Partial load (LTL)

Part loads, also known as LTL, stands for Less Than Truckload in the transportation industry and refers to a shipping method in which freight from several shippers is combined in one truck. The term originates from the English-speaking world and literally means “less than a truckload”.

In LTL transport, partial loads that are not sufficient for a complete truck are transported together with other partial loads. The transportation costs are split between the various shippers so that each only pays for the part of the loading space used. The opposite of LTL is FTL (full truckload), where the entire truck is used for a single load.

Main features of LTL transport:

1. Part loads: Several smaller consignments from different senders are transported together in one truck.
2. Cost savings: As the transportation costs are split between several shippers, the costs per shipper are often lower than if an entire truck is booked.
3. Flexibility: Shippers can transport smaller quantities without delay instead of waiting until they have a full truckload.
4. Multiple stops: The truck stops at various points to deliver the partial loads. This extends the delivery time compared to FTL transports.

LTL transportation is a cost-effective solution for companies shipping smaller quantities of goods that do not fill a full truckload.

Smaller quantities are referred to as additional loads, an explanation can be found under the term.