Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
The real cost breakdown for Illinois businesses weighing their options.
You're shipping enough that the costs are adding up. The math on buying your own truck versus using freight companies isn't clear. Illinois businesses face this decision when their shipping volume grows beyond occasional deliveries.
The break-even point depends on your shipping frequency and routes. Own trucks make financial sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week consistently. Factor in driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance costs, and truck downtime between loads.
Most Illinois businesses underestimate the total cost of ownership. A commercial truck runs $80,000 to $150,000 upfront. Add driver wages at $50,000 to $70,000 annually, plus insurance, fuel, repairs, and permits. You'll need backup plans for breakdowns and driver sick days.
Use freight companies until you hit 50 or more shipments per month on consistent routes. Less than truckload (LTL) services let you pay only for the space you use. Gateway Distribution handles the insurance, maintenance, and driver scheduling while you focus on your core business.
With freight companies, you get predictable shipping costs and reliable delivery schedules. No surprise repair bills or driver shortages. Your cash stays in your business instead of tied up in trucks and logistics.
Other things people in Illinois ask
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
LTL shipping cost
LTL pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and pickup/delivery type. Residential delivery costs more than commercial. Get quotes with the exact weight, dimensions, and ZIP codes. Expect $200-800 for most LTL shipments under 5,000 pounds.
emergency freight shipping
Expedited freight gets priority handling and faster transit times. It costs 50-100% more than standard shipping but can turn a 5-day shipment into next-day delivery. Gateway Distribution offers expedited services for time-critical freight.
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.
how to choose freight company
Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.
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Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in Illinois and the area around it.