Is LTL cheaper than FTL freight?
Honest shipping cost breakdown from Gateway Distribution, full truckload (FTL) in West Virginia, WV.
You're shipping freight in West Virginia and trying to decide between LTL and FTL. The answer depends on your load size, timeline, and cargo type. Most shippers think LTL is always cheaper, but that's not always true.
LTL costs less per shipment because you share trailer space with other shippers. But you pay extra fees for handling, multiple stops, and longer transit times. Your freight gets loaded and unloaded several times between pickup and delivery.
FTL costs more upfront because you rent the entire 53-foot trailer. Rates run $1.50 to $3.50 per mile in West Virginia, with total costs from $800 for short hauls to $4,000+ for cross-country trips. But you avoid accessorial charges, damage risk, and delays.
Calculate your true cost per pound for both options. If your shipment fills more than half a trailer, weighs over 15,000 pounds, or needs fast delivery, FTL often costs less. Gateway Distribution can quote both LTL and FTL rates so you see the real numbers. Call us with your pickup location, destination, weight, and timeline.
With the right choice, your freight moves efficiently at the lowest total cost. You'll know exactly when it arrives and avoid surprise fees that inflate your shipping budget.
Other things people in West 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.
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
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.
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.
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.
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Gateway Distribution handles full truckload (ftl) in West Virginia and the area around it.