Why is freight shipping so expensive right now?
Real answers about shipping costs from Gateway Distribution, backhaul logistics in Alabama, AL.
Your freight costs have doubled or tripled in the past year. You're watching every shipment eat into your profits along I-65, I-20, and I-59 corridors through Alabama. You need to know if these rates are here to stay or if there's a way to cut costs without cutting service.
Freight costs jumped because three things happened at once. Diesel fuel prices spiked. Truck drivers left the industry faster than new ones joined. Equipment shortages mean fewer trucks chasing the same freight demand.
Shipping rates swing 20-40% seasonally even in normal times. Right now, a full truckload from Birmingham might cost $2,500 where it used to cost $1,800. The bigger your freight, the bigger the hit. Smaller shipments get squeezed harder because carriers prioritize full loads.
Get quotes from multiple carriers this week. Ask about backhaul opportunities where your freight rides back on trucks already making the trip. Gateway Distribution specializes in backhaul logistics, matching your shipment with return routes to cut your costs. Lock in rates for 6-12 months if you ship regularly.
Once you secure backhaul arrangements, your shipping costs drop 15-30% below standard rates. You get predictable pricing even when the market swings. Your freight moves on schedule without paying for empty truck space.
Other things people in Alabama ask
freight shipping transit times
LTL typically takes 2-5 business days depending on distance. Full truckload is usually 1-3 days. Expedited can be next day. Weather, holidays, and freight class affect timing. Get a transit time estimate in writing before you book.
backhaul vs dedicated trucking
Backhaul works when you have flexibility on pickup times and want the lowest cost. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed capacity and schedules. If your shipments are time-sensitive or high-volume, dedicated is worth the extra cost.
own truck vs freight company
Own trucks make sense if you ship the same route 3+ times per week consistently. Factor in driver wages, insurance, maintenance, and downtime. Most businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments per month.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles backhaul logistics in Alabama and the area around it.