LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Freight shipping guidance from Gateway Distribution, full truckload (FTL) in Virginia, VA.
You have freight to ship but you're stuck deciding between LTL (less than truckload) and full truckload service. The choice affects your cost and delivery time, especially when shipping from Virginia's major distribution hubs along I-95 and I-64. You want the most cost-effective option but don't know which service fits your shipment size.
LTL means your freight shares truck space with other customers' shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL works for smaller shipments under 10,000 pounds or fewer than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15 or more pallets, or when your freight weighs over 15,000 pounds.
LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops to pick up and deliver other customers' freight. Full truckload costs more upfront but moves faster since your freight goes directly from origin to destination. Transit time from Virginia to most East Coast destinations drops from 3-5 days with LTL to 1-2 days with full truckload.
Look at your shipment size first. Count your pallets and total weight. If you have 12 or fewer pallets under 10,000 pounds, choose LTL. If you need faster delivery or have 15+ pallets, book full truckload. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and explain which saves money for your specific shipment from Virginia.
Once you pick the right service, your freight moves efficiently at the best price point. You'll know exactly when your shipment arrives and what you'll pay upfront.
Other things people in Virginia 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 Virginia and the area around it.