Partial flatbed shipping cost vs full truck
Real pricing breakdown for flatbed freight in Colorado, CO.
You need to ship steel beams or machinery but don't have enough freight to fill a whole flatbed trailer. Partial flatbed charges by linear feet, while full truckload gives you the entire 48-foot deck. Colorado shippers often wonder which option actually costs less.
Partial flatbed shipping charges by linear feet of trailer space your freight occupies. Full truckload gives you exclusive use of the entire 48-foot trailer regardless of your load size. The break-even point typically falls around 24 linear feet, or half the trailer.
Partial flatbed rates in Colorado range from $2.50 to $4.50 per mile per linear foot, depending on your freight dimensions and destination. Full truckload flatbed runs $2.00 to $3.00 per mile for the whole trailer. A 12-foot load going 500 miles might cost $1,500 to $2,700 partial versus $1,000 to $1,500 for the full trailer.
Get quotes for both options before deciding. Partial makes sense for loads under 20 linear feet, while full truckload works better for larger shipments or when you need exclusive handling. Gateway Distribution can price both scenarios and show you the actual numbers for your specific route and cargo.
You'll know exactly what your freight movement costs before committing. Partial flatbed gets your smaller loads moving without paying for unused trailer space, while full truckload gives you dedicated service for larger shipments.
Other things people in Colorado ask
shipping long steel beams flatbed
Long steel and structural materials need flatbed trucks with proper tie-down points and load distribution. Look for carriers who specialize in steel hauling and have the right equipment to secure your specific beam lengths safely.
book flatbed shipping short notice
Flatbed capacity can be tight, especially for oversized loads. Call carriers now to check availability. Be flexible on pickup dates within your window. Having exact dimensions, weight, and loading requirements ready speeds up the booking process.
who loads flatbed truck shipper or driver
Most flatbed shipments are loaded by the shipper using their own equipment. The driver secures and tarps the load but doesn't usually handle the actual loading. Confirm this when you book so everyone knows who's responsible for what.
open flatbed vs covered flatbed shipping
Tarps protect against rain and road debris but not extreme weather. If your equipment has sensitive electronics or can't get wet at all, covered flatbed is safer. For basic steel and machinery, properly secured tarps usually do the job at lower cost.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles flatbed shipping (ftl & ltl) in Colorado and the area around it.