Difference Between LTL and Partial Truckloads, Co-Loading, and Load-to-Ride

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. Decisions are based on a myriad of factors — order size and weight, order type, destination, origin, handling, and timeline. If you are shipping orders that don't fill a full truckload, here is a breakdown of the 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, then go to a central terminal where they unload at an inbound dock, move to an outbound dock, and reload with consolidated shipments for delivery. As a result, LTL orders are handled often — and each time a product is moved it runs the risk of breaking or being damaged.

Shipping LTL can also make meeting retailer compliance standards 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.

Benefits of LTL shipping:

• Generally less expensive than full truckload

Concerns with LTL shipping:

• Over-handling
• Strict appointments
• Difficulty hitting retailer standards

LTL shipping works best for:

• Orders too large for USPS or parcel shipping
• Orders too small to fill a full truckload
• Longer timelines due to the hub-and-spoke model

Load-to-Ride Transportation

Load-to-ride refers to orders that are loaded onto a truck and 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 scheduled pickups and move directly to deliveries, removing the middle step of unloading, consolidating, and reloading at a terminal. By picking up directly and delivering right away, shippers can reduce loss and damage, expedite shipments, and improve efficiency — particularly beneficial for companies held accountable to strict Must Arrive By Dates (MABDs).

Benefits of load to ride:

• 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 works best for:

• Freight that has a shorter distance to travel
• Freight with origin and destination 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 single truck also means fares can be split based on each company's respective use of space.

Unlike load-to-ride, there is no guideline with co-loading on whether an order goes to a central terminal. 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 (e.g. chemicals cannot ship with food, and goods must be kept at the same temperature)

Partial Load Shipping

Partial truckload shipping is used for orders that fall 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 of LTL hub-and-spoke.

Partial truckload rates are determined by 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. 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 heavy for LTL but they still need a cheaper alternative to full truckload.

Partial load shipping benefits:

• 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
• Small 1–3 pallet orders that need standardized pricing and quicker transit than LTL

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