Choosing the Right Freight Service: LTL, Volume LTL, Partial Truckload, and More
When it comes to freight, not every load fits neatly into a box or even on the same truck. Balancing time and costs is an important part of staying profitable while keeping customers happy, but shippers need to know which freight option will get the job done—whether it's a smaller, more flexible load or an urgent, time-sensitive delivery.
The key is understanding what works best for each individual shipment. Do you need speed or capacity? Flexibility or dedicated space? From LTL and volume LTL to partial truckload and full truckload, each option offers something different. This guide cuts through the confusion, giving you a clear breakdown of when to choose each service to keep your freight moving efficiently—without overpaying or sacrificing on-time delivery.
What is LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Shipping?
LTL shipping is designed for businesses that need to move smaller shipments or just a few pallets. LTL carriers combine multiple loads from different shippers into one truck, rather than dedicating an individual vehicle for each one. Loaded freight is then routed to their final destinations through a hub-and-spoke model between carrier terminals. This allows you to pay only for the portion of the truck your freight occupies, making it a cost-effective solution for smaller, non-urgent deliveries.
Capacity and Transit Times for LTL Shipping
LTL shipments typically range from 1 to 6 pallets, depending on the carrier, with weight limits between 10,000-12,000 pounds. Because multiple shippers share space on the truck and freight is offloaded and reloaded across the terminal network, transit times are slower than dedicated services and vary greatly.
Pros and Cons of LTL Shipping
Pros
Cost Savings: Share truck space and only pay for what you use. Great for smaller loads that don’t justify a full truck.
Flexibility: Ideal for frequent, smaller shipments, allowing businesses to ship more flexibly without overspending.
Environmental Impact: Sharing space means fewer trucks on the road, which helps reduce carbon emissions.
Cons
Slower Transit: Freight moves through multiple hubs, which adds time to delivery. It’s not the best option when speed is critical.
Handling Risks: Your freight is handled multiple times at different terminals, increasing the potential for damage.
Unpredictable Delays: LTL networks can face bottlenecks during peak seasons, meaning your shipment might not arrive when expected.
Volume LTL: A Cost-Effective Alternative
For shipments that are too large for standard LTL but still don’t quite require a full truckload, volume LTL is a good middle-ground option. It offers the flexibility of LTL while avoiding the cost of booking an entire truck. Volume LTL shipments typically occupy more than 6 pallets and/or exceed 12,000 pounds, but, like standard LTL, they move through the carrier’s terminal system.
Capacity and Transit Times for Volume LTL
Volume LTL accommodates larger shipments, usually in the range of 6 to 14 pallets and 5,000 to 15,000 pounds. Transit times can be unpredictable compared to standard LTL, but the exact timing depends on the shipping lane and network availability. Because they are still moving on an LTL carrier, these larger shipments are priced aggressively but take a back seat to standard LTL shipments. For that reason they can potentially move slower than regular LTL shipments while waiting for enough capacity in the chosen lane.
Pros and Cons of Volume LTL
Pros
Cost Savings: Less expensive than full truckload or breaking down shipments into multiple LTL loads.
Scalability: Ideal for businesses that regularly ship larger volumes without requiring a full truck.
Environmental Impact: Like LTL, sharing truck space helps reduce carbon emissions.
Cons
Variable Transit Times: Delivery schedules with multiple stops are still slower than full truckload services.
Limited Availability: Not all carriers offer or have capacity for volume LTL services, which can limit your options depending on your shipping lane.
Seasonal Delays: Like standard LTL, volume LTL can experience delays during peak shipping periods and when capacity is tight.
Partial Truckload: The Best of Both Worlds
Partial truckload is another option for shipments that are too large for LTL and generally can accommodate up to half a truckload of space. Unlike volume LTL, which relies on the LTL carrier network and a standardized hub-and-spoke model, partial loads are handled by individual carriers in the open market. This difference can impact everything from pricing to transit times, offering both advantages and challenges when shipping medium-sized loads.
Capacity and Transit Times for Partial Truckload
Partial truckload shipments typically range between 8 to 18 pallets, with weights up to 27,000 pounds. Because partial loads stay on a single truck, they don’t pass through terminals and generally experience fewer delays and handling compared to LTL. However, transit times can vary depending on the shipping lane, carrier availability, and external factors like seasonality.
Pros and Cons of Partial Truckload
Pros
Fewer Handling Risks: Since partial loads aren’t offloaded and reloaded at terminals, they are less likely to be damaged in transit.
Pricing Flexibility: Partial truckloads operate in the open market, allowing shippers to negotiate rates based on current conditions.
Faster Transit: Partials often move faster over long distances compared to LTL since freight isn’t routed through hub networks.
Cons
Unpredictable Pricing: Partial load pricing is influenced by market factors like lane demand, truck availability, and seasonality, making costs less predictable.
Variable Availability: The open market nature of partials can also make it harder to secure consistent rates and service, especially during high-demand seasons.
