LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear guidance on freight options from Gateway Distribution in Arizona, AZ.
You have freight to ship but can't decide between LTL and full truckload service. The choice affects your cost and delivery time, especially for Arizona shipments crossing long distances to reach major markets. You want the most cost-effective option but need to understand which service fits your load size.
LTL means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you a dedicated 53-foot trailer from pickup to delivery. The difference comes down to load size, urgency, and cost per pound.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. You pay only for the space you use. Full truckload makes financial sense for 15+ pallets or loads over 15,000 pounds. Transit time also matters. LTL takes longer because drivers make multiple stops to load and unload other customers' freight.
Measure your shipment weight and pallet count first. If you have 12 or fewer pallets under 10,000 pounds, choose LTL. For larger loads or time-sensitive freight, book full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the actual cost difference for your specific Arizona shipment.
The right choice saves money and meets your delivery schedule. LTL works for smaller, flexible shipments. Full truckload handles large loads faster with no shared stops between your origin and destination.
Other things people in Arizona 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 Arizona and the area around it.