Why are my freight costs going up so much?
Straight answers about shipping rates from Gateway Logistics, LTL freight in New Jersey.
Your shipping bills jumped 30% this year. Every time you call for a quote, the rates are different. You're watching your margins shrink and wondering why trucking got so expensive in New Jersey.
Freight rates swing with fuel prices, driver shortages, and seasonal demand spikes. When diesel hits $4 per gallon, truckers pass those costs to you. Port congestion in Newark and Elizabeth backs up the whole supply chain, driving up rates across New Jersey. Your regular carrier might also be charging you retail prices instead of contract rates.
Most businesses see 15-40% rate swings throughout the year. Peak season around holidays costs more. Emergency shipments cost double. The size of your freight matters too. LTL shipments under 500 pounds often get hit with minimum charges that make small loads expensive per pound.
Call a freight broker this week to get visibility into real market rates. Gateway Logistics tracks daily rate changes and has relationships with multiple carriers in New Jersey. They can lock in better pricing through volume contracts and spot when you're getting overcharged. Ask for a rate comparison on your last three shipments.
You'll know exactly what fair pricing looks like for your routes. Your shipping costs become predictable instead of a monthly surprise. You can budget accurately and protect your margins from random rate spikes.
Other things people in New Jersey 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 New Jersey and the area around it.