Moving your household across city lines in India is demanding, and one of the most critical decisions is how to transport your belongings. The choice between a shared truck (PTL/part-load) and a dedicated truck (FTL/full-truck) impacts everything from your budget and schedule to the safety of your possessions. This guide explains the differences, helps you choose the right option, and offers practical advice for a smooth, stress-free intercity move.
What’s the Difference?
Shared Truck (PTL/Part-Load)
A shared truck carries goods for several customers on the same route. The truck operator picks up and drops off shipments at different locations along the way, consolidating loads to optimize space and cost. This model is ideal for smaller households (1RK, 1BHK, or minimal furnishings), customers with flexible timelines, and those looking for significant cost savings.
Dedicated Truck (FTL/Full-Truck)
A dedicated truck is reserved exclusively for your relocation. The vehicle goes directly from your origin to your destination without stopping for other clients. This is best suited for larger households (2BHK, 3BHK, and above), time-sensitive moves, or when transporting valuable, fragile, or bulky items.
Cost Comparison
The cost difference between shared and dedicated trucks is substantial. Shared trucks charge you only for the space or weight your shipment occupies, often resulting in 40–70% savings compared to a dedicated truck. For example, a 2BHK move could cost half as much with a shared truck as with a dedicated one.
Dedicated trucks are cost-effective only when your shipment fills most of the vehicle. They offer full vehicle utilization, fast delivery, and minimal handling, but you pay for the entire truck, regardless of how much space you use.
Delivery Timelines
Shared trucks involve consolidation—waiting for the truck to be filled before departure. This can add several days (sometimes 7–10 or more) to your delivery window, especially during off-peak seasons or on less popular routes. Shared trucks make multiple stops along the way, which also lengthens the total transit time.
Dedicated trucks, on the other hand, can typically deliver within 1–3 days, depending on the distance. Since the truck travels directly from your old home to your new one, there are no consolidation delays or intermediate stops, making delivery faster and more predictable.
Safety and Handling Risks
With shared trucks, your belongings are loaded and unloaded multiple times—once at your pickup, and possibly several times for other clients along the route. This increases the number of touchpoints and the risk of damage or misplacement. Even with professional packing, fragile and high-value items are exposed to more risk.
Dedicated trucks offer a single loading and unloading cycle, minimizing handling risk. You also have control over how items are packed and loaded, which is especially important for delicate or expensive possessions.
When to Choose a Shared Truck
- You have a small household (1RK, 1BHK, or minimal furnishings).
- Your move is not time-sensitive—flexible delivery dates are acceptable.
- You are moving on a tight budget and want maximum savings.
- You do not have fragile, high-value, or bulky items that need special attention.
- You are moving on a popular route with frequent truck availability.
When to Choose a Dedicated Truck
- You have a large household or a lot of heavy, bulky, or fragile items (2BHK, 3BHK, and above).
- Your move is time-sensitive—you need delivery by a specific date (for work, school, rental agreements, etc.).
- You have valuable, delicate, or heirloom items (art, antiques, electronics, glass, or custom furniture).
- You want the fastest possible delivery and the least handling.
- You are comfortable paying for the full truck, even if your belongings do not fill it.
Peak Season Considerations
During festive periods, summer holidays, and monsoon season, demand for trucks spikes and availability drops. This can delay shared truck deliveries even further and drive up dedicated truck prices. Booking early, being flexible with your dates, and confirming details in advance can help you avoid surprises.
Insurance and Liability
Regardless of whether you choose a shared or dedicated truck, transit insurance is essential. Accidents, theft, and extreme weather can happen, so make sure your mover offers comprehensive coverage tailored to your shipment’s value. Read the policy terms carefully—check deductibles, exclusions, and the claims process. Insist on proper documentation before, during, and after the move to ensure a smooth claims process if needed.
How PTL and FTL Actually Work
PTL—How Shared Truck Services Operate
Your belongings are picked up and taken to a local warehouse. The logistics provider waits until they have enough shipments going to the same destination (or nearby) to fill a truck. Then, your items are loaded onto a shared truck with other households’ goods. The truck makes multiple stops for pickups and deliveries, resulting in efficient use of space but longer delivery times and more handling.
