Too big for LTL. Too small to justify a full truck. That in-between space is where a lot of shippers overpay — either absorbing LTL terminal delays and damage risk, or paying for trailer space they’re not using. There’s a better option: partial truckload shipping, and a broker who knows how to find it.
Aries Freight Systems is a Chicago-based PTL freight broker matching 5–15 pallet shipments with carriers who move partial loads efficiently — no hub-and-spoke delays, no terminal transfers, and no paying for space you don’t need. Your freight loads once and delivers direct.
Whether you’re shipping a one-time oversized order or running regular PTL lanes across multiple origin points, our team finds the right carrier at the right price — and keeps your freight moving without the headaches of traditional LTL.
WHAT IS PARTIAL TRUCKLOAD SHIPPING?
Partial truckload (PTL) shipping — sometimes called volume LTL — is a freight mode designed for shipments that fall between standard LTL and full truckload. Typically covering 5 to 15 pallets or 5,000 to 20,000 lbs, PTL freight shares trailer space with just one or two other shipments rather than moving through a traditional multi-terminal LTL network.
PTL is the right move when:
- Your shipment is too large for standard LTL pricing to make sense
- You don't have enough freight to justify paying for a full truckload
- You need fewer handling points and lower damage risk than LTL
- Transit speed matters but you can't absorb a full-truck rate
- Your freight is fragile, high-value, or can't withstand terminal transfers
Unlike LTL, PTL freight loads once at origin and delivers once at destination — no reclassification surprises, no reweigh fees, and no sitting at a terminal waiting for consolidation.
Need a full truckload instead? See our Dry Van services →
Specialized Partial Truckload Services
Our PTL carrier network covers specialized freight requirements across every lane. Connect with our team for the best service option for your shipment:
Expedited
Time-critical PTL shipments with priority routing and accelerated transit.
High-Value
Enhanced security and vetted carriers for high-value or sensitive cargo.
Hazmat
Certified hazardous materials handling with fully compliant carriers and documentation.
Final Mile
Last-leg delivery solutions from distribution hubs to end destination.
White Glove
Premium handling for fragile, specialty, or installation-ready freight.
Liftgate
Liftgate-equipped carriers for locations without a loading dock.
Long Haul
Coast-to-coast PTL capacity for cross-country lanes at competitive rates.
Refrigerated
Partial reefer loads for temperature-sensitive freight that doesn’t fill a full trailer.
Shipping smaller quantities on a regular basis? See our LTL services →
PTL vs. LTL vs. FTL — Which Is Right for Your Freight?
Not sure which mode fits your shipment? Here’s the breakdown:
LTL
Less-Than-Truckload
- 1–6 pallets
- Shared trailer, multiple stops
- Hub-and-spoke terminal network
- More handling = higher damage risk
- Slowest transit time
PTL ✓ Best Fit
Partial Truckload
- 5–15 pallets
- 1–2 co-loads, direct delivery
- No terminal transfers
- Less handling, lower damage risk
- Faster than LTL, cheaper than FTL
FTL
Full Truckload
- 23+ pallets or 40,000+ lbs
- Dedicated trailer, no co-loads
- Direct origin to destination
- Fastest transit
- Highest cost per shipment
Why Aries for Partial Truckload Shipping
PTL capacity is harder to find than dry van — and easier to get wrong. A broker without deep carrier relationships will put your partial load through an LTL network and call it PTL. At Aries, we have access to carriers who specialize in partial loads, with the network depth to find the right co-load match and get your freight moving efficiently.
- ✓ 100,000+ vetted carriers including PTL and volume LTL specialists across every US lane
- ✓ Direct load, direct delivery — no terminal transfers, no reclassification, no reweigh fees
- ✓ Specialized service options — expedited, hazmat, white glove, refrigerated, high-value and more
- ✓ Real-time tracking from pickup to delivery — know where your freight is, always
- ✓ 24/7 dispatch — a real person available at any hour, not a ticket queue
- ✓ 99.9% claims-free delivery rate — fewer handling points means less that can go wrong
Need cross-border PTL into Mexico or Canada? See our Cross-Border services →
Partial Truckload Shipping — Frequently Asked Questions
Partial truckload (PTL) shipping is a freight mode for shipments too large for standard LTL but not large enough to justify a full truckload. Typically covering 5–22 pallets or 5,000–40,000 lbs, PTL freight shares a trailer with one or two other loads, delivers direct without terminal transfers, and costs less than a dedicated full truck.
Ready to Move Your Partial Truckload?
Stop overpaying for LTL or underutilizing full trucks. Get a PTL quote from Aries Freight Systems — Chicago’s partial truckload specialists covering all 48 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Get a Free QuoteOr call us 24/7 — a real person always answers.
