LTL vs FTL shipping for my freight?
Compare costs and timing for Kansas shipments with Gateway Logistics.
You have freight to ship from Kansas but you're not sure if LTL or FTL makes more sense. The shipment size falls somewhere in the middle and you need to know which option saves money without sacrificing delivery time.
LTL works when your freight takes up less than 75% of a trailer. You share space with other shipments and only pay for what you use. FTL means you rent the entire truck, even if your cargo doesn't fill it. The break-even point usually hits when your shipment weighs over 15,000 pounds or fills most of a trailer.
LTL costs less for smaller loads but takes longer because drivers make multiple stops. Expect 3-7 days for most Kansas routes. FTL costs more upfront but delivers faster, often within 1-3 days. Calculate your cost per pound, not just the total price. Rush deliveries or fragile items often justify FTL even for smaller loads.
Measure your freight's weight and dimensions first. Compare quotes for both options on the same route. Gateway Logistics can run both scenarios and show you the real numbers. Factor in your timeline and how much handling risk you can accept.
The right choice saves money and meets your deadline. LTL works for regular shipments where time flexibility exists. FTL makes sense when speed matters or when your freight nearly fills a trailer anyway.
Other things people in Kansas 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 Kansas and the area around it.