Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions from Gateway Logistics in Colorado, CO.
You have freight that fills maybe half a trailer, but paying for the whole truck feels like throwing money away. Full truckload rates don't make sense when you're only using part of the space. Colorado shippers deal with this daily, especially when moving smaller quantities between Denver, Colorado Springs, or Fort Collins.
This happens when your shipment needs more space than parcel carriers handle but less than a full 53-foot trailer. Maybe you're shipping 8 pallets instead of 26. Or your freight weighs 5,000 pounds when full trucks carry 40,000. You're stuck between expensive small-package rates and wasteful full-truck pricing.
LTL shipping typically costs 60-80% less than paying for a full truck you don't need. Your freight gets consolidated with other partial loads heading the same direction. Expect 2-5 days longer transit time than full truckload service. Cost depends on weight, dimensions, distance, and freight class. Palletized freight moves faster and costs less than loose cargo.
Palletize your freight first. Shrink wrap or band everything to the pallet. Get accurate weight and dimensions. Gateway Logistics can quote LTL rates from multiple carriers and find the best match for your timeline and budget. Most LTL carriers pick up within 1-2 business days in Colorado's major metro areas.
Your freight reaches its destination safely while you pay only for the trailer space you actually use. No wasted money on empty truck space. No splitting shipments into expensive small packages. Just right-sized shipping that matches your freight volume.
Other things people in Colorado 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 Colorado and the area around it.