What Does Partially Shipped Mean?

According to Statista, between 2016 and 2022, 21.1 billion parcels were delivered in the US via partial shipping. Partial shipping is an interesting concept because its meaning can be misleading. Meanwhile, you need to understand this terminology, especially if you are interested in freight shipping and its logistics. What does it mean for a container to be partially shipped? In this article, you will find the answer to this question and many more. You will also discover the difference between partial shipping and partial load shipping or partial truckload shipping.

Partially Shipped Meaning

Partial shipping takes place when the goods purchased are delivered in multiple shipments. For example, 100 units of a product can be partially shipped in 40, 30, and 30 units instead of all at once.

This approach to shipping partial loads is necessary in situations where an order cannot be delivered at once. For example, the constituents of an order might be sourced from multiple warehouses, causing delays. So, instead of waiting for the entire order, it can be partially shipped to a customer. It is one of the ways a company demonstrates its commitment to deliver the goods ordered by a customer.

For customers, partial shipping improves their experience. It reduces their stress by assuring them that their goods will be delivered eventually. Each shipment reminds them that the company is working behind the scenes to fulfill its part of the agreement.

Interestingly, partial shipping improves the speed and convenience of delivery. The company will not have to get all the orders together before shipment, increasing the speed of delivery.

Note that companies do not automatically or independently categorize goods for partial shipping. High-class shipping logistics companies will contact the customer about this provision. So, your goods will only be partially shipped when you agree to this mode of shipping.

Challenges of Partial Shipping

Despite its numerous benefits, partial shipping also has its challenges. It can lead to frustration due to the difficulty of tracking multiple shipments. However, this is not a problem for companies with excellent logistics. Such companies use automated tracking systems, ensuring that tracking multiple shipments is not a major hindrance.

Excellent shipping logistic companies leverage clear notifications and communication. Therefore, customers can always track their goods regardless of the number of shipments. This provision ensures that customers are not anxious about their goods despite receiving them gradually.

On the part of the merchant, partial shipping will require more packaging materials. Nonetheless, companies with efficient supply chains handle this challenge effectively. Their cost-effective supply chain ensures that the extra cost of packaging does not increase the cost of shipping.

How About Partial Load Shipping?

Partial shipping is not the same as partial load shipping. These terms are used interchangeably in some quarters, but they are not the same in meaning. Partial load shipping is also known as partial truckload shipping. Some experts also refer to it as partial container shipping. Before discussing partial load shipping, it is important that you understand less-than-truckload (LTT) and full truckload(FTL) shipping.

LTT shipping is an aspect of partial shipping where multiple shipments of different customers are loaded on the same truck. This is usually for customers whose shipments are along the same routes. Meanwhile, FTL shipping is used for transporting large shipments of a company that can fill an entire truck.

So, how about partial load shipping or partial truckload shipping? This method is used when the cargo is too large for LTT but not large enough for FTL shipping. Typically, shipments above 5,000 pounds fall in this category. Delivering them via FTL shipping will cost the company extra. The company will have to pay for a full truck space despite the goods not filling up the space.

Via partial load shipping, the shipments of an organisation will be loaded alongside other shipments heading towards the same route. So, it is similar to LTT shipping. However, in this case, the company is not getting its shipments in multiple deliveries. The delivery is once and for all.

The partial load shipping option was created with small and middle-sized enterprises in mind. For such organisations, partial load shipping is more economical. They will only pay for the space occupied by their goods. This ensures that the cost of shipping does not take away a large chunk of the profits of the organisation.

Why You Need Partial Truck Load Shipping

When you choose partial truckload shipping, you stand the chance of having all your goods on the same truck. This makes tracking the movement of your shipment as easy as it comes. Loading all the shipments on the same truck also reduces handling, limiting the risk of damage to goods.

Partial truckload shipping also makes transit time faster. This is because the destinations of the shipments on the truck are not numerous, unlike LTT shipping. Therefore, the truck will not have to wait at multiple places to deliver the goods that are partial shipped. Therefore, the order partially shipped can arrive at its destination on time.

Another benefit of partial truckload shipping is that it saves costs because no freight class is required. In the case of LTT shipping, goods will be reclassified if you get the class wrong. Meanwhile, you will have to pay to get this done. However, these charges do not apply in partial truckload shipping, saving you such expenses.

Partial truckload shipping requires you to know the dimensions of your shipments. This helps shipping logistic companies determine the ideal truck for your goods. If you are not certain about the dimensions, experts from these companies can help you with this.

When Do You Need Partial Truck Load Shipping?

Having known its advantages, when do you need partial truckload shipping? You need this partial shipping option when you have shipments that can be easily damaged. The reduced handling involved reduces the risk of damage to goods. So, if your shipments might be damaged from frequent loading and unloading, it is best you choose this option.

According to the International Forwarding Association, 28% of the damages to shipments are due to handling. These damages take place during the process of packing, repacking, and delivery. Therefore, it is best that you choose an option that limits damage to your goods. Such damages might be devastating, especially in the absence of insurance. It can also lead to avoidable lawsuits between customers and shipping companies.

Shipping logistic experts recommend you leverage partial truckload shipping for low-density freight. This is vital, especially when such shipments take up a lot of space. If you are not certain about the ideal partial shipping option for your goods, contact a reputable and reliable shipping logistics company.

Such organizations will offer you valuable information regarding your shipping needs. This information will ensure that you make informed choices in this aspect. Note that goods regularly get damaged during the process of delivery in the US. So, it’s vital you seek guidance from experts to avoid losing precious commodities. Such guidance will also enhance your shipping experience by ensuring you are satisfied with the service you get.