PTL Shippers5 min read
Why Manufacturers Are Switching From Full Truckload to PTL
#manufacturing freight PTL#PTL for manufacturers#manufacturers switching to PTL#FTL to PTL switch#manufacturing freight Ontario
G
GoGedit Team
Aug 28, 2026
Ontario manufacturers in furniture, appliances, building materials, and industrial equipment are increasingly switching from FTL to PTL shipping. This article explains why and how the switch is saving manufacturers 20–40% on freight costs while improving service.
Why Manufacturers Are Switching From Full Truckload to PTL
For decades, Ontario manufacturers defaulted to full truckload (FTL) shipping for most outbound freight. It was simple, direct, and reliable. But a growing number of manufacturers are discovering that partial truckload (PTL) shipping offers significant advantages including 20–40% cost savings without sacrificing service quality.
Here's why the switch is happening, which industries are leading the change, and how to evaluate whether PTL makes sense for your manufacturing operation.
The FTL Default: Why Manufacturers Used It
FTL became the default for manufacturers for understandable reasons:
- Simplicity: Book a truck, load it, done
- Speed: Direct routing, no terminal handling
- Control: Exclusive use of the truck
- Reliability: Predictable transit times
But FTL has a fundamental inefficiency: you pay for the entire truck whether you fill it or not. For manufacturers whose shipments don't consistently fill a 48-foot trailer, FTL means paying for empty space.
The PTL Advantage for Manufacturers
Cost Savings: 20–40% on Partial Loads
The primary driver of the FTL-to-PTL switch is cost. For shipments that occupy 40–70% of a trailer, PTL is typically 20–40% cheaper than FTL.
Example calculation:
| Scenario | FTL Cost | PTL Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 linear ft load, Toronto → Hamilton | $800 | $480 | 40% |
| 16 linear ft load, Toronto → London | $1,200 | $800 | 33% |
| 20 linear ft load, Toronto → Ottawa | $1,800 | $1,200 | 33% |
Maintained Service Quality
Manufacturers switching from FTL to PTL often find that service quality is maintained or improved:
- Transit time: PTL transit times are comparable to FTL for most Ontario lanes
- Damage rates: PTL's minimal handling results in damage rates similar to FTL
- Reliability: Established PTL carriers offer reliable service on Ontario lanes
Flexibility for Variable Shipment Sizes
Manufacturing output varies by seasonal demand, production schedules, and customer orders create shipment size variability. PTL accommodates this variability better than FTL:
- Small production runs → PTL (6–10 linear feet)
- Medium production runs → PTL (10–18 linear feet)
- Large production runs → FTL (full trailer)
Industries Making the Switch
Furniture Manufacturers
Furniture manufacturers are among the most active adopters of PTL. The economics are compelling:
- Variable shipment sizes: Furniture orders vary significantly in size
- Fragile freight: PTL's minimal handling reduces damage risk
- High-value products: Lower damage rates protect margins
- Customer delivery windows: PTL's faster transit than LTL meets customer expectations
Typical PTL savings for furniture manufacturers: 25–35% vs FTL on partial loads.
Appliance Manufacturers and Distributors
Appliance manufacturers have specific requirements that make PTL attractive:
- Upright transport required: Appliances must remain upright to prevent compressor damage
- Heavy and dense: Appliances are dense freight that fills trailer space quickly
- High-value: Damage claims on appliances are costly
- Controlled handling: PTL's minimal handling ensures appliances are handled correctly
Typical PTL savings for appliance manufacturers: 20–30% vs FTL on partial loads.
Building Materials Suppliers
Building materials have characteristics that make PTL a natural fit:
- Oversized: Lumber, drywall, and flooring often exceed LTL size limits
- Heavy: Building materials are dense and heavy
- Variable order sizes: Construction project orders vary significantly
- Time-sensitive: Construction schedules depend on material delivery
Typical PTL savings for building materials suppliers: 25–40% vs FTL on partial loads.
How to Evaluate the FTL-to-PTL Switch
Step 1: Audit Your Shipment Data
Review 6–12 months of FTL shipment data:
- What percentage of shipments filled the trailer to 80%+?
- What was the average trailer utilization?
- Which lanes had the most partial loads?
If average trailer utilization is below 70%, PTL is likely more cost-effective for most shipments.
Step 2: Identify PTL Candidates
Not all shipments are PTL candidates. Focus on:
- Shipments occupying 6–18 linear feet (40–70% of a 48-foot trailer)
- Fragile or high-value freight
- Lanes with available PTL carrier capacity
Step 3: Run a Pilot
Start with 3–5 PTL shipments on your highest-volume lane. Track:
- Cost vs FTL baseline
- Transit time vs FTL baseline
- Damage rate vs FTL baseline
- Customer satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of manufacturers use PTL?
PTL adoption is growing rapidly. Industry estimates suggest 15–25% of manufacturers now use PTL for at least some shipments, up from 5–10% a decade ago.
Is PTL suitable for all manufacturing freight?
PTL is most suitable for shipments of 5,000–20,000 lbs. or 6–18 linear feet. Very small shipments (under 2,000 lbs.) are better suited to LTL; very large shipments (full trailer) are better suited to FTL.
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