My partial load is too small for a full truck
LTL shipping solutions from Gateway Logistics in Michigan, MI.
You have freight that only fills part of a trailer. Maybe it's five pallets going to Detroit or a few crates heading to Grand Rapids. Full truckload pricing makes no sense when you're only using a fraction of the space.
This happens when your shipment doesn't justify the cost of an entire 53-foot trailer. You need space for 2-10 pallets, not 26. Paying for a full truck when you're using 20% of it wastes money and doesn't make business sense.
LTL pricing runs $150-400 per pallet depending on weight, distance, and freight class. You share trailer space with other partial loads going the same direction. Transit time runs 2-5 days longer than full truckload because of the consolidation stops.
Palletize your freight first. Loose cargo creates handling problems and damage claims. Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers through Gateway Logistics. We compare rates across our carrier network and handle the paperwork. Most LTL shipments move within 48 hours of booking.
Your freight reaches its destination at a fair price. You pay only for the space you actually use. The carrier maximizes their trailer efficiency. Everyone wins when partial loads get consolidated properly.
Other things people in Michigan 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 Michigan and the area around it.