Demystifying Heavy Freight: Guide to LTL, Break Bulk, ODC & Last-Mile Delivery

For factory owners, procurement heads, and supply chain managers in India, navigating heavy freight transport can often feel complex. Terms like LTL, Break Bulk, ODC, and Last-Mile are frequently used in logistics contracts, but understanding their technical definitions, operational mechanics, and pricing factors is essential for minimizing transport spend.

Less Than Truckload (LTL / PTL) Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Part Truck Load (PTL) consolidates cargo from multiple regional shippers into a single commercial truck deck along scheduled highway corridors.

Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) Over Dimensional Freight (ODC) encompasses heavy machinery and equipment whose dimensions exceed standard container capacities, requiring specialized low-bed and hydraulic multi-axle trailers with pre-trip route surveys.