Is LTL cheaper than FTL freight?
Honest cost breakdown from Gateway Distribution, full truckload (FTL) in Louisiana, LA.
You're shipping freight in Louisiana and trying to decide between LTL and FTL options. The upfront cost difference seems obvious, but the real answer depends on your cargo size, timeline, and what happens if something goes wrong during transport.
LTL costs less per shipment because you share truck space with other shippers. Your freight stops multiple times for pickups and deliveries, which takes longer but splits the truck cost among several customers. FTL means you pay for the entire 53-foot trailer, even if your cargo only fills half of it.
FTL typically costs $1.50 to $3.00 per mile in Louisiana, with total shipments ranging from $800 for short hauls between New Orleans and Baton Rouge to over $3,000 for cross-country trips. LTL charges by weight and distance, often costing $200 to $800 for the same routes. But FTL becomes cost-effective when your shipment weighs over 15,000 pounds or fills more than half a trailer.
Calculate your freight's weight and cubic footage first. If it's over 15,000 pounds, time-sensitive, or fragile, FTL usually makes more sense despite higher upfront costs. For smaller, non-urgent shipments, LTL works better. Gateway Distribution can run both options and show you real numbers for your specific route and timeline.
The right choice saves you money and headaches. FTL gets your freight there faster with less handling. LTL costs less upfront but takes longer and involves more transfers where damage can happen.
Other things people in Louisiana 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 Louisiana and the area around it.