LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Honest answers from Gateway Distribution, full truckload shipping in Kansas, KS.
You need to ship freight but can't decide between LTL and full truckload. LTL sounds cheaper but you're not sure if it actually is for your shipment size. Full truckload seems faster but might cost too much. Kansas shippers face this choice every day, and the right answer depends on your freight size and timeline.
LTL means sharing trailer space with other shipments. Your freight stops at multiple terminals for sorting and transfers. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer from pickup to delivery with no stops. The choice comes down to freight size, urgency, and total cost.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or 12 pallets. You pay only for space used, not the whole truck. Full truckload makes financial sense at 15+ pallets or 26,000+ pounds. Transit time differs too. LTL takes 3-7 days due to terminal stops. Full truckload delivers in 1-3 days on direct routes.
Measure your freight and check your timeline. Count pallets, weigh your shipment, and note any delivery deadlines. If you have 15+ pallets or need faster delivery, choose full truckload. For smaller shipments with flexible timing, LTL saves money. Gateway Distribution can quote both options to help you compare real costs for your Kansas shipment.
The right choice gives you predictable delivery and fair pricing. LTL works when you can wait and have smaller freight. Full truckload delivers faster and protects fragile items better since nothing else shares the trailer.
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.
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 Kansas and the area around it.