Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
The real costs of each option from Gateway Distribution, hub-and-spoke distribution in Arkansas, AR.
Your shipping volume is growing across Arkansas routes like I-40 and I-30. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive upfront. But paying freight companies every month adds up too. You need to know which option costs less long-term.
Most Arkansas businesses face this decision when they hit 15-20 shipments per month. Owning trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, DOT compliance, driver wages, and maintenance costs. Hiring drivers in Arkansas typically runs $45,000-$65,000 annually plus benefits. Factor in downtime when trucks break or drivers call out.
Total ownership costs usually run $8,000-$12,000 per truck monthly before the first mile. Add fuel, repairs, and unexpected breakdowns. Most companies underestimate insurance and compliance costs by 30-40%. Outsourcing typically costs $2-4 per mile depending on freight type and Arkansas delivery zones.
Calculate your monthly shipping volume first. Track consistent loads for three months, not seasonal peaks. If you ship fewer than 40 loads monthly, outsourcing usually saves money. Gateway Distribution handles hub-and-spoke distribution across Arkansas, consolidating freight through our Cincinnati, New York, and Virginia hubs for lower per-shipment costs.
Once you know your real shipping costs, you can plan for growth. Companies that start with freight services often transition to owned trucks around 50+ monthly loads. You avoid the upfront investment while your business scales.
Other things people in Arkansas 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 Arkansas and the area around it.