Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions for Connecticut 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 or boxes. Connecticut businesses face this challenge regularly when shipping partial loads across the state or beyond.
This happens when your freight volume falls between small parcel shipping and full truckload requirements. Your shipment might be too heavy or bulky for UPS or FedEx, but not nearly enough to justify renting an entire 53-foot trailer. Most partial loads range from 150 to 10,000 pounds.
LTL shipping typically costs 50-80% less than paying for unused truck space. Pricing depends on weight, dimensions, distance, and freight class. Expect to pay per hundredweight rather than a flat truck rate. Transit times run 2-5 days longer than full truckload since your freight shares space with other shipments and makes multiple stops.
Palletize your freight to make loading and unloading easier. Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers since rates vary significantly between companies. Gateway Logistics can help you compare options and find carriers that serve your specific Connecticut routes. Book your shipment once you know the pickup date.
Your freight gets consolidated with other partial loads heading in the same direction. You pay only for the space you actually use. The shipment arrives safely without the expense of an empty truck trailer.
Other things people in Connecticut 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 Connecticut and the area around it.