LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance for Colorado shippers from Gateway Distribution's full truckload team.
You have freight to ship in Colorado but aren't sure whether to book a full truck or share space with other shipments. The choice affects your cost, delivery time, and how your cargo gets handled. Most shippers pick the wrong option because they focus only on upfront price.
The decision comes down to shipment size and urgency. LTL (less-than-truckload) means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments, making multiple stops along I-25 or I-70. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for direct delivery from origin to destination.
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 shipments over 15,000 pounds. The break-even point varies, but larger shipments almost always cost less per pound with full truckload service.
Choose LTL if you can wait 3-7 days and want the lowest cost for small shipments. Choose full truckload if you need faster transit, have fragile cargo, or ship 15+ pallets. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and show you the real numbers. Call them to compare pricing for your specific freight and timeline.
With the right choice, your cargo arrives on time and on budget. LTL works well for routine shipments that aren't time-sensitive. Full truckload gives you speed, security, and predictable delivery dates when you need them most.
Other things people in Colorado 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 Colorado and the area around it.