LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear guidance on shipping options from Gateway Distribution in Indiana, IN.
You're shipping freight across Indiana and need to decide between LTL and full truckload service. The choice affects your cost, delivery time, and how your cargo gets handled. Making the wrong call means paying too much or waiting too long for your shipment.
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 for 15+ pallets or when you need faster delivery.
LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster with direct transport from pickup to destination. Your freight also gets handled less with full truckload since it stays on one truck the entire trip.
Count your pallets and weigh your freight first. If you have 15+ pallets or time-sensitive cargo, book full truckload. For smaller loads where cost matters more than speed, choose LTL. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and help you pick the right fit for your Indiana shipment.
Your freight arrives when promised and within budget. You know exactly when to expect delivery and can plan your receiving schedule. No surprises on timing or costs because you picked the right shipping method from the start.
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.
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 Indiana and the area around it.