traditional LTL but not enough for a full truckload) you're in the sweet spot for significant savings.
Here are my top strategies for reducing costs on partial shipments across the Midwest:
1. Use specialized partial load services
For shipments in the 4-12 pallet range, dedicated partial load services can offer savings of 15-25% compared to full truckload rates. These services particularly shine for shipments traveling more than 500 miles across the Midwest's major corridors. Unlike traditional LTL, which moves through terminals with multiple handling points, partial services typically move your freight with fewer touches, reducing both cost and damage risk.
At Fall River Express, we've built networks specifically for consolidating these mid-sized shipments efficiently throughout the region.
2. Leverage warehousing partners for consolidation
One of the most effective strategies I've seen is partnering with warehouses that offer consolidation services. If you have regular shipments to the same region, consolidating them into full truckloads can dramatically reduce per-pallet shipping costs.
- For example, several of our Wisconsin customers use Badger Warehouse to consolidate multiple partial shipments bound for the Chicago area. Instead of paying premium rates for several smaller shipments, they combine them into a single truckload movement, often cutting costs by 30-40%.
3. Consider intermodal for longer distances
When shipping partial loads longer distances across the Midwest (like Wisconsin to Missouri or beyond), intermodal services become highly cost-effective. While transit times increase by 1-2 days, you can realize savings of 15-20% compared to over-the-road trucking.
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Intermodal works particularly well for partial loads heading to major Midwest hubs like Chicago, Kansas City, or Minneapolis. The key is working with providers who understand both the intermodal network and have effective drayage operations at origin and destination. |
4. Explore specialized flatbed partial services
For manufacturers shipping equipment, machinery, or building materials that don't fill an entire flatbed, specialized partial flatbed services can provide substantial savings. I've seen customers reduce costs by 30-40% compared to booking a full flatbed. Throughout the Midwest, we work with flatbed carriers who specialize in consolidating these partial loads, particularly on major lanes between manufacturing centers like Milwaukee, Detroit, and Cincinnati.
5. Build flexibility into your scheduling
I cannot overstate how much flexibility can impact your shipping costs. By allowing for 1-2 day delivery windows rather than specific appointment times, you enable carriers to optimize their routing and load planning. This flexibility often translates directly to lower rates, as carriers can more efficiently pair your partial load with others.
In the competitive Midwest market, I've seen this flexibility approach reduce rates by 10-15% compared to strict appointment scheduling.
6. Use regional carrier networks
National carriers have their place, but for Midwest partial shipments, regional carriers with established local networks often provide more competitive rates. These carriers typically have better lane density in the region and more established consolidation operations. Wisconsin-based carriers like ours understand the nuances of shipping in the upper Midwest — from seasonal road restrictions to unique regional delivery patterns. This local knowledge often translates into more efficient routing and better rates.
7. Consider flatbed hotshot services for time-sensitive loads
For time-sensitive smaller loads, flatbed hotshot services — pickup trucks with trailers – can be a game-changer. These services often cost 25-35% less than traditional flatbeds while providing dedicated service. The Midwest's manufacturing sector frequently needs equipment parts or production components delivered quickly. Hotshot services provide that urgency without the premium price of expedited LTL or full truckload service.
8. Identify any backhaul opportunities
Carriers hate empty miles, and you can use this to your advantage. Work with your transportation providers to identify backhaul opportunities — especially from major distribution hubs.
- For example, carriers returning to Wisconsin from Chicago or Minneapolis will often offer discounted rates to avoid empty miles. I've seen backhaul rates discounted by 15-25% compared to standard pricing in these scenarios.
9. Implement multi-stop strategies
Instead of shipping partial loads to multiple destinations separately, consider combining them into a single route with multiple stops. While this increases the total mileage, the overall cost is typically much lower than shipping each partial load individually.
This works particularly well in dense shipping corridors like Madison-Milwaukee-Chicago or throughout Michigan's manufacturing belt, where destinations can be efficiently sequenced.
10. Develop relationships with specialized carriers
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, build relationships with carriers who specialize in partial shipments. These partnerships allow you to tap into established consolidation networks and often result in more competitive rates than transactional shipping.
The Midwest's established manufacturing base has created several carriers who excel at partial shipments. Taking time to identify and build relationships with these specialized providers can yield significant long-term savings.
Putting it all together
By implementing these strategies, Midwest shippers can achieve substantial cost reductions on partial shipments while maintaining service quality. The key is working with logistics partners who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of regional shipping.
At Badger Logistics, we've helped hundreds of Midwest manufacturers optimize their partial shipments through our integrated approach combining asset-based transportation, brokerage services, and warehousing solutions.
What partial shipping challenges are you facing in your operation? I'd be happy to discuss how these strategies might apply to your specific situation.
Let's discuss your partial truckload needs
Partial truckload shipping offers a valuable middle-ground solution that combines many of the best aspects of both LTL and FTL service. When used appropriately, it can significantly reduce your transportation costs while improving service quality and reducing freight damage.
At Badger Logistics, we specialize in helping shippers identify the optimal shipping mode for each situation. Our extensive partial truckload capabilities — backed by strong carrier relationships, comprehensive service options, and transportation expertise — provide you with reliable, cost-effective solutions for your mid-sized shipments.
Whether you're looking to solve specific shipping challenges, optimize your transportation budget, or simply explore your options, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss how partial truckload shipping can benefit your supply chain.
