Need trucks at the same time every month?
Dedicated freight contracts for consistent shipping schedules in Iowa, IA.
Your business ships the same volume every month and needs trucks on specific days. Regular freight companies can't promise you'll get capacity when you need it. Iowa manufacturers face this challenge constantly, especially during harvest season when trucks get scarce.
Monthly shipping schedules break down when you compete for truck space with every other shipper. Freight brokers book the cheapest available truck, which means no consistency in drivers, timing, or rates. Your shipments get delayed when demand spikes or weather hits the I-35 and I-80 corridors.
Dedicated trucking contracts typically cost 10-15% more than spot market rates, but you get reliable capacity. The price depends on your freight volume, pickup locations, and how flexible your schedule can be. Contracts usually run 12-36 months with monthly minimums.
Set up a dedicated route with priority handling every month. Gateway Distribution builds custom shipping schedules around your production calendar, so you never compete for truck space. Your drivers learn your loading procedures and delivery requirements, making everything faster.
You get predictable rates, reliable pickup times, and the same professional drivers who know your business. No more scrambling for trucks or explaining your freight requirements to new carriers every month.
Other things people in Iowa ask
freight contract cost vs spot rates
Multi-year freight contracts typically cost 10-15% less than spot rates and lock in pricing. Calculate your annual shipping volume first. If you ship consistently, dedicated capacity contracts protect you from rate spikes and guarantee truck availability.
dedicated trucking cost vs regular shipping
Compare your total monthly freight spend to a dedicated contract. Include the hidden costs like delays, damage, and staff time spent booking trucks. Most companies with 20+ shipments per month save money going dedicated.
dedicated trucking services
Dedicated trucking gives you the same driver and equipment on a schedule you set. It costs more than spot freight but less than owning trucks. Gateway Distribution offers dedicated services for businesses with regular shipping needs.
buy trucks vs hire trucking company
Calculate the total cost of ownership. Include truck payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT compliance. Most companies save money outsourcing until they ship 40+ loads per month consistently.
should I sign freight contract
Multi-year contracts work if you have consistent shipping volume and want rate protection. Look for contracts with volume adjustments and service level guarantees. Avoid contracts without clear performance standards or exit clauses.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles manufacturer partnerships in Iowa and the area around it.