Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping
Affordable & Reliable Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping Services
Need to ship freight that’s too big for LTL but doesn’t require a full truckload? Our Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping services help you save money by sharing truck space while ensuring fast, secure deliveries.
What is Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping?
Maximize efficiency and cut shipping costs with Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping—the perfect solution for freight over 5,000 lbs or more than six pallets that doesn’t require a full truck. PTL moves faster than Less Than Truckload (LTL) because there are fewer stops and no freight consolidation delays, meaning your shipment gets where it needs to go quickly and securely. Plus, PTL is far more cost-effective than Full Truckload (FTL) since you only pay for the space you use, giving you the best balance of speed, security, and savings. Get a PTL quote today and start shipping smarter!
Key Benefits of PTL Shipping:
- Lower shipping costs
- Reduced risk of freight damage
- Faster transit times than LTL
- No freight class required (saves time on classification)
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Partial Truckload Shipping?
FreightCenter offers access to a vast network of 50+ national and regional carriers, ensuring you get the most competitive rates for Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping. Whether you’re shipping locally or need cross-border coverage to Canada or Mexico, our extensive carrier partnerships allow for seamless transportation across North America. With fewer stops and optimized routing, PTL shipments move efficiently while reducing transit times and costs.
Our streamlined booking and tracking platform makes it easy to compare rates, schedule shipments, and monitor deliveries in real-time. No more guesswork—our technology ensures transparency every step of the way. Plus, our expert freight agents are always ready to assist, helping you choose the best PTL solution to optimize your supply chain and keep your business running smoothly. Whether you need guidance on load consolidation, cost savings, or transit options, our team is here to support your shipping needs.
💡 Did You Know?
PT shipping eliminates reclassification hassles since freight class isn’t required, making it easier for businesses.
Find the Right Shipping PTL Solution with FreightCenter
Choosing the correct shipping method is essential for optimizing cost, speed, and efficiency, and FreightCenter makes it easy to find the best option for your freight. Our Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping is perfect for shipments between 5,000-20,000 lbs or more than six pallets, providing a cost-effective and faster alternative to Less Than Truckload (LTL) with fewer stops and no freight consolidation delays. If your shipment is under 5,000 lbs, our LTL shipping services offer the most affordable rates, though transit times may be longer due to multiple handling points. For large, high-volume shipments over 20,000 lbs, our Full Truckload (FTL) service delivers the fastest transit times with dedicated truck space, ensuring secure and efficient transport.
With FreightCenter’s powerful freight booking platform, you can compare rates from top carriers, choose the best shipping option, and track your shipment in real-time—all in one place. Not sure which method is correct for your freight? Our expert shipping agents are here to help! Call us at (800.716.7608) or get a free quote now to find the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your shipping needs.
Not sure which option is right for you? Call (800.716.7608) or get a free quote now!
When it comes to pricing for partial truckload (PTL) shipments, several factors come into play. These factors can influence the overall cost of the shipment and help determine the pricing structure. Here are four key factors that impact PTL pricing:
Does your load weigh 5,000 to 25,000 pounds? What is the number of pallets you are going to be shipping?
Is your shipment Fragile or Durable? Is it consolidated into one multi-pallet unit or multiple pallets?
Does it need to be expedited? Do you need your shipment to show up in a specific timeframe? Shippers that want to use PTL have to be flexible. There isn't always a trailer that has enough space for your shipment.
Do you have specific loading or unloading requirements? Do you need any special equipment to load or unload your shipment?
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Industries That Benefit from PTL Shipping
Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping is a cost-effective and efficient freight solution for a wide range of industries that require flexible, secure, and timely transportation. Businesses in e-commerce and retail rely on PTL to ship bulk orders efficiently, ensuring that inventory reaches fulfillment centers and distribution hubs without unnecessary delays. By eliminating freight consolidation, PTL helps retailers maintain faster delivery times and reduce product handling, minimizing the risk of damage.
For manufacturing and distribution companies, PTL is an excellent choice for moving raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished goods to warehouses, suppliers, and customers. Its faster transit times compared to Less Than Truckload (LTL) make it ideal for meeting supply chain demands. The automotive and machinery industries also benefit from PTL, as it provides a secure method for transporting large, heavy parts that don’t require a full truck but need more dedicated space than LTL offers.
