Own truck vs freight company - which costs less?

You're shipping enough that the costs are adding up. You're wondering if buying your own truck makes more sense than hiring freight companies. The math isn't as simple as it looks, especially with Colorado's mountain routes and seasonal weather affecting delivery schedules.

The break-even point depends on how often you ship the same routes. Own trucks make sense if you're running the same route three or more times per week, every week. Factor in driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance costs, and downtime when trucks break or drivers call in sick.

Most businesses hit their sweet spot with freight companies until they reach 50+ shipments per month. A driver costs $60,000-80,000 per year in Colorado. Add insurance ($15,000-25,000), maintenance ($8,000-12,000), and truck payments. That's $100,000+ before fuel. LTL shipping lets you pay only for space used, with no fixed costs.

Track your shipping patterns for three months. Count routes, frequency, and total costs. If you're shipping I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs three times weekly, or I-70 to Grand Junction twice weekly, your own truck might work. Otherwise, stick with Gateway Distribution for LTL service that adapts to your actual shipping needs.

With the right choice, shipping becomes predictable. You'll know your costs upfront, avoid surprise repairs, and focus on your business instead of managing trucks and drivers.

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