LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Straight answers about freight shipping costs and timing in Montana, MT.
You're shipping freight across Montana and need to decide between LTL (less-than-truckload) and full truckload service. The choice affects both your shipping cost and delivery time. Most shippers in Montana pick the wrong option because they don't know the break-even point.
LTL means sharing trailer space with other shippers' freight. Your pallets ride with cargo from multiple companies, making stops along Interstate 90 or Interstate 15 before reaching your destination. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for your freight alone, traveling direct from pickup to delivery.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. You pay only for the space you use. Full truckload becomes cheaper when you have 15 or more pallets, even if the trailer isn't completely full. Transit time matters too. LTL takes 3-7 days across Montana due to multiple stops. Full truckload usually delivers in 1-2 days.
Measure your freight weight and count your pallets first. If you're under 12 pallets, call for LTL quotes. If you have 15+ pallets or need faster delivery, request full truckload pricing. Gateway Distribution handles both services across Montana and can tell you which option saves money for your specific shipment. Don't guess when a quick phone call gives you exact numbers.
Once you pick the right service, your freight moves efficiently at the lowest cost. LTL works great for smaller, non-urgent shipments. Full truckload gets larger loads delivered fast with no handling delays from other stops.
Other things people in Montana 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 Montana and the area around it.