LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance on freight options from Gateway Distribution, full truckload (FTL) in Alabama, AL.
You have freight to ship across Alabama or beyond, but you're not sure whether to book a full truck or share space with other shipments. The wrong choice could cost you extra money or delay your delivery when time matters.
LTL means "less than truckload" where your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for your cargo alone. LTL works through hub-and-spoke networks with multiple stops, while FTL goes direct from pickup to delivery.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes 3-7 days due to sorting at terminals along routes like I-65 through Birmingham or I-20 across Alabama. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster, usually within 1-3 days. The break-even point typically happens around 10,000 pounds or 12 pallets.
Choose LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or when you have flexible timing. Pick full truckload for 15+ pallets, time-sensitive freight, or fragile cargo that needs careful handling. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and help you decide based on your specific load and timeline.
With the right choice, your freight arrives on time and on budget. You avoid paying for unused truck space on small shipments or dealing with delays when speed matters most.
Other things people in Alabama ask
oversized freight shipping
Flatbed trucks handle oversized cargo like machinery, steel beams, and construction equipment. Get the exact dimensions and weight before you call. Gateway Distribution specializes in flatbed transport for oversized freight that won't fit in enclosed trailers.
consistent monthly freight shipping
Set up a dedicated trucking contract. You get the same drivers and trucks on your schedule. Gateway Distribution builds custom routes around your shipping calendar so you never compete for truck space.
dedicated trucking cost vs regular shipping
Compare your total monthly freight spend to a dedicated contract. Include the hidden costs like delays, damage, and staff time spent booking trucks. Most companies with 20+ shipments per month save money going dedicated.
expedited freight shipping cost
Expedited freight typically costs 50-150% more than standard shipping, depending on how fast you need it. Same-day service costs the most. Get quotes from multiple carriers and ask exactly what expedited means - some just mean faster loading, not faster transit.
flatbed vs enclosed trailer shipping
Use flatbed for anything over 8 feet tall, oddly shaped, or needing crane loading. Enclosed trailers protect from weather but limit height and loading options. Measure your cargo first, then pick the trailer type.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles full truckload (ftl) in Alabama and the area around it.