In the vast world of shipping, the partial truck load, or PTL, stands out as an often-underutilized gem. It offers the perfect middle ground between the dominant full truck load (FTL) and the commonly employed less-than-truck load (LTL) strategies.
This comprehensive guide is your map to making the most of PTL transportation services, ensuring that your cargo moves in the most efficient, cost-effective, and timely manner possible.
Walking the PTL Path
Partial truck load (PTL) transportation involves goods that are larger than what LTL can accommodate, yet don’t necessitate the typical full truck load. In essence, it’s a precision instrument, allowing shippers to save on costs and space by sharing a truck with other shippers that have compatible freight in terms of size, weight, and destination.
The Benefits of PTL
PTL transportation offers benefits that can balance the scales in your shipping strategy. The reduced handling of PTL over LTL means less risk of damage. Plus, the speed and security improvements over regular LTL can make PTL very attractive for many types of shippers.
When PTL Should Roll Out
Deciding on PTL is a dance of cost and size. A shipment that is more than 5,000 pounds or occupies more than twenty feet in a trailer is typically a candidate for PTL. If your goods are urgent, as with time-sensitive inventory, using PTL can also give you the edge by providing a faster, more direct route.
Ideal Scenarios for PTL Utilization
The “Not-Quite-FTL-Ready” Cargo
When you have a shipment that is too sizable for LTL but not quite large enough for a full truck, PTL becomes your best ally.
PTL for Time-Sensitive Deliveries
In situations where time is of the essence, merging your cargo with other loads and minimizing transit time can be accomplished through PTL services.
Pocket-Friendly Solutions for Medium Loads
Mid-sized shipments benefit from the cost efficiency of PTL, especially when the cost of an FTL is too steep and splitting the load in LTLs incurs numerous handling charges.
