LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Straight answers about freight options in Arkansas from Gateway Distribution.
You need to ship freight in Arkansas but can't decide between LTL and full truckload. You want the cheapest option but don't know which one fits your load size and timeline. The wrong choice costs you money and delays.
LTL means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver different loads. Full truckload goes direct from your dock to the destination.
LTL costs less for small shipments under 10,000 pounds or 12 pallets. Full truckload costs more upfront but makes sense for 15+ pallets or loads over 26,000 pounds. LTL takes longer because of the shared stops along routes like I-40 and I-30. Full truckload delivers faster with direct transport.
Choose LTL if your shipment is small and you can wait 3-5 days. Pick full truckload if you have a large load or need it there in 1-2 days. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the real cost difference for your Arkansas shipment.
The right choice saves you money and gets your freight there on time. You avoid paying for unused trailer space with LTL or waiting too long with the wrong service.
Other things people in Arkansas 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 Arkansas and the area around it.