Own truck vs freight company for shipping?
The math behind the decision, explained by Gateway Distribution in Georgia, GA.
You're shipping regularly and the freight bills are adding up. Maybe it's time to buy your own truck and handle deliveries yourself. But the numbers aren't clear, and you're not sure if owning makes sense for your Georgia business.
The break-even point depends on how often you ship the same routes. Own trucks make financial sense when you're running the same lanes at least three times per week, consistently. Below that frequency, you're paying for a truck that sits idle while still covering insurance, maintenance, and driver wages.
Figure $150,000 to $200,000 for a decent used truck, plus $80,000 to $120,000 annually for a driver in Georgia's current market. Add insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime costs. Most businesses hit the break-even around 50 shipments per month on consistent routes like Atlanta to Savannah or Columbus to Augusta.
Run your numbers first. Track your current shipping patterns for three months. If you're not hitting those volume thresholds, backhaul logistics through Gateway Distribution can cut your costs without the truck ownership risk. You get space on trucks already making the trip, so you avoid paying for empty miles on return trips.
With the right freight partner, you keep your cash flow flexible and avoid truck payments during slow months. Your shipping costs become variable instead of fixed, which works better for most Georgia businesses until they reach consistent high-volume shipping.
Other things people in Georgia 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 Georgia and the area around it.