LTL vs FTL shipping: which costs less for your freight?
Clear comparison from Gateway Logistics, LTL specialists in Washington, WA.
You have a shipment that's too big for parcel but doesn't fill a whole truck. Should you book LTL or pay for full truckload? Washington businesses face this choice daily, especially when shipping between Seattle's industrial districts and eastern Washington. The wrong choice wastes money.
LTL works when your freight takes up less than 75% of a trailer. You share space with other shipments and pay only for what you use. FTL means you rent the entire truck, even if your cargo only fills half. The break-even point depends on weight, distance, and timing.
LTL typically costs 40-60% less than FTL for smaller loads but takes 2-5 days longer. FTL gives you the whole truck for $1,500-$4,000 depending on distance. Calculate cost per pound, not just total price. A 5,000-pound shipment from Tacoma to Spokane might cost $800 LTL versus $2,200 FTL.
Measure your freight's dimensions and weight first. If it fills more than three-quarters of a standard trailer, FTL usually wins. For urgent deliveries, FTL moves faster with no intermediate stops. Gateway Logistics can run both calculations and show you real quotes within an hour.
You'll know exactly what each option costs and when your freight arrives. No guessing, no surprise fees. Your shipment moves efficiently at the right price for your timeline.
Other things people in Washington 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.
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 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 Washington and the area around it.