Partial truckload, co-loading, less-than-truckload (LTL), and load-to-ride all refer to shipping methods that put orders from multiple companies on one truck. Yet, each mode operates a bit differently and provides its own set of benefits.
Deciding on the most optimal mode for your transportation needs can be daunting. (That’s why we’re here!) Decisions are based on a myriad of factors – order size and weight, order type, destination, origin, handling, timeline, etc.
If you are shipping orders that don’t fill a full truckload, here is a breakdown of options available.
How LTL Loads Traditionally Work
LTL shipping aims to make transportation more economical for orders that are too large to be sent by small package (USPS), but not big enough to fill a full truck.
LTL carriers generally utilize van trailers to combine multiple shipments from different companies into one vehicle. They pick up multiple orders from a set geographical area, sharing truck space, then go to a central terminal. There they unload at an inbound dock, then move to an outbound dock where they are reloaded with consolidated shipments which they take out for delivery.
This happens regardless of whether an order is being delivered locally or nationally. As a result, LTL orders are traditionally handled often. This is one of the main downfalls of the mode. Each time a product is moved it runs the risk of breaking or being damaged.
For snack and ingredient producers, over handling is a big concern. Any puncture to packaging could mean contaminated, ruined, and unsellable goods.
Additionally, shipping LTL can make meeting retailer compliance standards very difficult. LTL deliveries are typically only made at the delivery terminal when the product arrives on site – no prescheduled appointments. All too often, by the time the terminal sets an appointment, the receiver is booked beyond the compliance date and the shipper gets a negative mark on their scorecard.
(NOTE – A specialized retail transportation partner can help alleviate the above issue by selecting the right/preferred LTL provider for each and every retailer location.)
Benefits of LTL shipping, include:
- Generally, less expensive than full truckload
Concerns with LTL shipping, include:
- Over handling
- Strict appointments
- Difficulty with hitting retailer standards
LTL shipping works best for:
- Orders that are too large for USPS or parcel shipping
- Orders that are too small to fill a full truckload
- Longer timelines due to hub-and-spoke model
Load-to-Ride Transportation
Load-to-ride transportation refers to orders that are loaded on to a truck and then taken directly to the destination. This often includes orders from multiple companies, but doesn’t have to.
When a driver executes a “load to ride” they handle freight far less often than traditional LTL. They execute on scheduled pickups and move directly to deliveries, removing the middle step of unloading, consolidating, and reloading at a terminal.
Picking up directly at your location and delivering to your customer right away, shippers can reduce loss and damage, expedite shipments, and improve efficiencies. This is particularly beneficial for companies that do on-site consolidation or for those that are held accountable to strict Must Arrive by Dates (MABDs).
Benefits of load to ride, include:
- Less handling, reducing risk of cargo damage
- Generally, faster transit since there is no central terminal
- Generally, lower prices than LTL or FTL
- Easier to hit MABDs and retailer appointments
Load-to-ride transportation works best for:
- Freight that has a shorter distance to travel
- Freight with origin and destination locations that are near major lanes and desirable routes
Co-Loading
Co-loading is just like it sounds – multiple companies collaborating to load and ship their orders on a shared vehicle. Sharing space on a singular truck also means fares can be split, based on their respective use of space.
But, unlike load-to-ride transportation, there is no guideline with co-loading on whether an order goes to a central terminal or not. Instead, co-loading refers more to the concept of sharing a truck between multiple companies to cut costs.
To safely share transportation space, the freight must hit a handful of criteria:
- Origins and destinations must be close in proximity
- Pickup and delivery schedules must align
- Product must be compatible (Ex: chemicals cannot be shipped with food, and goods must all be kept at the same temperature)
Partial Load Shipping
Partial truckload shipping is used for orders that fall in between full-truckload and less-than-truckload parameters. They aim to fill an entire truck, leaving no unused space.
Partial is most often associated with volume pricing and shipments over 5,000 pounds or 6 pallets, but doesn’t have to be. Shippers can also leverage this mode for small 1-3 pallet orders, to avoid the issues to LTL hub and spoke.
Partial truckload shipment rates are determined based on the size of the order (linear feet and weight), time sensitivity, and type of freight. However, they do not require freight classification like LTL. This is where per pallet pricing comes into play.
Additionally, since partial shipments use trucks and not van trailers, there is more space available to fill. Companies often leverage this mode when their freight is too large or too heavy for LTL, but they still need a cheaper alternative to full truckload.
Partial load shipping benefits include:
- Filling of unused truck space
- Cost savings from ride sharing
- Less handling than LTL – no hub and spoke
Partial load shipping works best for
- Shipments over 5,000 pounds or 6 or more pallets
- Or small 1-3 pallet orders that need standardized pricing and quicker transit than LTL
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