Full Truckload (FTL)

You have oversized machinery or equipment that needs to ship. Regular trucking companies keep saying no. You're not sure who handles cargo that doesn't fit in a standard trailer.

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.

You're not sure if you should book a full truck or share space with other shipments. You want the cheapest option but don't know which one that is for your freight.

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.

Your business ships the same amount of freight every month. You need trucks on the same days. Regular freight companies can't guarantee you'll get a truck when you need it.

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.

You're spending a lot on freight every month. A dedicated truck sounds expensive. You don't know if the math works out better than booking trucks one at a time.

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.

You need something shipped fast but expedited quotes are all over the map. Some companies want triple the normal rate. You don't know what's reasonable to pay for speed.

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.

You need to ship heavy machinery or poles. You're not sure if you need a flatbed truck or if a regular enclosed trailer works. The wrong choice could damage your equipment.

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.

You've been burned by trucking companies before. Late deliveries, damaged freight, poor communication. You need someone reliable but don't know what to look for.

Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.

You're shipping heavy equipment on a flatbed. The project timeline is tight. You need to know exactly when your machinery will arrive so you can schedule the crew.

Flatbed shipping often takes 1-2 days longer than regular freight because of loading time and permit requirements for oversized loads. Factor in extra time for tarping, securing, and route planning. Get a realistic delivery window from your carrier, not just standard transit times.

LTL shipping can be more economical than FTL on a per-shipment basis since shippers are share the cost of the full trailer. While FTL rates are typically higher, they may offer better value for large loads, time-sensitive deliveries, or high-value and fragile freight.

Full Truckload (FTL) shipping typically costs between to per mile, with total shipments generally ranging from for short local hauls to over for long-distance, cross-country trips. Unlike smaller freight, you pay for the entire truck capacity rather than the specific weight of your cargo