Partial transport, known by the abbreviation LTL (Less Than Truck Load), is a solution in which several smaller shipments from different customers are transported in a single vehicle. Each shipment occupies only part of the cargo space, and the transport costs are shared proportionally to the space occupied. This distinguishes LTL from full truckload (FTL) transport, where the entire vehicle is dedicated to a single customer.
The LTL partial transport model is playing an increasingly important role in domestic and international logistics. It works well wherever companies do not have a full load but want to use a professional transport service. Thanks to an extensive network of terminals and shipment consolidation, it is possible to efficiently move goods within Poland and within the European Union.
Our partial transport (LTL) offer in the EU guarantees that your goods will reach their destination without unnecessary delays in order fulfilment and without any safety concerns. Our proven logistics solutions are ideal for companies that value punctuality.
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In this article, we discuss the characteristics of partial transport, its advantages and limitations, the industries in which it is used, and what to look for when choosing an LTL operator.
What is less than truckload (LTL) transport?
Less than truckload (LTL) transport is a form of transport in which the cargo space of a vehicle is shared between several customers. Each customer sends a shipment that only takes up part of a trailer or container. The logistics operator consolidates these loads and transports them in a single vehicle, dividing the transport costs between all senders.
The most important difference between LTL and full truckload (FTL) transport is that in FTL, the vehicle goes directly to the recipient with a single load, while in LTL, shipments are combined, sorted and delivered to different locations. For this reason, LTL usually takes longer but is more economical for smaller batches of goods.
This solution is particularly popular for palletised shipments, large parcels and goods that do not require the entire space of a trailer. Thanks to a network of transhipment terminals, LTL operators can handle both domestic and international transport, providing regular lines between major logistics centres.
The use of LTL partial transport in Poland and the EU
Partial transport is a popular solution in Europe, especially where companies regularly ship smaller batches of goods. With the LTL model, there is no need to wait for a full load to accumulate – all it takes is a few pallets or parcels, which the operator will add to other customers’ shipments.
In Poland, LTL is often used by distributors of fast-moving consumer goods, manufacturers of household appliances and electronics, as well as the e-commerce industry, where frequent deliveries of smaller volumes are important. In the B2B sector, partial transport is also used by industrial companies that need to regularly replenish their warehouse stocks.
On a European scale, LTL is an integral part of international logistics. Typical routes include Poland-Germany, Poland-France and Poland-Benelux, i.e. routes where a large number of carriers operate and transhipment terminals are located. Thanks to consolidation in logistics hubs, shipments can be combined and distributed, which increases the efficiency of the entire process.
Partial transport is particularly useful when it is important to combine economy and flexibility – shipments travel faster than in standard transport, but the costs are lower than in the case of full loads.
Advantages of LTL partial transport
Partial transport has many advantages that make it one of the most popular forms of transport in Poland and Europe.
1. Cost optimisation
The biggest advantage of LTL is that the cost of transport is shared between several customers. Each customer only pays for the space occupied by their load. This solution is particularly beneficial for companies that regularly ship smaller batches of goods and do not need an entire vehicle.
2. Flexibility for smaller shipments
With LTL transport, you can send both a single pallet and several larger parcels. This means that companies do not have to wait for a full load to complete the transport. This is particularly convenient in e-commerce logistics and the distribution of seasonal goods.
3. Regular connections in Poland and the EU
LTL operators maintain regular lines between major logistics hubs. This allows shipments to be consolidated and delivered in a systematic manner. Customers gain access to regular services on key domestic and international routes.
4. Lower storage requirements
With LTL, there is no need to store large batches of goods in one place. Companies can send smaller batches more frequently, which reduces the burden on the warehouse and allows for better space management.
5. Reduced risk of empty runs
From an environmental and cost perspective, LTL is more efficient. A single vehicle carries loads from multiple customers, which reduces the number of empty runs and makes better use of transport resources.
Challenges and limitations of part load transport
Part load transport has many advantages, but it also has certain limitations that are worth knowing about before choosing this form of transport.
In LTL transport, delivery times are usually longer than in FTL. Shipments may be reloaded and held at terminals due to the need to coordinate multiple orders on a single route.
The second limitation is the increased risk of damage. Each additional transhipment means more operations with the goods. Although operators use security measures, more frequent handling increases the likelihood of damage or loss of the shipment.
Another challenge is the need for precise planning. In partial transport, accurate information about the dimensions and weight of the shipment is very important. Incorrect data can cause problems with consolidation and unnecessary delays.
Additional costs are also significant. Although LTL transport itself is cheaper than FTL, fees for storage, transhipment or unusual shipment dimensions can increase the final price.
Despite these limitations, LTL remains an extremely important element of logistics, especially where there is no need to hire an entire vehicle and a combination of flexibility and lower costs is key.
What does the LTL transport organisation process look like?
Partial transport requires good coordination, as shipments from multiple customers must be combined into a single route. Although this process is more complex than in the case of FTL, with proper organisation it runs smoothly and predictably.
1. Shipment notification
The customer provides the operator with detailed information: weight, dimensions, type of goods, packaging method, and shipping and delivery addresses. This data is crucial because it allows the operator to select the appropriate space in the vehicle and plan consolidation.
