Why your freight costs keep going up
Straight answers on shipping rates from Gateway Logistics, LTL freight in Washington, WA.
Your shipping bills jumped 30% this year. Every time you call for a quote, the rate is different. Your margins are shrinking and you're not sure why trucking got so expensive in Washington.
Freight rates swing with fuel prices, driver shortages, and seasonal demand. When fuel hits $4 per gallon, carriers pass that cost to you. The driver shortage means fewer trucks available, driving up prices. Holiday seasons and harvest times create demand spikes that push rates even higher.
LTL shipping typically costs $1.50 to $3.00 per mile, but that base rate changes daily. Your shipment size, weight, and destination affect the final price. Dense freight costs less per pound than bulky items. Residential deliveries cost more than business addresses.
Track freight market trends or work with a broker who does it for you. Gateway Logistics monitors carrier rates daily and locks in better prices through established relationships. A good broker also spots when you're getting overcharged and finds alternatives before rates spike.
Your shipping costs become predictable. You get consistent rates instead of daily surprises. Your margins stabilize because someone is watching the market for you.
Other things people in Washington 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 Washington and the area around it.