Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
The real costs of each option for Delaware businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping volume is growing across Delaware and beyond. Buying trucks sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option actually costs less in the long run.
Most Delaware businesses face this choice when they hit 15-20 shipments per month. Truck ownership means loan payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT requirements. Hiring trucking companies means per-shipment costs but no fixed overhead or regulatory headaches.
Owning trucks typically costs $8,000-12,000 per month per vehicle before you move a single box. That includes the truck payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and driver salary. Hiring freight companies costs $200-800 per shipment depending on size and distance. The break-even point usually hits around 40+ consistent monthly loads.
Calculate your total shipping costs for the past six months. Include everything: fuel, driver time, vehicle wear, insurance increases, and compliance costs. Compare that to quotes from hub-and-spoke distribution services like Gateway Distribution that consolidate freight through regional hubs in Cincinnati, New York, and Virginia for better rates.
Most companies save money outsourcing until they consistently ship 40+ loads monthly. You avoid the fixed costs, regulatory requirements, and operational headaches while getting professional logistics management and better route efficiency.
Other things people in Delaware 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 Delaware and the area around it.