Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions for Missouri businesses from Gateway Logistics.
You have freight that fills only part of a trailer, but full truckload rates don't make financial sense. LTL shipping in Missouri lets you share trailer space with other shippers and pay only for what you use.
LTL stands for Less Than Truckload. Your freight gets loaded onto a truck with other partial shipments heading in the same direction. This works when you have anywhere from one pallet to about 10,000 pounds of cargo.
LTL typically costs 50-80% less than booking a full truck for small loads. Transit time runs 2-5 days longer than full truckload because your freight makes multiple stops for pickup and delivery. Pricing depends on weight, distance, and freight class.
Palletize your freight before pickup. This makes loading faster and reduces damage risk. Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers to compare rates and service levels. Gateway Logistics can handle the carrier selection and booking process for Missouri shippers.
Your freight arrives on schedule without the expense of paying for unused truck space. You get professional handling and tracking while keeping shipping costs reasonable for smaller loads.
Other things people in Missouri 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 Missouri and the area around it.