Why are my freight costs so high?
Straight answers on shipping rates from Gateway Logistics, LTL freight in Connecticut.
Your shipping bills jumped 30% this year. Every quote comes back different, and you can't figure out why trucking got so expensive. Connecticut businesses are seeing the same squeeze on margins as fuel and driver costs keep climbing.
Freight rates swing with three big factors: fuel prices, driver shortages, and seasonal demand spikes. When diesel jumps, your shipping costs follow within days. The trucking industry lost thousands of drivers during COVID and never fully recovered. Peak seasons like holiday shipping or harvest time can double rates overnight.
Most businesses pay 15-40% more than they should because they don't track these daily rate changes. A single LTL shipment from Hartford to Boston might cost $300 one week and $450 the next, depending on available trucks. Smaller companies get hit hardest because they lack the volume to negotiate better deals.
Start tracking your shipping costs by lane and season to spot the patterns. Get quotes from multiple carriers, not just one. Gateway Logistics watches these rate swings daily and maintains relationships with dozens of carriers across Connecticut. We can lock in better rates when the market dips and find alternatives when your usual carrier gets expensive.
You'll see consistent, predictable shipping costs instead of surprise bills that eat your margins. Your freight becomes a known expense you can budget around, not a wild card that changes every month.
Other things people in Connecticut ask
partial load freight shipping LTL
LTL shipping lets you pay only for the space you use. Your freight gets consolidated with other partial loads. Expect 2-5 days longer transit time than full truckload. Package your freight on pallets for easier handling.
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 Connecticut and the area around it.