Why do freight costs keep going up?
Straight answers about shipping rates from Gateway Logistics, LTL freight in Mississippi, MS.
Your shipping bills jumped 30% this year and you're getting different quotes every time you call. Freight rates in Mississippi swing with fuel prices, driver shortages, and seasonal demand spikes. You're not imagining it — trucking costs really are all over the map right now.
Freight rates move constantly based on fuel costs, available drivers, and how much cargo needs to move. When harvest season hits Mississippi or hurricane evacuations create demand spikes, rates can double overnight. Carriers also charge more when they can't find return loads, which happens often in rural areas.
Most shippers pay 15-40% more than they should because they don't track these patterns. LTL rates depend on your freight class, distance, and timing. A 500-pound pallet from Jackson to Memphis might cost $200 one week and $350 the next, depending on truck availability.
Start tracking your shipping costs by week and route to spot the patterns. Call Gateway Logistics for a rate analysis — we monitor Mississippi freight markets daily and can show you where you're getting overcharged. Our carrier relationships often lock in better rates than calling trucking companies directly.
Once you have consistent rate benchmarks, you'll stop getting surprised by shipping bills. Your margins stabilize because you can budget freight costs accurately and know when a quote is fair or inflated.
Other things people in Mississippi 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.
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Gateway Logistics handles ltl (less than truckload) in Mississippi and the area around it.