Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions for Cincinnati businesses with freight that doesn't fill a trailer.
You have freight that only takes up part of a truck trailer. Paying for a full truckload doesn't make financial sense when your shipment is just a few pallets. Cincinnati businesses face this challenge regularly when shipping to customers across the region.
This happens when your freight volume falls between small parcel and full truckload shipping. Your shipment might be 2-10 pallets, a few pieces of equipment, or materials that weigh 500-10,000 pounds. Full truckload carriers charge for the entire trailer whether you use it or not.
LTL shipping typically costs 60-80% less than paying for unused trailer space. Transit time runs 2-5 days longer than full truckload because your freight gets consolidated with other partial loads at terminals. Pricing depends on weight, dimensions, distance, and freight class. Expect to pay per hundredweight rather than a flat trailer rate.
Palletize your freight before pickup to avoid handling fees and damage. Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers since rates vary significantly between companies. Gateway Logistics can compare rates across our carrier network and handle the booking process. Most LTL carriers pick up from Cincinnati within 1-2 business days.
Your freight moves efficiently without paying for space you don't need. You get reliable delivery dates and tracking updates throughout transit. The cost savings often justify the slightly longer delivery time for most business shipments.
Other things people in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati and the area around it.