Volume LTL vs. partial truckload
Between a few pallets and a full trailer sits the gray zone where shippers overpay most often. Two services cover it, priced and handled very differently.
Short answer: Volume LTL moves 6 to about 12 pallets (10,000 to 20,000 lb) through the LTL terminal network, priced by the space it takes rather than freight class. Partial truckload puts the same freight on a truck that carries one or two other shipments and skips the terminals, so it's handled less and usually arrives sooner. Choose volume LTL for dense, sturdy freight that isn't urgent; choose partial truckload for fragile, high-value or time-sensitive freight. Price both, and a full truckload too past about 18 pallets.
Updated November 2, 2026 · By the GetShippingRates team at Armstrong Transport Group
Standard LTL, volume LTL and partial truckload
| Standard LTL | Volume LTL | Partial truckload | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to 6 pallets / ~10,000 lb | 6–12+ pallets, 10,000–20,000 lb | 8–18 pallets, up to ~30,000 lb |
| Priced by | Weight, class, lane | Space (linear feet) and weight, no class | Trailer space used, per load |
| Handling | Cross-docked at terminals | Cross-docked at terminals | Stays on one truck, no terminals |
| Transit | Terminal network schedule | Terminal network schedule | Usually faster: fewer stops |
| Damage risk | Highest (most handling) | High | Low |
| Best for | Small shipments | Dense, sturdy freight that isn't urgent | Fragile or urgent freight that doesn't fill a truck |
Work out the linear feet with the pallet and trailer space calculator, see full-truck prices on your lane in the truckload lane directory, and read LTL vs. truckload for where standard LTL stops making sense.
Frequently asked questions
When does a shipment qualify as volume LTL?
Most carriers treat shipments over 6 pallets, 10,000 lb or 12 linear feet as volume LTL and quote them by space rather than through the standard tariff.
Is partial truckload cheaper than volume LTL?
Not always. Volume LTL is often cheaper for dense freight on long lanes; partial truckload often wins on shorter lanes and for freight that takes a lot of floor space. Price both.
When should I just book a full truck?
Past about 18 pallet positions or 26 to 28 linear feet of a 53' trailer, a full truckload usually costs about the same as a partial and gives you the whole trailer.
More shipping cost guides
Price the gray-zone shipment both ways
Enter it as LTL with every pallet listed; for 6+ pallets mention you'd like volume LTL and truckload priced too. Or switch to Truckload for an all-in full-truck price.
Prefer to talk? Call 877-240-1181 or email info@getshippingrates.com. Shipping several modes? Request a free multimodal shipping review.