Part Load vs Full Truckload: Key Differences Explained
If your cargo doesn't fill a whole trailer, part load transport is usually the natural choice; if it does, or has special requirements, a full truckload often makes more sense. Here is how both work and how to choose.
What is part load transport?
Part load transport (LTL – less than truckload, often called groupage in Europe) means combining shipments that don't fill a whole vehicle with cargo from other shippers and moving them together. Shipments are usually collected at a cross-dock warehouse, grouped by destination region and dispatched together. At the destination they are separated again and delivered to each consignee.
Because the vehicle's capacity is shared between several shippers, the transport cost is also shared in proportion to the space and weight each shipment uses. That makes it an economical option, especially for shipments of a few pallets.
What is full truckload transport?
In full truckload transport (FTL), the vehicle is dedicated to a single shipper. The cargo is collected at the loading point and taken straight to the delivery address without transhipment. A standard semi-trailer is about 13.6 metres long and holds 33 Euro pallets. Even if your cargo doesn't fill the trailer completely, a full truckload can still be the right choice when the whole vehicle needs to be dedicated to your shipment.
The key differences at a glance
| Criterion | Part load | Full truckload |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle use | Several shippers share the same vehicle | The vehicle is dedicated to one shipper |
| Suitable volume | From a few cartons or pallets up to a partial trailer | Cargo that fills most or all of the trailer |
| Transhipment | Usually collected and distributed via a cross-dock | Direct from loading point to delivery point |
| Planning | Follows the schedule of the groupage service | Loading and delivery are planned around your shipment |
| Cost structure | Shared, based on space and weight used | Based on the whole vehicle |
| Handling | Cargo may be handled more than once | Handling is kept to a minimum |
When is part load transport the better fit?
- Your shipment is not large enough to fill a vehicle,
- You ship regularly, but in small volumes,
- You want to ship smaller batches more often to keep stock levels down,
- Your cargo is packed in standard units and can be stacked.
When does a full truckload make more sense?
- Your cargo fills most of the trailer,
- You ship sensitive, fragile or high-value goods and want to minimise handling,
- You need to work to a specific loading and delivery plan,
- Your cargo can't travel with other goods — for example because it needs a controlled temperature or special equipment.
How is a part load priced?
For part loads, the price is based on a combination of the cargo's weight, its volume and the space it takes up in the vehicle. A common measure in European road transport is the loading metre (LDM): the length of trailer floor your cargo occupies. For light but bulky cargo the volume tends to be decisive; for heavy but compact cargo, the weight. That is why the dimensions, weight, number of pallets and whether the pallets can be stacked all matter for an accurate assessment.
Questions to ask when choosing
- What are the total volume, weight and number of pallets of my shipment?
- Can my goods be stacked, or do they need special protection?
- How flexible is my delivery schedule?
- Do I ship regularly, or is this a one-off?
- Would handling the cargo more than once put my product at risk?
The answers to these questions go a long way towards settling the choice between part load and full truckload. The delivery terms agreed for your shipment also affect who is responsible at each stage — we cover this in detail in our guide to Incoterms.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same goods be shipped as a part load or a full truckload?
Yes. The choice depends less on the type of product and more on the volume, the packaging and the delivery requirements. The same product may travel as a part load one time and as a full truckload the next, depending on the order size.
Will my cargo get mixed up with other shipments?
Each shipment is tracked with its own labels and documents. Proper packaging and clear labelling help the cross-dock process run smoothly.
How do I know which option suits me best?
Share the dimensions, weight and delivery details of your cargo, and our team will work out the most suitable transport option with you.
This article is for general information only. Regulations and practices vary by country and product and may change over time; contact our team for advice specific to your shipment.
