Own truck vs freight company: which costs less?
Real math on shipping costs from Gateway Distribution, backhaul logistics in Delaware, DE.
You're shipping regularly between Delaware and other states, and the freight bills are adding up. You're wondering if buying your own truck would save money compared to hiring freight companies for every shipment.
The break-even point depends on how often you ship the same routes. Own trucks make sense when you ship 3+ times per week on consistent routes. Less than that, and you're paying for a truck that sits idle most days.
Factor in all costs: truck payments, commercial insurance, CDL driver wages, maintenance, fuel, and downtime for repairs. Most Delaware businesses find freight companies cheaper until they hit 50+ shipments per month. A dedicated truck costs $8,000-12,000 monthly before you move a single load.
Start by tracking your current shipping patterns for three months. Count shipments per route and calculate total freight spend. Gateway Distribution offers backhaul logistics that cuts costs by sharing truck space with other shipments heading the same direction. Get quotes for both options before deciding.
With the right choice, you'll have predictable shipping costs and reliable delivery times. Your cash flow stays steady, and you can focus on growing your business instead of managing trucks and drivers.
Other things people in Delaware ask
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.
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.
backhaul vs dedicated trucking
Backhaul works when you have flexibility on pickup times and want the lowest cost. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed capacity and schedules. If your shipments are time-sensitive or high-volume, dedicated is worth the extra cost.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles backhaul logistics in Delaware and the area around it.