What is partial truckload shipping?

How partial truckload shipping works

Unlike traditional LTL, which requires multiple handling touchpoints and transfers between terminals, partial truckload shipments generally stay on one truck from pickup to delivery. This significantly reduces handling time, decreases damage risk, and offers more direct routing for faster transit times.

At Badger Logistics, we leverage our extensive network of vetted carrier partners to provide flexible partial load options that match your specific requirements for budget, timeline, and handling sensitivity.

Benefits of Partial Truckload Shipping

Lower Costs

For shipments in the "sweet spot" between LTL and full truckload, partial truckload shipping offers significant cost advantages:

• You only pay for the trailer space you need
• No freight class requirements eliminates reclassification fees
• More competitive pricing than LTL for shipments over 4-5 pallets
• Lower cost than reserving an entire truck for partial loads

Reduced Damage Risk

Your freight experiences significantly less handling compared to traditional LTL:

• Stays on one truck from origin to destination
• No cross-docking at multiple terminals
• Less loading/unloading means less opportunity for damage
• Ideal for fragile, high-value, or oddly-shaped items

Faster Transit Times

Get your shipments delivered more efficiently:

• Direct routing with fewer stops
• No delays at cross-docking facilities
• More predictable delivery windows
• Expedited options available for time-sensitive freight

Greater Flexibility

Adapt to your specific shipping needs:

• Multiple equipment options (dry van, flatbed, intermodal)
• Accommodates irregular shipment sizes
• Works well for both scheduled and on-demand shipping
• Less stringent pickup and delivery appointment requirements

When to Choose Partial Truckload Shipping

Partial truckload shipping is typically the optimal choice when:

• Your shipment size is in the sweet spot: Generally 4-5 pallets (or more) and weighs between 4,000-25,000 pounds
• You have high-value or fragile freight: Products that benefit from minimal handling and fewer transfers
• Speed matters: When you need faster transit times than standard LTL offers
• Your freight has unusual dimensions: Oversized or oddly-shaped items that don't fit standard LTL parameters
• You ship low-density items: Products that take up significant space but don't weigh much
• You need cost efficiency: When you want to optimize your shipping budget while maintaining service quality

Partial Truckload vs. LTL: Key Differences

Types of Partial Truckload Services

Dry Van Partials

Perfect for standard palletized shipments that need protection from the elements. Our 53-foot dry vans can accommodate partial loads of all sizes while providing secure, enclosed transportation.

Flatbed Partials

Ideal for oversized, oddly-shaped items or materials that require open-deck transportation but don't fill an entire flatbed. Load and unload from the top, side, or rear.

Intermodal Partials

For longer distances, our intermodal partial options combine the efficiency of rail transport with the flexibility of trucking, providing cost-effective solutions for shipments that need to travel significant distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my shipment qualifies for partial truckload?

If your shipment consists of 4-5 pallets or more, weighs at least 4,000-5,000 pounds, or takes up 8-30 linear feet of trailer space, it likely qualifies for partial truckload shipping. Contact us for a custom assessment.

What information do I need to provide for a partial truckload quote?

For accurate pricing, we'll need: origin and destination addresses, shipment dimensions (length, width, height), total weight, number of pieces/pallets, commodity type, and any special handling requirements. The more precise your measurements, the more accurate your quote will be.

Do partial truckload shipments require appointments?

While appointments are recommended for optimal efficiency, partial truckload shipments generally offer more flexibility with pickup and delivery times compared to full truckload. We can work with your schedule to arrange convenient time windows.

How are partial truckload rates calculated?

Partial truckload rates are primarily based on the space your shipment occupies in the trailer (linear feet), total weight, and distance traveled. Unlike LTL, freight class is not required, which often results in more straightforward pricing.

Is partial truckload shipping environmentally friendly?

Yes! By consolidating multiple shipments onto a single truck, partial truckload shipping helps maximize fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions compared to running multiple LTL shipments or partially-filled full truckload shipments.

LTL vs. Partial Loads: choosing the right shipping solution

Traditional LTL shipping has long been the go-to option for smaller shipments. However, partial loads offer significant advantages for loads of 4-5 pallets/4,000-5,000 pounds or more, especially for longer hauls over 500 miles. Unlike LTL's hub-and-spoke system with multiple touchpoints, partial loads have fewer transfers, significantly reducing the risk of damage.

Take the guesswork out of cargo coverage when shipping partial vs. traditional LTL.  Enjoy the benefits and peace of mind, understanding your order is shipping with full coverage rather than getting your decoder ring out to read the fine print in the LTL carrier’s Rule Tariff, resulting in pennies per pound.

Partial loads often move more directly to their destination, resulting in quicker deliveries compared to LTL, and utilize various equipment types, including dry van, flatbed, and intermodal options, offering more versatility than traditional LTL. Your freight isn't mixed with smaller LTL shipments, ensuring more focused handling and tracking.

Simplified pricing will allow you to understand exactly what your charges will be without worrying about LTL carriers’ rules, tariffs, classifications guides, lineal foot rules, cubic density pricing, etc.