Should I buy my own truck or hire a freight company?
The real math behind shipping costs for Mississippi businesses.
You're shipping enough that freight costs are adding up. Maybe it's steel from Jackson to Birmingham, or manufactured goods from Tupelo to New Orleans. You're wondering if buying your own truck would save money in the long run.
Most Mississippi businesses think about their own truck when shipping costs hit $2,000-$3,000 per month. The math looks simple at first. A used truck costs $80,000-$120,000. Monthly payments seem cheaper than freight bills.
The hidden costs change everything. Commercial truck insurance runs $12,000-$18,000 yearly in Mississippi. Driver wages average $55,000-$65,000 plus benefits. Maintenance, fuel, permits, and downtime add another $30,000-$40,000 annually. Your truck sits idle between loads, but you still pay for it.
Own trucks make sense if you ship the same route three times per week consistently. Most businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments monthly. Gateway Distribution handles LTL shipping across Mississippi's major routes like I-55 and I-20, so your cargo moves when you need it without the overhead.
With freight companies, you pay only when you ship. No insurance, no maintenance, no driver headaches. Your cash stays in your business instead of tied up in trucks that depreciate while they sit in your parking lot.
Other things people in Mississippi 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.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in Mississippi and the area around it.