LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear guidance on shipping options from Gateway Distribution in Florida, FL.
You have freight to ship across Florida but you're stuck between LTL and full truckload options. The wrong choice costs you either too much money or too much time. Here's how to pick the right service for your shipment size and timeline.
LTL means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL works for smaller loads under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense when you have 15 or more pallets or need the whole trailer.
LTL costs less for small shipments because you split transportation costs with other shippers. Full truckload costs more upfront but gives you faster transit times. LTL takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other freight. Full truckload goes directly from your dock to the destination.
Look at your freight size first. Count your pallets and total weight. If you have fewer than 12 pallets under 10,000 pounds, choose LTL. If you have 15 or more pallets or time-sensitive freight, book full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the actual cost difference for your specific shipment.
The right choice saves you money and gets your freight delivered on time. LTL keeps costs down for smaller shipments. Full truckload gives you speed and control for larger loads. Either way, your freight moves safely across Florida's highway system.
Other things people in Florida 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 Florida and the area around it.