Partial load too small for a full truck?
LTL shipping solutions for Texas businesses with freight that doesn't fill a trailer.
You have freight that only takes up part of a truck trailer. Paying for a full truckload makes no sense when your shipment is just a few pallets. Texas businesses deal with this every day, especially when shipping between Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
This happens when your freight volume falls between small parcel and full truckload. Your shipment might be 2-10 pallets, or weigh 1,000-10,000 pounds. Full truckload carriers want you to pay for the entire trailer, even if you only use 20% of the space.
LTL shipping costs 30-60% less than paying full truckload rates for partial loads. You pay only for the space and weight you use. Transit time runs 2-5 days longer than full truckload because your freight gets consolidated with other shipments at terminals. Expect to pay $200-800 per pallet depending on distance and freight class.
Palletize your freight before pickup. Secure it properly because it will be handled multiple times during consolidation. Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers since rates vary significantly. Gateway Logistics can compare options across our carrier network and find the best rate and service combination for your specific route and timeline.
Your freight reaches its destination at a predictable cost without paying for unused truck space. You get professional handling, tracking, and delivery confirmation. Most importantly, your shipping budget makes sense for your actual freight volume.
Other things people in Texas 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.
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Gateway Logistics handles ltl (less than truckload) in Texas and the area around it.