Should I buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Honest cost breakdown from Gateway Distribution, hub-and-spoke distribution in Kansas, KS.
Your shipping volume is growing along I-70 and I-35 corridors. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less long-term for your Kansas business.
Most companies think owning trucks saves money, but the math tells a different story. Truck payments are just the start. Add insurance, maintenance, driver wages, DOT compliance, and downtime costs. A single truck can cost $150,000-200,000 annually when you factor in everything.
The break-even point sits around 40+ loads per month consistently. Below that volume, outsourcing costs less. Above it, ownership might make sense if you can handle the management overhead. Kansas companies shipping between Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City often hit this threshold faster due to regional demand.
Calculate your total cost of ownership first. Include truck payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, fuel, and compliance costs. Compare that to current freight bills over 12 months. Gateway Distribution can provide shipping cost estimates to help with your analysis.
Once you run the numbers, the decision becomes clear. Companies below the threshold save money and avoid headaches by outsourcing. Those above it can invest in trucks knowing they will actually reduce costs.
Other things people in Kansas 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 Kansas and the area around it.