Inconsistent Service: Since partial loads can be moved by a variety of truckload carriers, it may be harder to ensure consistent transit times, communication, and reliability.
Full Truckload (FTL): When You Need It All
Full truckload is the best option for shipments that require exclusive use of the truck. It’s not just about moving large volumes; FTL is also critical for time-sensitive shipments or freight that can’t be mixed with other cargo—whether due to the nature of the goods being delicate, hazardous, or sensitive to temperature or other environmental factors. With FTL, your cargo moves directly to its destination without the risks of delays or damage associated with multiple handling points.
Capacity and Costs of Full Truckload
FTL shipments typically fill an entire truck, accommodating up to 24 to 30 pallets or as much as 45,000 pounds of freight. The cost structure is straightforward: you pay for the entire truck, regardless of how much space your cargo actually occupies. While this may seem pricey, it is cost-effective when shipping large volumes or sensitive goods that require exclusive use of the space. For companies regularly handling full truckloads, the efficiency and control of FTL often justify the expense, especially over longer distances.
Pros and Cons of Full Truckload
Pros
Faster Delivery: With direct routes and no additional stops, FTL ensures that shipments reach their destination quickly.
Less Handling: FTL significantly reduces the risk of damage, as cargo is only handled at pickup and delivery.
Exclusive Control: You have complete control over the truck, making FTL ideal for freight that requires specific conditions, such as temperature control or isolation from other cargo.
Cons
Higher Costs for Small Loads: If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a truck, FTL can be expensive compared to other options like LTL or partial truckload.
Empty Space Costs: Paying for unused space in the truck can be inefficient, particularly for smaller or irregular shipments.
Market Availability: During peak seasons, it can be challenging to secure capacity, potentially leading to higher prices or delays.
Dedicated Services: Cargo Vans, Box Trucks, and Sprinter Vans
When speed is critical, dedicated services like cargo vans (also referred to as sprinter vans) and box trucks provide the perfect solution for smaller loads. These vehicles offer a direct delivery route, ensuring that time-sensitive shipments reach their destination quickly and without the delays caused by additional stops. Like FTL, cargo vans and box trucks are priced based on market conditions and offer exclusive use of the truck, making them ideal for freight that requires a more controlled shipping environment.
Expedited Freight and When to Use Dedicated Services
Dedicated services are essential for expedited freight because they offer direct delivery, often without hours-of-service constraints that apply to larger commercial vehicles. Cargo vans and box trucks can be dispatched quickly and provide a direct path to the destination, minimizing transit time and reducing the risk of delays or damage.
Capacity and Speed of Cargo Vans and Box Trucks
Cargo vans and box trucks differ in size and capacity to suit various types of freight.
Cargo Vans and Sprinter Vans:
Dimensions: Typically range from 15 to 20 feet in length, 6 to 7 feet in width, and 6 to 6.5 feet in height.
Cargo Capacity: Between 200 and 500 cubic feet, handling up to 6,000 pounds.
Freight Fit: Ideal for up to four standard pallets or compact, high-priority shipments.
Potential cons of shipping in cargo vans and sprinter vans are that they are not dock height and lack liftgates to load freight. This needs to be considered when booking, as it can make loading and unloading more difficult.
Box Trucks:
Dimensions: Range from 10 to 26 feet in length, most commonly 96 inches wide by 96 inches tall.
Cargo Capacity: Can handle between 3,000 and 17,000 pounds, depending on the truck size.
Freight Fit: Suitable for larger, bulkier freight that requires quick delivery but doesn’t need a full truckload.
Unlike cargo vans, box trucks are often dock height, and many have liftgates to assist with loading and unloading. Combined with their smaller size, this allows for more flexibility for deliveries.
Making the Right Move: Essential Shipment Considerations
Selecting the right freight service is all about understanding the specifics of each shipment. Being clear on these details will help ensure you pick the most efficient and cost-effective option every time.
Shipment Size and Weight: Larger loads fit volume LTL, partial truckload, or FTL; smaller ones work for LTL or cargo vans.
Transit Time and Delivery Needs: For fast delivery, choose full truckload or dedicated services. LTL is better for less urgent shipments.
Pricing and Budget: Smaller shipments are cheaper with LTL; larger loads benefit from volume LTL or full truckload.
With so much to consider, finding the right transportation partner can make a huge difference. A trusted partner will help evaluate each shipment and offer shipping options that ensure the best balance of price and speed, no matter the situation.
TFWW Manchester: Your Logistics Partner for Smart Shipping Decisions
At TFWW Manchester, we don’t just move freight—we build smart shipping strategies that work for your business. Our team works closely with you to evaluate each shipment, ensuring you get the right balance of speed, cost, and efficiency. Whether you’re looking for expedited services, full truckload, or something in between, we’re here to provide customized solutions that meet your unique needs.
Get in touch with us today, and let’s drive your business forward with shipping solutions that deliver results, every time.