Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
Cost breakdown and decision guide from Gateway Distribution, LTL freight in Maryland.
You're shipping regularly from Maryland and the costs keep climbing. You're wondering if buying your own truck makes financial sense or if freight companies are still the better deal. The math isn't straightforward when you factor in all the hidden costs.
Own trucks look cheaper per mile until you add up everything. Driver wages in Maryland run $55,000-$70,000 annually. Then comes insurance, maintenance, fuel, permits, and downtime when the truck breaks or the driver calls out. Most businesses underestimate these costs by 40%.
Owning makes sense if you ship the same route three or more times weekly with consistent volume. For occasional shipments or varying routes around Maryland, freight companies cost less. LTL service lets you pay only for trailer space you use. No driver wages, no maintenance bills, no insurance headaches.
Run the numbers honestly before deciding. Calculate your current annual shipping spend, then price out truck payments, insurance, driver costs, and maintenance. Most Maryland businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments monthly. Gateway Distribution can quote your current routes to show the real comparison.
With freight service, you get predictable costs and reliable delivery without the operational headaches. Your shipments move on schedule while you focus on running your business instead of managing trucks and drivers.
Other things people in Maryland ask
LTL vs full truckload
Use LTL for shipments under 10,000 pounds or less than 12 pallets. Full truckload makes sense for 15+ pallets or when you need faster transit. LTL costs less for small shipments but takes longer due to multiple stops.
LTL shipping cost
LTL pricing depends on weight, distance, freight class, and pickup/delivery type. Residential delivery costs more than commercial. Get quotes with the exact weight, dimensions, and ZIP codes. Expect $200-800 for most LTL shipments under 5,000 pounds.
emergency freight shipping
Expedited freight gets priority handling and faster transit times. It costs 50-100% more than standard shipping but can turn a 5-day shipment into next-day delivery. Gateway Distribution offers expedited services for time-critical freight.
why is freight so expensive
Fuel costs, driver shortages, and equipment availability drive freight pricing. Rates fluctuate seasonally and with demand. Get quotes from multiple carriers and consider longer-term contracts for rate stability during volatile periods.
how to choose freight company
Check their DOT safety rating and insurance coverage first. Ask for references from similar businesses. Look for real-time tracking and dedicated customer service. Make sure they handle your type of freight regularly, not as a one-off.
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Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in Maryland and the area around it.