For the best experience, label your boxes clearly (room, contents, fragile), prepare a detailed inventory, and use high-quality packing materials.
FTL—How Dedicated Truck Services Operate
A truck is assigned exclusively to your move. The same crew picks up your possessions at your old home, loads them carefully, and transports them directly to your new address. There are no intermediate stops or handling—just a single loading and unloading, reducing the chance of loss or damage.
This simplicity is especially valuable for large moves, fragile items, or when you need everything delivered at once.
Cost Anatomy: What’s Included?
Moving quotes can be complex. For shared trucks, you pay for the space or weight your shipment occupies. Accessorial charges may apply for special packing, extra handling, stairs, or out-of-route last-mile drops.
For dedicated trucks, you pay for the entire vehicle, so the only extra charges are for packing, loading, special handling, or premium services (like containerized trucks for rain protection). In both cases, clarify what’s included, get written quotes, and ask about GST and insurance.
Decision Checklist
- Estimate your total volume (cartons, furniture, appliances). If you fill most of a truck, FTL might be more cost-effective. If only a small portion, PTL could save you money.
- Assess your timeline. Can you wait a week or more for your belongings, or do you need everything delivered ASAP?
- Evaluate the fragility and value of your items. For heirlooms, electronics, or art, FTL’s controlled handling is best.
- Compare at least three quotes for both options. Make sure they are itemized and cover all services and taxes.
- Check the mover’s credentials, insurance, and customer reviews. Only work with reputable, verified companies.
Sample Scenarios
- Flexible, Budget Move (1BHK, No Fragile Items): Shared truck is ideal. You save money and don’t mind if delivery takes a little longer.
- Urgent, Full-House Move (3BHK, Appliances, Glass Furniture): Dedicated truck is best. You control the schedule, and your items are handled only once.
- Hybrid Approach: Consider splitting shipments—send essentials via dedicated truck for immediate delivery and the rest via shared truck for cost savings.
Questions to Ask Your Mover
- For Shared Trucks: How long does consolidation usually take on this route? How are my goods tracked? What happens if there’s a delay?
- For Dedicated Trucks: What type of vehicle will be used (open, container, covered)? Can delivery be timed to my new address’s lift/parking slot availability?
- For Both: What packing grade is included? How is insurance handled, and what is the claims process? What is the GST, and what are the possible extra charges?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing PTL just because it’s the cheapest option, even though you really need fast, direct delivery.
- Booking FTL for a small move and paying for unused space.
- Not asking for insurance details or assuming your valuables are automatically covered.
- Failing to label boxes or prepare an inventory, causing confusion during unloading.
Working with Verified Movers
Always use platforms that enforce verification, documentation checks, and reliable communication so that both PTL and FTL moves are backed by trusted partners. PackAndMove.in’s verified listing approach helps you compare transparently and confidently, with nationwide coverage and support at every step.
FAQs
Is a shared truck safe for TVs and appliances? Yes, if packed professionally with foam, corner guards, and sturdy cartons—but there are more touchpoints, so insurance is essential.
Do peak seasons affect both options? Yes, high demand can increase prices and delay shared truck deliveries. Book early or stay flexible to mitigate this.
Can I split my shipment? Yes, many families send essentials by dedicated truck and the rest by shared truck to optimize cost and timing.
What documents should I expect? Itemized quotes, packing lists, consignment notes, insurance certificates, and GST invoices should all be provided.
Are both options available nationwide? Yes, most major Indian cities and corridors offer both PTL and FTL options. Availability may vary in remote areas.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Your move doesn’t have to be stressful. Choose shared truck (PTL) when your load is modest, your schedule is flexible, and your budget is tight. Choose dedicated truck (FTL) when volume is high, timing matters, or your items are valuable and fragile. No matter which you pick, secure comprehensive insurance, keep detailed records, and coordinate with your new building’s management in advance for a seamless experience.
Use PackAndMove.in to compare verified movers, request both PTL and FTL quotes, and connect with a single coordination point for support throughout your move—from packing and loading to transit, delivery, and even unpacking. Happy moving!