Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Cost breakdown and decision guide from Gateway Distribution, hub-and-spoke distribution in California, CA.
Your shipping volume is climbing across California, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less long-term.
The choice comes down to total cost of ownership versus variable shipping costs. Buying trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, DOT physicals, and fuel. Hiring a trucking company means paying per shipment but no fixed overhead.
Most California businesses break even around 40 loads per month consistently. Below that volume, outsourcing costs less. Above that threshold, owning trucks can save money if you have steady freight. Factor in California's high insurance rates and driver wages when calculating your numbers.
Calculate your monthly shipping volume for the past six months. If you consistently ship 40+ loads monthly, get quotes for truck purchases and driver salaries. If you ship less, compare rates from established carriers like Gateway Distribution that offer hub-and-spoke routes through major California corridors.
Once you choose the right approach, your shipping costs become predictable. You either have fixed monthly truck expenses or variable freight bills that scale with your business growth.
Other things people in California 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 California and the area around it.