How Fleet Owners Can Generate Revenue Through Partial Truckloads

For Ontario fleet owners, partial truckload (PTL) freight is one of the most powerful tools for reducing empty kilometres and generating revenue on return trips. Instead of driving back empty after a delivery, PTL allows you to fill your available truck space with freight going in the direction of your home base — at rates that are profitable even at partial capacity. This guide explains how PTL works, how to find PTL loads in Ontario, and how to price them to maximise profitability.

What Is Partial Truckload (PTL) Freight?

Partial truckload (PTL) freight — also called partial load or PTL shipping — is freight that fills part of a truck rather than the full trailer. PTL shipments typically range from 5 to 18 linear feet of trailer space, or 5,000 to 20,000 lbs.

PTL vs. LTL vs. FTL

| Shipment Type | Typical Size | How It Moves | |---|---|---| | Full Truckload (FTL) | Full trailer | Dedicated truck, direct delivery | | Partial Truckload (PTL) | 5–18 linear feet | Dedicated truck, 1–2 stops | | Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) | Under 5 linear feet | Shared truck, multiple stops, terminal handling | PTL occupies the middle ground: larger than LTL but not requiring a full truck. For fleet owners, PTL is particularly valuable because it can fill empty space on return trips without requiring a full load commitment.

Why PTL Is Ideal for Fleet Owners Reducing Empty Miles

1. Fill Partial Capacity

After completing a delivery, your truck may have significant empty space. PTL freight can fill that space without requiring a full load — turning a partially empty truck into a revenue-generating asset.

2. Flexible Pickup and Delivery

PTL shipments typically involve 1–2 stops, making them compatible with your existing delivery schedule. Unlike LTL, PTL does not require terminal handling or multiple stops across a wide area.

3. Better Rates Than LTL

PTL rates are typically higher per linear foot than LTL rates, because shippers pay for the convenience of fewer stops and faster transit. For fleet owners, this means better revenue per kilometre than LTL alternatives.

4. Consistent Demand

Ontario has strong PTL demand across multiple industries: furniture manufacturers, appliance distributors, building materials suppliers, and food producers all regularly ship PTL loads.

How to Find PTL Loads in Ontario

1. GoGedit Fleet Partner Program

GoGedit connects Ontario fleet owners with local delivery loads — including partial loads — that fill empty capacity on return trips. Fleet partners can accept loads through the GoGedit driver app, with loads matched to their available capacity and route. [Join GoGedit as a Fleet Partner](/be-a-driver)

2. Load Boards

Load boards are the primary marketplace for PTL freight in Canada: - **Loadlink**: Canada's largest load board, with strong Ontario coverage - **DAT**: North American load board with Canadian listings - **Truckstop.com**: Large North American load board - **123Loadboard**: Popular with owner-operators and small fleets Search for PTL loads going in the direction of your home base after each delivery.

3. Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who specialise in PTL can proactively find loads for your available capacity. Build relationships with 2–3 PTL-focused brokers in Ontario.

4. Direct Shipper Relationships

Ontario manufacturers and distributors who regularly ship PTL loads are ideal direct clients. A direct relationship eliminates broker margins and provides predictable volume. **Target industries for direct PTL relationships**: - Furniture manufacturers (Kitchener-Waterloo, Mississauga) - Appliance distributors (GTA, Hamilton) - Building materials suppliers (across Ontario) - Food and beverage producers (GTA, Guelph, London)

How to Price PTL Loads Profitably

PTL Pricing Methods

**1. Per Linear Foot** The most common PTL pricing method. Rates typically range from $75–$150 per linear foot in Ontario, depending on lane, weight, and market conditions. **2. Per Hundredweight (CWT)** Pricing based on weight. Less common for PTL but used by some shippers. **3. Flat Rate** A flat rate for the entire partial load, regardless of exact size. Common for regular shipper relationships.

