LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance from Gateway Distribution, full truckload shipping in Connecticut, CT.
You have freight to move but you're stuck deciding between LTL and full truckload service. Connecticut businesses face this choice daily, and the wrong pick costs you either money or time. The decision comes down to your shipment size and timeline needs.
LTL means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for your cargo alone. LTL works through hub-and-spoke networks with multiple stops. Full truckload goes direct from your Connecticut dock to the destination.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes 3-7 days due to consolidation stops. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster, usually within 1-3 days. LTL makes sense for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload becomes cost-effective at 15+ pallets or when you need speed.
Measure your freight weight and count your pallets first. If you're under 12 pallets, get LTL quotes. If you're over 15 pallets or need delivery within 48 hours, call Gateway Distribution for full truckload pricing. Consider your deadline too. Missing delivery windows often costs more than paying for a dedicated truck.
The right choice saves you money and meets your timeline. LTL gives you affordable shipping for smaller loads. Full truckload gets your large shipments there fast without the risk of delays from other freight.
Other things people in Connecticut 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 Connecticut and the area around it.