LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance on freight options from Gateway Distribution in New Mexico, NM.
You have freight to ship but you're stuck choosing between LTL and full truckload. LTL sounds cheaper but you're not sure if it actually is for your shipment size. New Mexico businesses face this decision daily, especially when shipping between Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and other major distribution points.
The choice comes down to your shipment size and timeline needs. LTL means sharing trailer space with other shipments, while full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL works best for smaller loads under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense when you have 15 or more pallets, or when your freight fills most of a trailer.
LTL costs less for small shipments because you split transportation costs with other shippers. But it takes longer since the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other freight. Full truckload costs more upfront but gives you faster transit times with direct delivery. Your freight goes straight from origin to destination without stops.
Look at your shipment size first. Count your pallets and total weight. If you have fewer than 12 pallets, LTL will likely save you money. If you have 15 or more pallets, or if speed matters more than cost, choose full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you can compare actual costs for your specific freight.
Once you pick the right option, your freight moves efficiently and arrives on schedule. You'll have clear visibility into costs and transit times. Your shipping becomes predictable instead of a guessing game.
Other things people in New Mexico 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 New Mexico and the area around it.