Buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Gateway Distribution breaks down the math for Kentucky businesses.
Your shipping volume is growing across Kentucky. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You're stuck wondering which option costs less over time.
The decision comes down to your monthly shipping volume and total cost of ownership. Buying trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, DOT physicals, and hours-of-service tracking. Most Kentucky businesses underestimate these hidden costs by 30-40%.
For companies shipping under 40 loads per month, outsourcing typically costs less. Above that threshold, owning trucks might make sense if you have consistent volume year-round. Factor in seasonal dips, driver turnover, and equipment downtime when calculating your break-even point.
Calculate your true shipping costs over 12 months, including insurance and maintenance. If you're shipping regularly between Louisville, Lexington, and other Kentucky cities, call Gateway Distribution for hub-and-spoke pricing. Compare those numbers against truck payments, driver salaries, and operating costs before making your decision.
Once you choose the right approach, your shipping becomes predictable and profitable. You'll know exactly what freight costs each month without surprise repairs or driver shortages affecting your bottom line.
Other things people in Kentucky 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 Kentucky and the area around it.