Are You Getting The Best Deal On Your Partial Truckload Freight? Here Is How You Can Find Out

When is the last time you asked yourself if you are getting the best deal for your partial truckload freight? In the past, it has been common practice for shippers to book multiple partial shipments independently. However, optimizing and consolidating partial shipments that are destined for the same geographic regions could save shippers time and money.

What are partial shipments? 

Partials are large or heavy shipments and typically fall between the size of traditional less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload shipments. Generally speaking, more than 5 pallets or 5,000 lbs of material, but less than 25 feet of trailer space, or 25,000 lbs of material, is commonly considered a partial shipment.

Why should I look to optimize my partial shipments? 

Increased complexities and advanced technology across the LTL industry has prompted many shippers to search for ways to optimize their freight. Here's some background:

1. Stricter Rules: Carriers have steadily been reducing their leniency when it comes to classifications, weight and space within less-than-truckload (LTL) networks. If shippers misreport key data points, significant delays due to re-weighs and re-classifications will occur.
2. New Technology: Carriers have introduced dimensionalizers and upgraded forklifts that scan and weigh freight, therefore, there is no room for error as shippers will be billed hefty re-weigh and re-classification fines.
3. Nature of the LTL network: Longer transit times, misroutes, additional handling increasing the odds of loss or damage, freight claims and low liability coverage are all common pain points in the LTL environment.

How can partial shipments be optimized? 

Consolidating partial shipments on regional lanes can solve shippers headaches while saving time and money. Consolidating freight can help decrease handling, transit time, classification errors, as well as weight and dimension discrepancies.

Shipping via multi-stop truckload can also provide peace of mind since freight remains on the truck, rather than continuously being offloaded and re-loaded. Additionally, shippers also typically benefit from transportation savings by converting multiple LTL partials to a full truckload.