Should I ship LTL multiple times or wait for a full load?

You have freight that doesn't fill a whole truck. Your shipments sit ready to go, but you're torn between sending smaller loads now or waiting weeks to fill a full trailer. Cincinnati businesses face this choice daily, especially with the constant flow of goods through our I-71 and I-74 corridors.

This comes down to cash flow versus cost per pound. LTL shipping costs more per pound than full truckloads, but you get your money back faster and keep customers happy with regular deliveries. Full truckloads cost less per pound but tie up your inventory and cash while you wait to accumulate enough freight.

LTL typically runs 20-40% more per pound than full truckload rates. But holding inventory costs money too. Storage, insurance, and tied-up cash add up quickly. If your customers expect regular deliveries or you need steady cash flow, those extra LTL costs often pay for themselves through faster turnover.

Choose LTL if you need frequent shipments, can't afford to hold inventory, or your customers demand regular deliveries. Choose full truckload if you can batch orders, time isn't critical, and you want the lowest cost per pound. Gateway Logistics handles both options and can help you calculate which makes more sense for your specific situation and routes.

The right choice keeps your customers happy and your cash flowing. You'll know you picked correctly when deliveries happen on schedule and your bottom line stays healthy.

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