LTL vs FTL shipping for my freight?
Clear comparison from Gateway Logistics, LTL shipping experts in Louisiana, LA.
You have a shipment that's bigger than a few boxes but doesn't fill a whole truck. Should you book LTL or pay for full truckload? The wrong choice in Louisiana could cost you hundreds extra or delay your delivery by days.
LTL works when your freight takes up less than 75% of a trailer. You share space with other shipments and pay only for what you use. FTL means you rent the entire truck, even if your goods only fill half of it.
LTL costs less upfront but takes 3-7 days with multiple stops. FTL costs more but delivers faster, usually within 1-3 days. Calculate cost per pound, not just total price. If your shipment weighs over 15,000 pounds or fills most of a trailer, FTL often wins.
Measure your freight first. Count pallets, weight, and dimensions. Call Gateway Logistics for quotes on both options. Ask about transit times to your Louisiana destination. Compare the total cost per pound and delivery speed you need.
Once you pick the right option, your freight moves efficiently without overpaying. LTL saves money on smaller loads. FTL gets urgent shipments there fast when you need the whole truck.
Other things people in Louisiana 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 Louisiana and the area around it.