The medical and pharmaceutical sectors require secure and reliable transportation, and PTL shipping minimizes handling points, reducing the risk of damage or contamination. Whether shipping medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, or sensitive healthcare products, PTL ensures a more controlled and efficient shipping process. No matter your industry, FreightCenter connects you with top carriers to provide the best PTL shipping rates and services. Get a free quote today and streamline your freight shipping with ease!
Get the Best PTL Shipping Solution for Your Industry!
No matter your industry—e-commerce, manufacturing, automotive, or medical—FreightCenter has the Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping solution you need to keep your supply chain moving efficiently and affordably. Don’t let high shipping costs or slow transit times disrupt your operations. Get a free PTL quote today and compare rates from top carriers to find the best shipping option for your business.
📞 Call us now at (800.716.7608) or click below to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping
Q. What is Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping?
Partial Truckload (PTL) shipping is a cost-effective freight option for shipments that are too large for Less Than Truckload (LTL) but don’t require a full truck. PTL is ideal for shipments between 5,000-20,000 lbs or more than six pallets, providing faster transit times with fewer handling points than LTL.
Q. How does PTL differ from LTL and FTL shipping?
- LTL (Less Than Truckload) is for smaller shipments under 5,000 lbs, typically consolidated with other freight, leading to longer transit times.
- PTL (Partial Truckload) is for medium-sized shipments that don’t require freight class, move faster than LTL, and experience less handling.
- FTL (Full Truckload) is for large shipments over 20,000 lbs that require an entire truck for dedicated transport.
Q. When should I use PTL instead of LTL?
PTL is the better choice when your shipment is too large for LTL (over six pallets or 5,000 lbs) but does not require a full truck. It also reduces handling and transit times since PTL shipments don’t go through consolidation hubs like LTL freight.
Q. How are Partial Truckload shipping rates calculated?
PTL shipping rates depend on total weight, dimensions, pickup and delivery locations, freight type, and carrier availability. Unlike LTL, PTL pricing is not based on freight class, making it simpler and often more cost-effective for larger shipments.
Q. Does PTL require a freight class like LTL?
No, PTL does not require freight class, which eliminates the complexity of classification errors and unexpected reclass charges. Pricing is based on space used in the truck rather than National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) codes.
Q. Is PTL shipping faster than LTL?
Yes! PTL has fewer stops and less freight handling than LTL, meaning your shipment moves directly to its destination faster without being transferred between terminals.
Q. What types of freight are best suited for PTL?
PTL is ideal for industries that require medium-sized freight transport, including:
- E-commerce & Retail – Bulk orders, inventory restocking
- Manufacturing & Distribution – Raw materials, finished goods
- Automotive & Machinery – Large, heavy parts
- Medical & Pharmaceuticals – Secure and time-sensitive shipments
Q. What are common accessorial charges with PTL?
Although PTL eliminates freight classification fees, additional charges may apply for liftgate service, residential delivery, inside pickup, limited-access locations, or hazardous material handling. Understanding these fees can help you budget your shipping costs.
Q. How do I get a PTL shipping quote?
Getting a PTL shipping quote is easy! Use FreightCenter’s online quote tool to compare rates from multiple trusted carriers. You can also speak with one of our freight experts by calling (800.716.7608) for personalized assistance.
Q. How do I get started with partial truckload shipping through FreightCenter?
Getting started with partial truckload shipping through FreightCenter is easy. Contact our team by phone or through our website to discuss your shipment requirements. Our experienced logistics experts will guide you through the process, provide you with competitive rates, and assist you in booking your partial truckload shipment.
Top 3 Advantages of Partial Truckload (PTL) Shipping
Cost Savings:
PTL shipping is a budget-friendly alternative to Full Truckload (FTL) since you only pay for the space you use. Unlike Less Than Truckload (LTL), PTL pricing is not based on freight class, eliminating unexpected reclassification fees. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective solution for medium-sized shipments that don’t require a dedicated truck.
Faster Transit Times:
Compared to LTL, PTL reduces handling and transit delays by skipping consolidation hubs and unnecessary stops. Since PTL shipments typically remain on the same truck from pickup to delivery, they experience less risk of damage and arrive faster at their destination. This makes PTL a great option for businesses needing quicker, more reliable delivery.
Reduced Freight Handling & Damage Risk:
With PTL, your freight stays on the same truck rather than being repeatedly loaded and unloaded at different terminals like in LTL shipping. This minimizes handling, lowers the risk of freight damage, and ensures your shipment reaches its destination in better condition. PTL is ideal for businesses shipping fragile, high-value, or sensitive goods that require extra care.
