LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear guidance on freight options from Gateway Distribution in Illinois, IL.
You have freight to ship in Illinois but can't decide between LTL and full truckload service. The wrong choice costs money and time. Illinois shippers often pick the wrong option because they don't know the break-even points.
LTL means sharing trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL works for smaller loads that don't fill much space. Full truckload makes sense when you have enough freight to justify the whole truck.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. You pay only for the space you use. Full truckload costs more upfront but becomes cheaper per pound on larger shipments. The break-even point hits around 15 pallets or 15,000 pounds.
Choose LTL for small shipments that can wait 3-5 days. Pick full truckload when you need faster delivery or have 15+ pallets. Gateway Distribution handles both options across Illinois with direct routes on I-55, I-80, and I-57. Call for a quote on your specific freight.
Your shipment arrives on time and intact. You pay the right price for the service level you actually need. No wasted money on unused trailer space or surprise delays.
Other things people in Illinois 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 Illinois and the area around it.