Minimum Profitable Rate Calculation

To price PTL loads profitably, calculate your minimum acceptable rate: 1. **Direct cost per km** (fuel + driver + depreciation + maintenance): $1.50–$2.50/km 2. **Total route kilometres** (pickup + delivery + return to base) 3. **Minimum revenue** = Direct cost per km × Total route km 4. **Add margin** (20–30% minimum) 5. **Compare to market rates** — if market rates are above your minimum, accept the load **Example**: - Route: 150 km total - Direct cost: $2.00/km × 150 km = $300 - Minimum revenue with 25% margin: $375 - Market rate for this PTL load: $450 - Decision: Accept (profitable)

The Backhaul Discount

For return trip PTL loads, your cost basis is lower because you would otherwise drive empty. This means you can accept lower rates than you would for headhaul loads and still be profitable. **Backhaul pricing principle**: Any rate above your direct cost per km is profitable on a return trip, because the alternative is driving empty at full cost.

PTL Operations Best Practices

Equipment Considerations

- **Load bars and straps**: Essential for securing partial loads - **Pallet jack**: Required for many PTL shipments - **Cargo blankets**: Protect freight in transit - **E-track systems**: Flexible load securing for varying load sizes

Documentation

- **Bill of Lading (BOL)**: Required for all PTL shipments - **Proof of Delivery (POD)**: Signed delivery confirmation - **Cargo insurance**: Ensure your policy covers PTL freight values

Handling Multiple PTL Loads

Experienced fleet owners sometimes combine multiple PTL loads on a single trip — picking up two or three partial loads going in the same direction. This requires careful planning but can maximise revenue per kilometre. **Key considerations for multi-stop PTL**: - Ensure loads are compatible (no conflicting delivery windows) - Plan pickup and delivery sequence to minimise total kilometres - Verify cargo compatibility (no conflicting freight types) - Confirm your insurance covers multi-stop PTL operations

PTL Revenue Potential for Ontario Fleet Owners

| Scenario | Details | Monthly Revenue | |---|---|---| | 2 PTL loads/week (return trips) | $300 avg per load | $2,400 | | 3 PTL loads/week (return trips) | $300 avg per load | $3,600 | | 4 PTL loads/week (return trips) | $300 avg per load | $4,800 | | GoGedit local loads (daily) | $150 avg per load | $3,000–$4,500 | *Estimates for a single truck. Actual revenue varies based on lane, load size, and market conditions.*

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PTL and LTL for fleet owners?

For fleet owners, PTL is generally more profitable than LTL. PTL loads move on your truck directly (1–2 stops), while LTL requires terminal handling and multiple stops. PTL rates per linear foot are typically higher than LTL rates.

How do I find PTL loads in Ontario?

The best sources for Ontario PTL loads are: GoGedit (for local delivery loads), Loadlink (Canada's largest load board), freight brokers specialising in Ontario lanes, and direct shipper relationships.

Can I combine PTL loads with my regular deliveries?

Yes. The most effective approach is to accept PTL loads on return trips after completing your primary deliveries. This fills empty capacity without disrupting your primary delivery schedule.

What equipment do I need for PTL freight?

Basic PTL equipment includes load bars, cargo straps, and cargo blankets. A pallet jack is required for many PTL shipments. E-track systems provide flexible load securing for varying load sizes.

Start Generating PTL Revenue Today

GoGedit is the fastest way for Ontario fleet owners to start filling empty truck capacity with local delivery loads. Join as a fleet partner and start accepting loads on your return trips. [Join GoGedit as a Fleet Partner](/be-a-driver) | [How Can Fleet Owners Reduce Empty Miles?](/answers/how-can-fleet-owners-reduce-empty-miles) | [The Hidden Cost of Deadhead Miles](/blog/hidden-cost-deadhead-miles-fleet-owners) | [10 Ways Ontario Fleet Owners Lose Money on Empty Trucks](/blog/ontario-fleet-owners-lose-money-empty-trucks)