LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Straight answers about shipping costs and timing from Gateway Distribution in South Dakota, SD.
You have freight to ship but you're not sure if you need a whole truck or just part of one. The wrong choice costs you money or time. South Dakota shippers face this decision daily, especially when moving cargo between Sioux Falls and Rapid City or out to destinations along I-90 and I-29.
LTL means Less Than Truckload where your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer for your cargo only. LTL works for smaller shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense when you have 15 or more pallets or need faster delivery.
LTL costs less for small shipments because you split truck costs with other shippers. Full truckload costs more upfront but gives you faster transit times and dedicated service. LTL takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other freight. Your 2-day direct route might take 4-5 days with LTL stops.
Look at your freight size first. Count pallets and total weight. If you have under 12 pallets, start with LTL quotes. If you have 15 or more pallets, or if speed matters more than cost, get full truckload pricing. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the real cost difference for your specific shipment.
The right choice saves you money and gets your freight delivered when you need it. You'll know exactly when your truck arrives and what you'll pay before you ship.
Other things people in South 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 South Dakota and the area around it.