Should I buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Cost breakdown and decision framework from Gateway Distribution in Illinois, IL.
Your shipping volume is growing across Illinois. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less in the long run and when to make the switch.
Most Illinois businesses face this decision when shipping costs start adding up. Buying trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT compliance costs. Hiring a trucking company means predictable per-shipment rates but no control over timing or routes.
Total cost of ownership for your own fleet typically runs $1.50-$2.20 per mile when you factor in everything. This includes the truck payment, insurance ($8,000-$12,000 annually per truck in Illinois), maintenance, fuel, and driver wages ($55,000-$70,000 per year). Most companies need 40+ consistent loads per month to justify owning trucks.
Calculate your monthly shipping costs for the past six months. If you ship less than 40 loads monthly, hub-and-spoke distribution through Gateway Distribution usually costs less. You get professional drivers, maintained equipment, and insurance coverage without the overhead. Track your volume for three months before deciding.
Once you choose the right option, your shipping becomes predictable and budgetable. You either have fixed fleet costs with maximum control, or variable shipping costs with zero equipment headaches. Both work when matched to your actual volume.
Other things people in Illinois 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 Illinois and the area around it.