LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Straight answers on shipping costs and timing from Gateway Distribution in Texas, TX.
You have freight to ship across Texas but aren't sure whether to book a full truck or share space with other shipments. The choice affects both your shipping costs and delivery timeline, and picking wrong can cost you money or delay your freight.
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 freight alone. The difference comes down to how much space you need and how fast you want delivery.
LTL costs less for smaller shipments but takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver different customers' freight. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster since your freight goes straight from origin to destination without stops. The break-even point usually hits around 10,000 pounds or 12 pallets.
Use LTL if your shipment is under 10,000 pounds or takes up less than 12 pallets. Choose full truckload for 15 or more pallets, when you need faster delivery, or when your freight is fragile and benefits from no handling stops. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the actual cost difference for your specific freight and timeline.
Once you pick the right shipping method, your freight moves efficiently through Texas without overpaying for space you don't need or accepting delays you can't afford. You get predictable costs and delivery times that match your business needs.
Other things people in Texas 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 Texas and the area around it.