LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Straight answers from Gateway Distribution, full truckload (FTL) in North Dakota, ND.
You need to ship freight but you're stuck between LTL and full truckload options. Each has different costs and timing, and picking wrong means either overpaying or waiting longer than needed. North Dakota's rural distances make this choice especially important for your delivery timeline and budget.
The decision comes down to how much freight you're shipping and how fast you need it there. LTL means sharing truck space with other shippers' cargo, making multiple stops along the way. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer, going directly from pickup to delivery without other stops.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. You pay only for the space you use. Full truckload makes financial sense when you have 15 or more pallets, or when your freight fills most of a trailer. The breakeven point varies, but full truckload often wins on large shipments even if you don't fill the truck completely.
Look at your shipment size first, then consider your timeline. If you have under 10,000 pounds and can wait 3-7 days, choose LTL. If you need faster delivery or have 15+ pallets, book full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and show you the real numbers for your specific freight and North Dakota destination.
With the right choice, your freight moves efficiently without overpaying. LTL gets small shipments there affordably, while full truckload delivers larger loads faster and often more safely since there's no extra handling at terminals.
Other things people in North Dakota 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 North Dakota and the area around it.