LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Honest answers from Gateway Distribution, full truckload shipping in Utah, UT.
You need to ship freight but can't decide between LTL and full truckload service. LTL sounds cheaper but takes longer. Full truckload costs more but gets there faster. With Utah's distances between cities like Salt Lake and St. George, transit time matters for your business.
The choice comes down to your shipment size and timeline. LTL shares trailer space with other customers' freight, making multiple stops along the way. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer with direct delivery from pickup to destination.
LTL costs less for shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. You pay only for the space you use. Full truckload makes financial sense for 15+ pallets or shipments over 15,000 pounds. The break-even point depends on your freight density and how much of the trailer you fill.
Choose LTL if you have small shipments and flexible delivery windows. Pick full truckload when you need faster transit times or have large volumes. Gateway Distribution handles both services across Utah's I-15 and I-80 corridors. Call us with your shipment details and we'll recommend the most cost-effective option.
You'll know you made the right choice when your freight arrives on time and on budget. LTL typically takes 3-5 business days while full truckload delivers in 1-2 days for most Utah routes.
Other things people in Utah 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 Utah and the area around it.