Should I buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Cost breakdown and decision framework from Gateway Distribution, hub-and-spoke distribution in Connecticut, CT.
Your shipping volume is climbing. Buying trucks means truck payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT paperwork. Hiring freight companies costs money every month but no upfront investment. Connecticut businesses face this choice when growth outpaces their current shipping setup.
Most companies hit this crossroads when they ship 10-30 loads per month. Buying trucks feels like control, but the real costs add up fast. Beyond the truck payment, you need commercial insurance, regular maintenance, qualified drivers, and DOT compliance tracking. Driver wages alone can run $60,000+ per year in Connecticut.
The breakeven point usually sits around 40+ consistent loads per month. Below that volume, outsourcing typically costs less. A dedicated trucking partner handles insurance, maintenance, driver management, and regulatory requirements. You pay per shipment instead of carrying fixed monthly costs whether you ship or not.
Calculate your total cost of ownership first. Include truck payments, insurance premiums, maintenance reserves, driver wages, benefits, and compliance costs. Compare that to your current freight spend and projected volume. Gateway Distribution can run the numbers with you and show exactly where the breakeven point sits for your Connecticut operation.
Once you know the real costs, the decision becomes clear. You either save money outsourcing or justify the investment in your own fleet. Either way, your shipping costs align with your actual volume instead of guessing.
Other things people in Connecticut 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 Connecticut and the area around it.