LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear guidance for Delaware shippers from Gateway Distribution's full truckload team.
You have freight to move in Delaware but aren't sure whether to book a full truck or share trailer space with other shipments. The choice affects your cost, timeline, and delivery experience, especially when moving goods along I-95 or US Route 13.
LTL means "less than truckload" where your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for your freight alone. LTL works for smaller shipments that don't fill a truck, while full truckload handles larger loads or when you need direct delivery.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload becomes cost-effective at 15+ pallets or 20,000+ pounds. LTL takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other customers' freight. Full truckload goes direct from origin to destination.
Choose LTL for smaller shipments where cost matters more than speed. Pick full truckload when you have enough freight to justify a dedicated trailer or need faster transit times. Gateway Distribution handles both options and can run the numbers to show which makes financial sense for your specific shipment.
Once you pick the right service, your freight moves efficiently at the best price point. You avoid overpaying for unused truck space or dealing with delays from the wrong shipping method.
Other things people in Delaware 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 Delaware and the area around it.