Partial Truckload/Volume
Partial Truckloads usually consist of anywhere between 8-18 pallets and can weigh between 8,000 and 28,000lbs. Comparably to LTL, Partial Truckloads occupy a limited amount of space in the trailer which enables carriers to haul other shipments along with it. For this reason, the shipping rates can often be somewhat cheaper than full truckload shipping, but of course smaller than an LTL shipment. That said, these rates are not always as predictable and fluctuate with the market as these rates are determined by mileage.
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Carrier Operations Info
Most LTL carriers operate on a hub-and-spoke model, where a local driver will pick up several different shippers’ pallets and drop them off at a regional hub for sorting.
The carrier sorts and consolidates shipments based on destination, then transfers them from the origin hub to the destination hub or terminal. A local driver will complete the final mile, making a series of multi-stop deliveries around the region.
LTL networks are large, dense and complex—carriers’ ability to offer competitive pricing depends on it. While they strive to keep every truck fully loaded every time it’s on the road, the vast amount of moving parts creates empty capacity, no matter how efficient the network. Carriers use Volume LTL to maximize the loads and minimize the empty miles.
The benefits of Volume/ Partial Truckload
- Moving larger LTL shipments via Volume LTL is usually less expensive than traditional LTL or full truckload because efficiency is the key to operating within the intricate LTL networks.
- Volume LTL shipments are often safer than standard LTL shipments as they stay on the same trailer from pick-up to delivery. Since freight is not usually handled as much as standard LTL during transit, it can reduce the likelihood of damaged products.
- It adds capacity. By leveraging LTL carriers’ empty backhauls, shippers effectively add capacity as they are reaching into a different capacity-pool.
- In today’s market, where both the truckload and LTL markets are experiencing tight capacity, Volume LTL presents an alternative that supplements a shipper’s LTL and truckload networks.
The limitations of Volume/Partial Truckload
- The larger shipments create somewhat of a logistical challenge as it can be difficult for carriers to predict when they’ll have enough space for 12 pallets, for example. Yet those larger shipments are perfect for empty backhauls, so carriers want to have access to them. In exchange for flexibility, Partial LTL carriers offer lower rates.
- Volume LTL shipments tend to travel at the carrier’s convenience, based on their backhaul availability. If your shipment has a strict must-arrive-by date, Volume LTL may not be a lucrative option.
- Volume and Partial Truckload lower the cargo liability limit. Typically, the liability limit for cargo loss or damage is no more than $1 per pound, compared to $5 to $25 for standard LTL.
What is the difference between Partial Truckload and Volume LTL?
Volume LTL and partial truckload are two different terms that are often lumped into the same category and used interchangeably. Though conceptually similar, there are a few key differences, particularly, they tap into different carrier networks:
Volume LTL uses LTL carrier networks, whereas partial truckload uses full truckload carrier networks. Partial truckload can offer compelling cost savings, but consistent capacity can be very difficult to coordinate.
Another key difference is Partial Truckloads do not require a freight class, primarily because the rates are established by the market ie. mileage, specific lane of travel, weight, and space required. Since Volume LTL quotes are made to coincide with LTL carriers, they require a classification to travel based on carriers’ published rates.
Volume LTL and Partial Truckload common advantages:
- Ideal for shipments that are larger than Standard LTL, but do not require the capacity of a full truck.olume LTL quotes are made to coincide with LTL carriers, they require a classification to travel based on carriers’ published rates.
- Leverages unutilized trailer/container space to offer cost savings
- Specialized service offered with limited capacity (as compared with LTL and/or Truckload)