LTL vs full truckload: which should I choose?
Clear guidance on freight options from Gateway Distribution in Wisconsin, WI.
You need to ship freight but can't decide between LTL and full truckload service. The choice affects your cost and delivery time. Wisconsin shippers face this decision daily, especially with agricultural and manufacturing loads moving through major routes like I-94 and I-90.
LTL means your freight shares trailer space with other shipments. Full truckload gives you the entire 53-foot trailer. LTL works through freight terminals where your shipment gets transferred between trucks. Full truckload goes direct from pickup to delivery with no stops.
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 loads over 26,000 pounds. Transit time differs too: LTL takes 3-7 days due to terminal transfers, while full truckload typically delivers in 1-3 days.
Choose LTL if your shipment is small and you can wait a few extra days. Pick full truckload if you need faster delivery or have fragile freight that can't handle multiple transfers. Gateway Distribution can quote both options and help you decide based on your specific load size, timeline, and budget.
The right choice saves you money and gets your freight there safely. LTL gives you affordable shipping for smaller loads. Full truckload provides speed and protection for larger shipments that justify the cost of a dedicated trailer.
Other things people in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and the area around it.