LTL vs FTL shipping for my freight
Clear comparison from Gateway Logistics, LTL experts in Florida, FL.
You have freight to ship but you're not sure if less-than-truckload or full truckload makes more sense. Your shipment size falls somewhere in the middle and you need to know which option saves money. Florida shippers face this choice daily, especially with the state's mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution centers.
The decision comes down to shipment size, timeline, and cost per pound. FTL works when your freight fills 75% or more of a trailer (roughly 26,000+ pounds or 34+ pallets). LTL handles smaller shipments that share trailer space with other customers' freight. Your freight gets picked up, sorted at terminals, then delivered with multiple stops along the route.
FTL typically costs $1.50-$3.00 per mile for the entire truck, regardless of how much space you use. LTL pricing depends on weight, dimensions, distance, and freight class, usually running $0.50-$2.00 per pound. Calculate your cost per pound for both options. FTL makes sense for larger shipments or when you need faster transit times. LTL costs less for smaller loads but takes 2-5 days longer due to terminal handling.
Measure your shipment's weight, dimensions, and timeline needs. Get quotes for both FTL and LTL to compare total cost and delivery speed. Gateway Logistics can run both scenarios and show you the actual numbers for your specific freight and Florida destinations. Most shippers find the break-even point falls around 12-15 pallets or 18,000-22,000 pounds.
You'll know exactly what your freight will cost and when it arrives. No guessing about which shipping method works better for your business. Your freight moves efficiently and you pay the right price for the capacity you actually need.
Other things people in Florida 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.
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 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 Florida and the area around it.