2. Consolidation at the terminal
Shipments are delivered to the operator’s warehouse, where they are combined with other loads going in the same direction. This is called consolidation, which is a basic element of LTL transport. It makes transport profitable for many customers at the same time.
3. Line haul
Consolidated loads are transported along main routes, usually between large terminals or logistics hubs. These routes are fixed and regular, which allows carriers to maintain continuity and predictability of deliveries. In some cases, especially for larger shipments, it is also possible to deliver directly to the end recipient without additional transhipments at terminals.
4. Sorting and distribution
For some LTL shipments, especially those destined for multiple recipients in different regions, sorting may take place at the destination terminal and further redirection to distribution vehicles. However, this is not the rule, as many partial shipments are carried out in a direct model, without additional transhipments or sorting along the way.
5. Delivery to the end customer
The last stage is the so-called last mile.
Goods can be delivered either by a smaller distribution vehicle or a large vehicle with a GVW of up to 40 tonnes, depending on the route and the specifics of the delivery. Regardless of the size of the vehicle, the delivery often covers several addresses in one location or region.
The entire LTL process is based on a network of terminals and fixed transport lines. These allow the flexibility of small shipments to be combined with the economy of large shipments. In a separate article, we describe the most common mistakes made when organising partial transport.
How is less than truckload (LTL) transport priced?
The cost of LTL transport depends primarily on how much space the shipment takes up in the vehicle and its technical parameters. LTL pricing is based on several basic criteria.
The most important ones are weight and volume. Operators use the so-called conversion weight (dimensional weight), which allows for standardisation of pricing rules. This means that very light but bulky goods (e.g. foam, packaging, furniture) are calculated not according to their actual weight, but according to the space they occupy.
Another factor is the number of pallets or metres of cargo space that the shipment occupies in the vehicle. The larger the dimensions, the higher the price, even if the load is not heavy.
On top of this, there are additional costs – e.g. transport of dangerous goods (ADR), the need to maintain a controlled temperature, fees for loading or unloading using a lift, as well as possible storage of the shipment at the operator’s terminal.
The difference compared to full truckload (FTL) transport is that with LTL, the customer only pays for the space actually occupied, not for the entire vehicle. This allows smaller companies to use international transport without incurring high costs. However, it should be remembered that due to consolidation and transhipments, delivery times can be longer than with FTL.
Partial transport and EU regulations
LTL transport, like any form of road transport in Europe, is subject to legal regulations that affect its organisation and operation.
The basic document in international transport is the CMR consignment note. It confirms the conclusion of the transport contract and contains key information about the sender, recipient, type of cargo and route. In the case of partial shipments, it often covers many different goods, which is why it is particularly important to fill in the data accurately.
LTL transport is also subject to regulations relating to transport safety and the labelling of goods. This applies in particular to dangerous goods (ADR), which must be properly secured and labelled, even if they only occupy a small part of the vehicle.
Regulations on cabotage, i.e. the transport of goods within a single Member State by a carrier from another EU country, are also of great importance. In the case of LTL, this is particularly important because operators often carry out multi-stage transports with multiple loading and unloading points.
Regulations relating to drivers’ working hours and the use of tachographs cannot be overlooked either. In partial transport, drivers make many stops, which requires precise planning in accordance with EU standards.
In summary: LTL is a flexible and economical service, but it is strictly regulated. Therefore, cooperation with an operator who knows EU regulations and is able to apply them in practice is crucial for the efficient execution of partial shipments.
What to look for when choosing an LTL operator?
When choosing a company to handle partial transport, it is worth paying attention to elements that are particularly important for consolidated shipments:
Network of terminals and transhipment warehouses – the more extensive the operator’s infrastructure, the greater the certainty that shipments will be handled efficiently and on schedule.
Regularity of scheduled services – a good operator maintains regular connections between major logistics hubs. This means that shipments do not ‘wait for an opportunity’ but are dispatched on specific days of the week.
Shipment security procedures – in LTL, goods are reloaded multiple times. It is important that the operator applies packaging, labelling and security standards that minimise the risk of damage.
Transparent pricing – the cost of LTL depends on weight, volume and space in the vehicle. A reliable operator clearly communicates its pricing rules, including additional charges for unusual shipments.
Last mile service – in partial transport, how the operator organises deliveries to end recipients is particularly important. Distribution vehicles must be able to cope in cities, restricted traffic zones and on narrow roads.
Flexibility in pick-ups and deliveries – in LTL, shipments have different requirements, e.g. pick-up from a ramp, manual loading or delivery at unusual hours. A good operator has procedures in place to resolve such situations without chaos.
Less than truck load transport – summary
Partial transport is a solution designed for companies that do not have a full load but want to use domestic and international transport in an economical way. By consolidating shipments, LTL allows you to optimise costs, send smaller batches of goods and maintain regular deliveries without having to hire an entire vehicle.
At the same time, it is important to remember that LTL requires good organisation – shipments pass through terminals, are sorted and reloaded, so it is crucial to choose an operator with experience, an extensive network of warehouses and transparent service rules.
Are you looking for a reliable partner in partial transport?
If your company sends smaller batches of goods in Poland or within the European Union, please contact us. We organise LTL transport based on fixed lines, ensure safe consolidation of shipments and timely deliveries to each recipient.
