Buy trucks vs hire trucking company?
Honest cost breakdown from Gateway Distribution, hub-and-spoke distribution in Louisiana, LA.
Your shipping volume is growing across Louisiana's I-10, I-20, and I-55 corridors. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You're not sure which costs less long-term.
Most companies underestimate the total cost of owning trucks. Beyond the truck payment, you pay for commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, driver wages, DOT compliance, and downtime when trucks break. Add recruiting costs when drivers quit.
The break-even point sits around 40+ loads per month consistently. Below that volume, trucking companies cost less because they spread fixed costs across many customers. Above 40 loads, your own fleet might save money if you can manage the operations.
Calculate your real numbers first. List every cost: truck payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, benefits, fuel, permits, and management time. Compare that to quotes from freight companies. Gateway Distribution can provide hub-and-spoke distribution rates for your Louisiana routes to help with the comparison.
Once you know the real costs, you can make the right choice for your business. Most companies start with freight companies and buy trucks later when volume justifies it.
Other things people in Louisiana 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 Louisiana and the area around it.