Yes, part loads (LTL) can be shipped to Iran: the cargo of several shippers is consolidated on one truck and, on the international leg, usually travels under a TIR carnet in a sealed load compartment. The difference from a full truckload (FTL) is that the truck is not dedicated to a single shipper, so ready dates, declarations, packaging and the unloading sequence are tied to one shared plan for all cargo owners.
What does a part load to Iran mean?
LTL freight to Iran is the method of carrying the cargo of several shippers to Iran on the same truck instead of dedicating the whole load space to one company. The freight charge is shared on the basis of the volume or weight each consignment occupies rather than the whole truck; the calculation logic is explained in how LTL freight rates are calculated, and the general concept in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. What makes the method demanding on the Iran lane is not the small size of the cargo but the need to tie the paperwork and schedules of several shippers to a single border crossing.
What is the difference between FTL and LTL on the Iran lane?
| Topic | Full truckload (FTL) | Part load (LTL) |
|---|---|---|
| Use of the truck | The truck is dedicated to one shipper | The load space is shared between several shippers |
| Ready date | The truck departs as soon as the cargo is ready | The truck waits until the last consignment is ready; dates have to match |
| Customs declaration | Usually a single export declaration | Each shipper's separate declaration is linked to the same transit document |
| Loading and unloading points | Usually one office of departure and one office of destination | Several offices of departure or destination can be entered; the upper limit is set by regulation |
| Packaging and stowage | As the cargo owner prefers | Pallets and crates must be suitable for stowing with other cargo |
| Checks and inspections | Affect only that cargo | Missing documents or an inspection for one consignment can hold up the whole truck |
| Suitable cargo | Cargo that fills the truck, has a fixed date or is sensitive | Export cargo of a few pallets with a flexible delivery date |
The general version of this comparison is in the difference between FTL and LTL.
How is cargo from several shippers combined on one truck?
In groupage, each exporter has its own declaration registered separately; the consignments are then brought together under a single transit document. How this link is made is shown step by step in multiple declarations under one T1 in groupage. On a truck from Turkey to Iran, the international leg usually runs under a TIR carnet. TIR is the international transit system in which goods travel from departure to destination in a customs-sealed load compartment; according to IRU data, it has 78 Contracting Parties.
Under the TIR Operations Communiqué (Serial No. 9) published in Turkey's Official Gazette on 4 July 2026, the total number of customs offices of departure and destination in a single TIR transport may not exceed eight, and customs offices may set a lower number. The number of loading points and consignees must therefore be settled on the first day of planning. If there are several delivery points in Iran, the way customs formalities will be handled at each point is confirmed with the consignees in advance. The choice between a carnet and a transit declaration is discussed in TIR carnet or T1 for cargo to Iran.
Why do packaging and stowage matter more on a part-load truck?
A sealed compartment can only be opened at an intermediate unloading point under customs supervision. Stowage is therefore arranged according to the unloading sequence: the first consignment to be unloaded goes nearest the doors. The following points are also checked:
- that pallets are stackable and fitted with corner protectors,
- that the shipper, consignee and package number are clearly marked on every package,
- that the gross weight and number of packages match the declaration, invoice and CMR exactly,
- that any dangerous goods comply with the mixed-loading rules for other cargo; details are in ADR transport to Iran.
When does a full truckload make more sense?
- when the cargo fills most of the truck and sharing does not noticeably reduce the cost,
- when the delivery date is fixed and waiting for other shippers is not an option,
- when the cargo is fragile, high-value or needs special lashing,
- when its ADR class or dimensions mean it cannot be combined with other cargo,
- when door-to-door delivery to a single consignee is required.
Waiting at the border gate affects every consignment on a part-load truck at the same time; the causes of congestion are explained in why trucks wait at Gürbulak.
What information is needed for a part-load quote?
- loading address and delivery city in Iran,
- type of goods and HS code (GTİP),
- number of packages, dimensions and gross weight of each package,
- whether the cargo is stackable,
- the date the cargo will be ready and the expected delivery date,
- ADR or oversized status,
- delivery terms (Incoterms).
How the lane works in general is described on the Turkey–Iran road freight page, and the scope of the part-load service on the part load (LTL) freight page.