LTL vs full truckload which should I choose?
Clear cost and timing guidance for Washington freight decisions from Gateway Distribution.
You have freight to ship from Washington but you're stuck on whether to book a full truck or share space with other shipments. The wrong choice costs you money or time. Here's how to decide based on your actual freight size and timeline.
LTL means your freight shares truck space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL works for smaller loads under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense when you have 15 or more pallets or need the whole trailer.
LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer because the truck makes multiple stops along I-5 and I-90 routes through Washington. Full truckload costs more upfront but delivers faster with direct transport from your dock to the destination. Transit time matters more when shipping from Seattle to distant states.
Measure your freight first. Count pallets and total weight. If you have under 12 pallets, call for LTL pricing. If you have 15 or more pallets, or need delivery within two days, request full truckload rates. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the actual cost difference for your Washington shipment.
The right choice saves you money and meets your delivery deadline. Small loads move efficiently through LTL networks. Large loads get dedicated service with full truckload. You'll know exactly when your freight arrives.
Other things people in Washington 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 Washington and the area around it.