LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Honest answers from Gateway Distribution, full truckload (FTL) in Cincinnati, OH.
You have freight to ship but can't decide between less-than-truckload or booking a full truck. The choice affects your cost and delivery time. Cincinnati businesses face this decision daily when moving cargo through our I-71 and I-75 corridors.
The decision comes down to shipment size and timing needs. LTL means sharing trailer space with other shippers' freight. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. Your freight's weight and pallet count determine which makes financial sense.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. You pay only for space used. Full truckload becomes cheaper at 15+ pallets or 20,000+ pounds. Transit time matters too. LTL takes 3-7 days due to multiple pickup and delivery stops. Full truckload moves direct from origin to destination in 1-3 days.
Measure your freight first. Count pallets and total weight. If you need fast delivery or have 15+ pallets, book full truckload. For smaller shipments where timing is flexible, choose LTL. Gateway Distribution handles both services from Cincinnati and can quote both options to help you decide.
Your freight moves efficiently once you pick the right service. LTL saves money on smaller loads while full truckload delivers faster for larger shipments. Both arrive safely when matched to your actual needs.
Other things people in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati and the area around it.