Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions for Kentucky 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. Kentucky businesses face this challenge daily when shipping to customers across the region.
This happens when your freight volume falls between small parcel and full truckload shipping. 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 Kentucky shippers hit this gap when moving 2-10 pallets or freight weighing 500-10,000 pounds.
LTL shipping typically costs 60-80% less than booking a full truck for partial loads. Transit time runs 2-5 days longer than full truckload service because your freight shares space with other shipments. Pricing depends on weight, dimensions, distance, and freight class. Expect to pay per hundred pounds rather than a flat trailer rate.
Palletize your freight before pickup to speed handling and reduce damage risk. Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers since rates vary significantly between companies. Gateway Logistics can compare rates across our carrier network and handle the coordination. Most Kentucky LTL shipments move through terminals in Louisville or Lexington before reaching final destinations.
Your freight reaches its destination safely while you only pay for the trailer space you actually use. Other shippers fill the remaining space, making the transportation economical for everyone involved.
Other things people in Kentucky 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 Kentucky and the area around it.