LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance for Oklahoma shippers from Gateway Distribution's full truckload (FTL) team.
You have freight to move in Oklahoma but aren't sure whether to book a full truck or share space with other shipments. The choice between LTL (less-than-truckload) and full truckload affects both your cost and delivery timeline.
LTL means your freight shares truck space with other customers' shipments. The truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver different loads. Full truckload means you get the entire 53-foot trailer, and it goes directly from your location to the destination without other stops.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes longer because of the multiple stops. Full truckload costs more upfront but moves faster. The break-even point is usually around 10,000 pounds or 12 pallets. Above that weight, full truckload often costs the same or less than LTL.
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Choose full truckload for 15 or more pallets, time-sensitive deliveries, or fragile items that need careful handling. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the actual cost difference for your specific freight moving through Oklahoma.
Once you pick the right service, your freight moves efficiently and arrives when expected. You'll know exactly what you're paying and when your customer will receive their shipment.
Other things people in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma and the area around it.