Own truck vs freight company — which saves money?
Real cost breakdown for Cincinnati businesses using less than truckload (LTL) shipping.
You ship regularly and the freight bills keep climbing. You're wondering if buying your own truck would cut costs. The math isn't obvious when you factor in wages, insurance, and maintenance for Cincinnati routes.
Own trucks make sense if you ship the same routes three or more times per week consistently. Below that frequency, the fixed costs eat up any savings. You pay for the truck whether it runs or sits.
A truck payment, commercial insurance, driver wages, and maintenance typically run $8,000 to $12,000 monthly before fuel. Most Cincinnati businesses break even around 50 shipments per month. Fewer shipments mean higher per-load costs than freight companies.
Calculate your monthly shipping frequency first. If you ship less than three times weekly to the same destinations, freight companies save money. Gateway Distribution handles LTL shipments across I-71, I-75, and I-275 corridors with no truck ownership costs.
With freight companies, you pay per shipment with predictable costs. No surprise repairs, no driver shortages, no truck payments during slow months. You focus on your business while shipping stays reliable.
Other things people in Cincinnati 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.
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Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in Cincinnati and the area around it.