Partial flatbed cost vs full truck: which is cheaper?
Real pricing breakdowns for flatbed shipping in Mississippi, MS.
You need to ship steel, machinery, or lumber on a flatbed but your load won't fill the whole trailer. You're wondering if partial flatbed shipping actually costs less than booking the full truck. The answer depends on how much space your freight takes up in Mississippi.
Partial flatbed shipping charges you by linear feet, not the whole trailer. If your load takes up 20 feet of a 48-foot flatbed, you pay for 20 feet. Full truck means you pay for the entire trailer whether you use it or not.
Partial flatbed typically costs $2-4 per mile per linear foot in Mississippi. A 20-foot load going 500 miles might cost $20,000-40,000. Full truck rates run $2,500-4,500 for the same distance. Partial makes sense when your freight uses less than half the trailer space. Heavy machinery, steel beams, and lumber shipments along I-55 and I-20 often work better as partial loads.
Get quotes for both options before deciding. Measure your freight's length and call for actual numbers. Gateway Distribution can price both partial and full truck options for your Mississippi shipment. Ask about transit time differences too since partial loads may take longer to consolidate with other freight.
Once you choose the right option, your freight moves efficiently without overpaying for unused trailer space. You get the flatbed capacity you need at the price that makes sense for your load size.
Other things people in Mississippi ask
shipping long steel beams flatbed
Long steel and structural materials need flatbed trucks with proper tie-down points and load distribution. Look for carriers who specialize in steel hauling and have the right equipment to secure your specific beam lengths safely.
book flatbed shipping short notice
Flatbed capacity can be tight, especially for oversized loads. Call carriers now to check availability. Be flexible on pickup dates within your window. Having exact dimensions, weight, and loading requirements ready speeds up the booking process.
who loads flatbed truck shipper or driver
Most flatbed shipments are loaded by the shipper using their own equipment. The driver secures and tarps the load but doesn't usually handle the actual loading. Confirm this when you book so everyone knows who's responsible for what.
open flatbed vs covered flatbed shipping
Tarps protect against rain and road debris but not extreme weather. If your equipment has sensitive electronics or can't get wet at all, covered flatbed is safer. For basic steel and machinery, properly secured tarps usually do the job at lower cost.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles flatbed shipping (ftl & ltl) in Mississippi and the area around it.