Should I ship LTL multiple times or wait for a full load?
Freight shipping guidance for West Virginia businesses from Gateway Logistics.
You have partial loads sitting in your West Virginia warehouse. Your customers want regular deliveries, but full truckloads cost less per pound. The question is whether to ship smaller LTL loads as they're ready or wait until you accumulate enough freight to fill an entire truck.
This choice comes down to timing versus cost. LTL shipping costs more per pound than full truckloads, but it lets you move freight immediately. Full truckloads offer better rates but require you to wait until you have 26,000+ pounds or enough pallets to justify the space.
LTL typically costs 15-30% more per pound than full truckload rates. However, holding inventory until you reach full truckload quantities ties up cash flow and warehouse space. Full truckloads make sense when you can batch shipments weekly or monthly without affecting customer service.
Ship LTL when your customers need steady deliveries or when holding inventory costs more than the shipping premium. Choose full truckloads when you can afford to batch shipments and timing is flexible. Gateway Logistics can run both options to show you the real numbers for your specific freight patterns.
The right choice depends on your cash flow and customer expectations. Most West Virginia businesses find a mix works best, using LTL for urgent shipments and full truckloads for predictable, less time-sensitive freight.
Other things people in West Virginia 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.
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Gateway Logistics handles ltl (less than truckload) in West Virginia and the area around it.