Should I ship LTL multiple times or wait for a full load?
Freight shipping decisions for Washington businesses — Gateway Logistics LTL guidance.
You have freight that doesn't fill a whole truck and you're weighing your options. Ship smaller loads as they're ready, or hold everything until you have enough for a full truckload? Washington businesses face this choice daily, especially with inventory moving through Seattle ports or distribution centers across the state.
This comes down to cash flow, customer demands, and storage costs. LTL shipping lets you move partial loads immediately, paying only for the truck space you use. Full truckload shipping costs less per pound but requires waiting until you have 26,000+ pounds or enough pallets to justify a dedicated truck.
LTL typically runs $1.50 to $3.00 per pound depending on distance and freight class. Full truckload averages $0.80 to $1.50 per pound but you pay for the entire truck whether it's full or not. Your storage costs, customer delivery requirements, and cash tied up in inventory all factor into the real cost.
If your customers expect regular deliveries or you can't afford to hold inventory, ship LTL as freight becomes available. Gateway Logistics can help you evaluate shipping frequency against costs for your specific Washington routes. If you can batch shipments and timing isn't critical, waiting for full loads usually saves money per pound.
The right choice keeps your customers happy while managing costs. Regular LTL shipments mean steady cash flow and satisfied customers. Full truckload shipping means lower per-pound costs but requires patience and storage space.
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 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.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Logistics handles ltl (less than truckload) in Washington and the area around it.