GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Partial load
A shipper has 800 kg of goods bound for a single destination – far too little to fill a truck on its own.
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Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teilladung
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Definition & Explanation
A shipper has 800 kg of goods bound for a single destination – far too little to fill a truck on its own. This is the classic scenario for a partial load, known in freight as LTL (Less-than-Truckload): a consignment that occupies only part of a vehicle's capacity and is therefore consolidated with cargo from other shippers travelling in the same direction. Each sender pays only for the space actually used, making LTL cost-effective for volumes that do not justify a dedicated vehicle. Consolidation takes place at freight terminals or distribution hubs; on arrival, shipments are broken down and delivered separately to each consignee. Compared with full truckload (FTL) transport, LTL involves shared vehicle use, which may mean longer transit times due to intermediate stops and additional handling stages.
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Transit index
Check transit time: city-to-city index
P50/P80 transit times for sea, air and road — sourced and confidence-rated, not a carrier quote.
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