Part-load transport
Cargo does not always fill an entire semi-trailer, but that does not mean you have to pay as if it did. We consolidate the shipments of several clients travelling on the same route and carry them together. The price is calculated according to the dimensions and weight of the specific cargo, and the remaining vehicle capacity can be used for other clients’ shipments.
What is part-load transport?
Part-load transport (LTL, Less than Truckload) is a mode of carriage in which the cargo of several different clients travels together in one vehicle. Each shipment is loaded, secured and unloaded separately, even though it travels part of the way together with others on the same route. If necessary, the cargo may be transhipped at an intermediate point if this allows different clients’ routes to be combined faster and more precisely.
How does it differ from full truckload transport?
With a full truckload (FTL), the entire vehicle is dedicated to one client’s cargo, so additional handling stages are usually avoided and the delivery deadline can be planned more precisely. With part-load transport, the vehicle serves several clients at once, so the delivery time may depend on when all the shipments on the route are collected. In return, the price is often more favourable for smaller quantities, as you pay only for the space actually used. If price matters more for your cargo than a strictly fixed delivery time, part-load transport is usually the more economical choice.
Who is part-load transport suitable for?
This solution is suitable when the cargo does not require an entire vehicle of its own. It is most often used by manufacturers, wholesalers and online shops that need to transport medium-sized shipments regularly. It is suitable for anything from a single pallet or smaller shipment to several cubic metres of goods. If the cargo takes up most of a semi-trailer, it is usually worth considering a full truckload option.
How is the route planned?
We continuously update information on free space in vehicles and possible routes. We match a part load to a route on which another vehicle is already travelling or is planned, so the delivery time may depend on other shipments carried on the same route. We inform you about possible dates in advance so that you can plan your work.
How much does part-load transport cost?
The price of a part load depends not only on its weight but also on how much space the cargo takes up in the vehicle. Depending on the cargo and the pricing applied, volume, pallet spaces, loading metres (LDM) or chargeable weight may be used. Because the costs of the same vehicle are shared between several clients, part-load transport is usually cheaper than a full load. The price is also affected by the destination, loading and unloading conditions, vehicle availability and the required deadline – the easier it is to combine the cargo with other shipments travelling in the same direction, the more favourable the price. We give an exact rate once we know the specific cargo details.
Cargo safety during part-load transport
Every shipment carried together with other clients’ cargo must be clearly labelled and properly prepared for transport. This helps reduce the risk of shipments being mixed up, damaged or incorrectly transhipped during handling or transport.
The consignor or the client ordering the transport is responsible for the packaging, labelling and preparation of the cargo for transport and for the accuracy of the data provided, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. When organising part-load transport, we rely on the information provided by the consignor/client about the nature of the cargo, its packaging, weight, dimensions and any special securing or handling requirements.
If the cargo is fragile, valuable or sensitive to handling, the sender or the client ordering the transport must ensure suitable packaging and preparation of the cargo for transport before loading.
How do you order part-load transport?
In your request, state the cargo weight, dimensions, loading and unloading locations and the preferred date. After assessing these details, we select a suitable route and transport solution – based on shipments already planned, available vehicles and the possibility of combining your cargo with other shipments moving in the same direction. If the information provided is sufficient, during working hours we usually send a quote with the price and an estimated transit time within 1–2 working hours. If we cannot offer part-load transport or need additional information, we will let you know as well.
Contact us for a quote
Do you have cargo that does not need an entire vehicle? Write to [email protected], call +370 37 454255 or fill in the request form – we will assess the cargo parameters and offer a possible part-load option with the price and an estimated transit time.
If you are not sure whether part-load or full-load transport is right for your cargo, simply describe it – we will compare both options and suggest a solution that suits your specific situation.
FAQ
How does part-load transport differ from parcel company services?
Parcel companies usually work with standard-sized packages and fixed rates. Part-load transport is tailored individually – we accept cargo of non-standard dimensions or greater weight for which parcel services are not suitable, and we calculate the price based on the specific parameters rather than a fixed category.
Is the transit time for a part load always longer than for a full load?
Not always. The transit time depends on the destination, cargo size, loading date and how quickly other shipments on the same route are combined. On popular routes, the part-load transit time may be close to that of a full load, but we always assess this in the specific quote.
Can I find out where my cargo is right now?
Yes, we assign a responsible contact to every transport, from whom you can check the status of your cargo – even though other clients’ shipments are carried in the same vehicle.
Is part-load transport suitable for a one-off order, or only for regular clients?
It suits both. We work with companies that need regular freight transport as well as with clients who need part-load transport only once.
Do you provide part-load transport only in Lithuania?
No. We organise part-load transport both within Lithuania and on international routes. The specific solution depends on the cargo size, destination, loading date and the possibility of combining the cargo with other shipments travelling in the same direction. You can read more about domestic transport on our freight transport in Lithuania page, and about destinations abroad on our international freight transport page.