Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions for Arizona businesses with freight that doesn't fill a trailer.
You have freight that only fills part of a truck trailer. Paying for a full truckload doesn't make financial sense when your cargo takes up just a few pallets. Arizona businesses face this challenge daily when shipping smaller quantities across state lines or regionally.
This happens when your shipment fills less than half a trailer. Full truckload carriers charge for the entire truck whether you use all the space or not. LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers solve this by combining multiple partial loads from different shippers into one truck.
LTL shipping costs 40-60% less than paying for an empty truck. Transit time runs 2-5 days longer than full truckload because drivers make multiple stops. Your freight weight and distance determine the final price. Palletized freight moves faster through the system.
Package your freight on standard pallets before pickup. This makes loading and unloading easier for drivers. Gateway Logistics can connect you with LTL carriers that serve Arizona routes daily. Get quotes from multiple carriers to compare pricing and transit times for your specific shipment.
Your partial load ships alongside other freight heading in the same direction. You pay only for the space you actually use. Your cargo arrives safely without the cost of an empty truck trailer.
Other things people in Arizona ask
why are freight costs so high
Freight rates swing with fuel, driver shortages, and seasonal demand. A freight broker tracks these patterns daily and can lock in better rates through carrier relationships. They also spot when you're getting overcharged.
LTL vs FTL shipping comparison
FTL makes sense when your shipment fills 75% or more of a trailer, or when speed matters more than cost. LTL works for smaller shipments but takes longer with multiple stops. Calculate cost per pound, not just total price.
LTL shipping vs waiting for full truckload
LTL makes sense when you need frequent smaller shipments or can't wait to accumulate a full load. If your customers need steady deliveries and you can't afford to hold inventory, ship LTL. If you can batch shipments and time isn't critical, waiting for a full truckload usually costs less per pound.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Logistics handles ltl (less than truckload) in Arizona and the area around it.