Should I buy trucks or hire a trucking company?

Your shipping volume is growing across Maryland and you're facing a big decision. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive upfront, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option actually costs less long-term.

The choice between buying trucks and outsourcing depends on your shipping volume and total cost of ownership. Most Maryland businesses underestimate the hidden costs of truck ownership: monthly payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, DOT compliance, and downtime repairs. These costs add up fast, especially when trucks sit idle between loads.

For most companies, the break-even point is around 40+ consistent loads per month. Below that volume, outsourcing typically costs 20-30% less than owning trucks. Above 40 loads monthly, ownership might make sense if you have steady, predictable routes. Factor in your growth timeline too - rapid expansion often makes outsourcing the safer choice.

Calculate your total monthly shipping costs including all hidden expenses. Compare that to quotes from freight companies for the same volume. Gateway Distribution's hub-and-spoke network routes freight through our Cincinnati, New York, and Virginia hubs to reduce empty miles and lower per-shipment costs. This efficiency often beats both truck ownership and traditional freight rates.

Once you make the right choice, your shipping becomes predictable and cost-effective. You'll know exactly what each shipment costs without surprise maintenance bills or driver shortages disrupting your operations.

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