LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear answers for Maine shipping decisions from Gateway Distribution.
You have freight to move from Maine but aren't sure whether to book a full truck or share space with other shipments. The choice affects both your cost and delivery time, and picking wrong means overpaying or waiting longer than needed.
LTL means sharing trailer space with other shipments. Your freight stops at terminals along the way for sorting and consolidation. Full truckload means your freight gets the entire 53-foot trailer and goes directly from pickup to delivery with no stops.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes 3-7 days longer due to multiple stops and handling. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster. The break-even point is usually around 12-15 pallets or 10,000 pounds. LTL makes sense for 1-10 pallets, while full truckload works better for 15+ pallets or time-sensitive freight.
Measure your shipment's weight, pallet count, and delivery deadline. If you have under 10,000 pounds and flexible timing, choose LTL. If you need faster delivery or have 15+ pallets, book full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and explain the real cost difference for your specific freight moving from Maine.
The right choice saves money and meets your timeline. LTL keeps costs down for smaller shipments. Full truckload gets larger shipments delivered faster with less handling risk.
Other things people in Maine 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 Maine and the area around it.