Should I use backhaul shipping or dedicated trucks?

You ship regularly around Maine and beyond, but you're stuck between saving money and keeping control. Backhaul costs less because you share space on trucks already heading that direction. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed pickup times and full trailer capacity.

Backhaul shipping means your freight rides on trucks already making trips between Maine and your destination. You pay less because the driver was going that way anyway. Dedicated trucking means you rent the whole truck and driver for your schedule alone.

Backhaul typically costs 20-40% less than dedicated service. The savings come from sharing transportation costs with the truck's primary load. Dedicated costs more because you pay for the entire truck, driver time, and return trip. Your volume, distance, and timing flexibility determine which makes sense financially.

Choose backhaul if you can wait 1-3 extra days for pickup and your freight fits standard trailer dimensions. Pick dedicated if you need guaranteed pickup dates, oversized cargo space, or ship high-value items requiring special handling. Gateway Distribution can quote both options so you see the real cost difference for your Maine routes.

With the right choice, your shipping becomes predictable. Backhaul gives you lower costs with flexible timing. Dedicated gives you control over schedules and capacity. Either way, your freight moves reliably between Maine and your customers.

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