Is LTL cheaper than FTL freight?
Cost comparison and shipping advice for Indiana businesses from Gateway Distribution.
You're shipping large loads across Indiana and wondering if LTL saves money over full truckload. The math depends on your cargo size, timeline, and route. Many Indiana manufacturers along I-65 and I-70 face this same choice when moving freight between Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville.
LTL splits truck costs among multiple shippers, making it cheaper per pound for smaller loads. But you share space, add handling stops, and extend delivery time. FTL gives you the entire 53-foot trailer, faster transit, and better protection for fragile cargo.
FTL typically costs $1.50 to $3.00 per mile for the full truck. A 300-mile Indiana route runs $450 to $900 total. LTL charges by weight and distance but adds fuel surcharges, handling fees, and potential delays. For loads over 15,000 pounds, FTL often costs less per shipment.
Calculate your total shipping costs including time value. If you're moving 20,000 pounds of steel from Gary to Indianapolis, FTL delivers faster and protects better. For 5,000 pounds of non-urgent goods, LTL saves money. Gateway Distribution can quote both options for your specific Indiana route and cargo.
The right choice gives you predictable costs and delivery dates. FTL works for large, time-sensitive, or fragile freight. LTL works for smaller loads when speed matters less than price.
Other things people in Indiana 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.
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles full truckload (ftl) in Indiana and the area around it.