Should I buy my own truck or keep using freight companies?
The real math on owning vs. outsourcing shipping — Arkansas, AR.
Your shipping costs are climbing and you're wondering if buying your own truck makes sense. Many Arkansas businesses hit this crossroads when freight bills start adding up. The decision comes down to volume, routes, and hidden costs most people don't calculate upfront.
Own trucks make financial sense when you ship the same routes at least three times per week, every week. Below that frequency, you're paying for a truck that sits idle most days. Factor in driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime for repairs.
Most businesses break even on truck ownership around 50-60 shipments per month on consistent routes. A used commercial truck costs $40,000-80,000 plus $15,000-25,000 annually in insurance. Add driver wages at $50,000-65,000 per year in Arkansas, plus maintenance and fuel.
Start by tracking your current shipping patterns for three months. Count shipments per route and calculate total freight costs. If you ship sporadically or to different destinations each time, freight companies will save you money. Gateway Distribution handles LTL shipments across Arkansas, so you only pay for the space you use without truck ownership costs.
With the right choice, your shipping becomes predictable and cost-effective. You'll know exactly what transportation costs each month without surprise repairs or insurance claims eating into profits.
Other things people in Arkansas ask
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
LTL shipping cost
LTL pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and pickup/delivery type. Residential delivery costs more than commercial. Get quotes with the exact weight, dimensions, and ZIP codes. Expect $200-800 for most LTL shipments under 5,000 pounds.
emergency freight shipping
Expedited freight gets priority handling and faster transit times. It costs 50-100% more than standard shipping but can turn a 5-day shipment into next-day delivery. Gateway Distribution offers expedited services for time-critical freight.
why is freight so expensive
Fuel costs, driver shortages, and equipment availability drive freight pricing. Rates fluctuate seasonally and with demand. Get quotes from multiple carriers and consider longer-term contracts for rate stability during volatile periods.
how to choose freight company
Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in Arkansas and the area around it.