Why are my freight costs so high?
Real answers about shipping rates from Gateway Logistics, LTL freight in Louisiana, LA.
Your shipping bills jumped 30% this year. Every time you call for a quote, you get a different rate. Your margins are shrinking and you can't figure out why trucking got so expensive in Louisiana.
Freight rates swing with fuel prices, driver shortages, and seasonal demand. When fuel hits $4 per gallon, truckers pass that cost to you. Louisiana's hurricane season and Mardi Gras create shipping bottlenecks that spike prices. Your regular carriers might also be charging different rates based on how busy they are that week.
Most LTL shipments in Louisiana cost 15-40% more than they did two years ago. The final price depends on your freight class, distance, and timing. Shipping during peak crawfish season or before storms costs more. Dense freight like machinery costs less per pound than light boxes.
Track rate patterns with a freight broker who watches the market daily. Gateway Logistics locks in better rates through carrier relationships and spots when you're getting overcharged. Call for a rate comparison on your regular lanes. You can also time non-urgent shipments around peak seasons.
Your shipping costs become predictable. You know what to budget each month instead of getting surprised by bills. Your margins stay stable even when the freight market swings.
Other things people in Louisiana ask
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 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 Louisiana and the area around it.