Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Cost comparison for growing Alabama businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping volume is climbing in Alabama. Buying trucks means payments, insurance, drivers, and maintenance. Hiring freight companies costs money every month. You need to know which option saves money long-term.
Most Alabama businesses face this decision when they hit 15-20 shipments per month. Truck ownership includes payments, commercial insurance, DOT compliance, driver wages, and unexpected repairs. Freight companies charge per shipment but handle everything.
Owning trucks typically costs $8,000-12,000 monthly per vehicle before you move a single box. Add driver wages around $4,500 monthly, plus fuel and maintenance. Outsourcing costs vary by shipment size and destination, usually $300-800 per load within Alabama and neighboring states.
Calculate your total monthly shipping costs for the past six months. If you consistently ship 40+ loads monthly, ownership might save money. Below that volume, outsourcing typically costs less. Gateway Distribution's hub-and-spoke network consolidates freight through Cincinnati, New York, and Virginia, reducing your per-shipment costs through efficient routing.
With the right choice, you control shipping costs while focusing on growing your business. No surprise repair bills or driver shortages disrupting your operations.
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.
how long does hub and spoke shipping take
Hub and spoke adds 1-2 days compared to direct shipping but costs significantly less. Your freight gets consolidated at the hub then moves on optimized routes. Good for non-urgent shipments where cost matters more than speed.
when to book freight shipping
Book LTL 1-2 days ahead for standard service. Full truckload needs 2-5 days notice depending on season. Peak seasons (harvest, back-to-school, holidays) require more lead time. Expedited services can often pick up same day.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles hub-and-spoke distribution in Alabama and the area around it.