Partial transportation, often referred to as partial load transportation or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, involves the transportation of goods that do not fill an entire truck or shipping container. Instead of reserving an entire vehicle for a single shipment, multiple shipments from different shippers are consolidated onto one truck, sharing the transportation costs. This method is particularly suitable for smaller shipments, providing a more cost-effective solution for businesses with smaller loads.

Key features of partial transportation (LTL shipping) include:

  1. Consolidation: Multiple smaller shipments from different shippers are consolidated into a single truck or container. This consolidation helps optimize the use of available space and resources.

  2. Cost Efficiency: By sharing transportation costs among multiple shippers, each shipper pays only for the space their goods occupy. This can be more cost-effective than booking an entire truck for a smaller load.

  3. Flexibility: Partial transportation offers flexibility in accommodating smaller shipments. It allows businesses with varying shipment sizes to utilize the same transportation network.

  4. Frequent Departures: LTL carriers often have frequent departures, providing more flexibility in scheduling and reducing the lead time for shipments.

  5. Tracking and Visibility: Shippers typically have the ability to track and monitor their shipments during transit. This visibility is crucial for supply chain management and ensuring timely deliveries.

  6. Hub-and-Spoke System: Many LTL carriers operate using a hub-and-spoke system, where shipments are collected at regional hubs and then distributed to their final destinations. This system enhances efficiency and reduces transit times.

  7. Weight-Based Pricing: LTL shipping often involves weight-based pricing, where shippers are charged based on the weight of their goods. This is different from full truckload (FTL) shipping, where the entire truck is reserved for a single shipment, and pricing may be based on the distance traveled.

Partial transportation is commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and distribution, where businesses may have smaller shipments that do not require a dedicated truck. It provides a scalable and cost-efficient solution for companies with diverse shipping needs.