LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear comparison from Gateway Distribution, full truckload shipping in Oregon, OR.
You're shipping freight in Oregon and can't decide between LTL and full truckload. The choice comes down to your shipment size, budget, and timeline. Most businesses struggle with this decision because the wrong pick costs money or delays delivery.
LTL means sharing truck space with other shippers' freight. Your pallets get loaded with cargo from multiple companies. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. Your freight travels directly from pickup to delivery with no shared stops.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes longer. Expect 3-7 days for Oregon deliveries due to multiple pickup and delivery stops. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster, usually within 1-3 days across Oregon's Interstate 5 and Interstate 84 corridors. The break-even point typically hits around 12-15 pallets or 10,000 pounds.
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Choose full truckload for 15+ pallets, time-sensitive freight, or fragile cargo that needs careful handling. Gateway Distribution can quote both options to show you the real cost difference for your specific Oregon route.
The right choice saves money and meets your timeline. LTL works for routine shipments with flexible delivery windows. Full truckload handles urgent freight and large shipments that fill most of the trailer space.
Other things people in Oregon 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 Oregon and the area around it.