Is LTL cheaper than FTL freight?
Cost breakdown and shipping advice from Gateway Distribution in Kansas, KS.
You're shipping a large load across Kansas or beyond and trying to decide between LTL and FTL. LTL looks cheaper per pound, but you're wondering if FTL might actually save money for your specific shipment size and timeline.
LTL costs less upfront because you share trailer space with other shippers. You pay only for the space your freight uses, not the whole truck. FTL means you rent the entire 53-foot trailer, even if your load doesn't fill it completely.
FTL typically costs $1.50 to $3.00 per mile for the full truck. A shipment from Wichita to Kansas City might run $300 to $600, while cross-country hauls can exceed $3,000. LTL charges by weight and distance, often $0.15 to $0.75 per pound. The break-even point usually hits around 10,000 to 15,000 pounds.
Calculate your total LTL cost including accessorial fees like liftgate service or inside delivery. Compare that to FTL pricing for your route. If your shipment is time-sensitive, fragile, or fills more than half a trailer, FTL often provides better value. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and show you the real numbers for your specific load and destination.
The right choice gives you predictable costs and delivery timing. FTL shipments move directly from pickup to delivery without stops. LTL shipments make multiple stops but cost less for smaller loads.
Other things people in Kansas 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.
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Gateway Distribution handles full truckload (ftl) in Kansas and the area around it.