LTL or Less-Than-Truckload is typically defined as 6 or fewer standard sized pallets, with weight up to 10,000 lbs. and is transported by a common carrier (UPS Freight, SAIA, USF Reddaway, etc.). If you are moving up to 26 pallets or up to 40,000 lbs., that is a truckload shipment or TL, and done thru a private carrier. Between that is a somewhat gray area known as ‘partial’ or ‘volume’ shipping.
Partial shipments are done thru a private carrier and are generally 10-16 pallets or 10-25,000 lbs., but you may need some flexibility on the pickup and/or delivery dates. Your freight is matched up with other partial shipments heading in the same general direction, when space is available. Rates are usually lower than a volume rate (see below), but you sacrifice in having to wait 1-3 days for it to be picked up. If you are shipping more than 16 pallets/25,000 lbs, it’s usually easier and costs about the same to do it as a full truckload.
Volume shipments are similar to a partial, except it’s thru a common carrier and you can specify the day you want the freight picked up, just as you do with an LTL shipment. Rates are calculated by the same criteria as a regular LTL shipment, but you are getting a specific quote for that freight.
However your freight moves, if you are shipping more than 6 pallets or 10,000 lbs., contact us for an accurate quote so we can help you to avoid a rebill.
