LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Straight answers about freight options from Gateway Distribution in Michigan, MI.
You have freight to ship across Michigan but you're not sure if you need a full truck or if you can share space with other shipments. You want the most cost-effective option but don't know which shipping method makes sense for your specific load size and timeline.
LTL means "less than truckload" where your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for your freight alone. The choice depends on how much space you need and how fast you want delivery.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes financial sense when you have 15+ pallets or need the entire trailer. LTL takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other customers' freight along routes like I-94 and I-75.
Measure your freight first. Count pallets and total weight. If you have under 12 pallets, start with LTL quotes. If you need faster delivery or have 15+ pallets, get full truckload pricing. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you can compare actual costs for your specific shipment from Michigan.
Once you pick the right shipping method, your freight moves efficiently at the right price point. You avoid overpaying for space you don't need or dealing with delays that hurt your business operations.
Other things people in Michigan 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 Michigan and the area around it.