LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear answers from Gateway Distribution, full truckload specialists in Tennessee, TN.
You have freight to move but can't decide between less-than-truckload (LTL) or booking a full truck. The choice affects your cost, delivery time, and how carefully your freight gets handled. Tennessee shippers face this decision daily, especially with the state's mix of manufacturing and distribution centers.
The decision comes down to shipment size and timing needs. LTL means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments, making multiple stops along the route. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer, traveling direct from pickup to delivery with no other stops.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes 2-5 days longer due to freight terminals and consolidation. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster and handles your freight only once. The break-even point typically hits around 10,000 pounds or 12 pallets, though urgency can shift this calculation.
Choose LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds when you can wait an extra few days. Book full truckload for 15+ pallets, fragile items, or time-sensitive deliveries. Gateway Distribution handles both options and can quote either service to help you compare real costs for your specific freight and timeline.
With the right choice, your freight moves efficiently at the best price point. LTL keeps small shipments affordable while full truckload ensures larger loads arrive quickly and intact.
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.
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 Tennessee and the area around it.