Is LTL cheaper than FTL freight?
Honest cost comparison from Gateway Distribution, full truckload shipping in Tennessee, TN.
You're comparing shipping options and wondering if LTL saves money over full truckload. The answer depends on your cargo size, timeline, and freight type. Tennessee shippers often find FTL offers better value for larger loads despite higher upfront costs.
LTL appears cheaper because you split truck costs with other shippers. You pay only for your portion of the trailer space. FTL costs more upfront since you rent the entire 53-foot trailer, even if your freight doesn't fill it completely.
FTL typically runs $1.50 to $3.00 per mile for the full truck. Short Tennessee hauls might cost $800 to $1,500, while cross-country trips exceed $4,000. Your per-pound cost often drops with FTL if you ship 10,000+ pounds or need faster delivery than LTL's multi-stop routes.
Calculate your total shipping costs including time value. FTL delivers directly from pickup to destination without warehouse stops. LTL makes multiple stops and takes longer. For time-sensitive or fragile cargo traveling Tennessee's I-40 and I-75 corridors, Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you compare real numbers.
You'll know which option fits your budget and timeline. FTL gives you predictable transit times and dedicated trailer space. LTL works when you can wait longer and don't mind sharing truck space with other cargo.
Other things people in Tennessee 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.
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles full truckload (ftl) in Tennessee and the area around it.