LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance on shipping options from Gateway Distribution in South Carolina, SC.
You have freight to move but don't know whether to book a full truck or share trailer space with other shipments. The choice affects your cost and delivery time. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right option for your South Carolina shipment.
LTL means "less than truckload" where your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload means you get the entire 53-foot trailer to yourself. LTL works through freight terminals where your shipment gets transferred between trucks. Full truckload goes direct from pickup to delivery with no stops.
LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops and transfers. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster. The break-even point is usually around 12-15 pallets or 10,000 pounds. LTL makes sense for shipments under 10 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when speed matters.
Look at your shipment size, timeline, and budget. If you have under 10 pallets and can wait 3-7 days, choose LTL. If you have 15+ pallets or need delivery in 1-3 days, choose full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and explain which saves you money based on your specific freight moving through South Carolina.
The right choice gives you predictable costs and delivery times. Your freight arrives when expected without surprises. You avoid paying for space you don't need or delays you can't afford.
Other things people in South Carolina 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 South Carolina and the area around it.