When you plan to send goods to another city, one of the first questions is whether to book a whole truck or to share one. Both options are useful, and the right choice depends upon the volume of your goods, your budget and your need for control over timing.
What is a full truck load (FTL)?
In a full truck load, a whole truck is booked only for your goods. The vehicle goes from your pick-up address to your delivery address without collecting goods from anyone else. Your goods are loaded once and unloaded once, which reduces handling and the chance of damage, and the timing of the journey can be planned with you.
What is a part truck load (PTL)?
In a part truck load, your goods share a truck with goods of other customers who are sending to the same direction. Each customer's goods are packed and labelled separately, and each customer pays only for the space used. It is an economical option for smaller volumes.
A simple comparison
| Full truck load | Part truck load | |
|---|---|---|
| Truck | Only your goods | Shared with others |
| Best for | Full home, office, large stock | One or two rooms, a few boxes, small consignments |
| Cost | Cost of the truck | Based on the space used |
| Timing | Fixed and planned with you | Depends on the route and the other goods |
| Handling | Loaded once, unloaded once | Goods may be handled more than once |
When to choose a full truck
- You are shifting a full 2BHK, 3BHK or bungalow, or a complete office.
- Your goods are fragile, valuable or time-sensitive.
- You need to fix the loading and delivery times because of society rules or an important date.
- Your goods are large or heavy, such as machinery.
When to choose a part load
- You have only a few boxes, a bed or a small fridge to send.
- You are a student or a working professional moving to a new city with limited belongings.
- You are a small trader sending parcels to a customer in another city.
- You can accept some flexibility in delivery, in return for a lower cost.
A middle path
Sometimes a part load is only slightly cheaper than a full truck, when your goods fill nearly half of the vehicle. Ask your transporter for both quotes. If the difference is small, a full truck gives you control and peace of mind.
Read more about full truck load and part truck load, or tell us your goods and your destination, and we will suggest the better option.
Need help with your move?
Shree Shyam Logistics Movers is based in Pune and serves all of Pune and cities across India. Use the quote form on this page or call us, and we will call you back with a clear plan. See our services and routes.