Own truck vs freight company: which costs less?
Real numbers and honest advice from Gateway Distribution, backhaul logistics in Missouri, MO.
You're shipping enough that the costs are adding up fast. Buying your own truck sounds tempting, but the math gets complicated when you factor in everything. Missouri businesses face this decision all the time, especially with freight moving along I-70 and I-44 corridors.
Own trucks make financial sense only if you ship the same route three or more times per week, consistently. Most businesses underestimate the hidden costs: driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and truck downtime. What looks like $2 per mile becomes $4 per mile after real expenses.
A dedicated truck costs $8,000 to $12,000 monthly before the first mile. That includes driver salary, benefits, insurance, and truck payments. Add fuel, maintenance, and permits. Most Missouri companies need 50+ shipments per month to break even on ownership versus freight services.
Start by tracking your current shipping patterns for three months. Count weekly shipments, routes, and total freight spend. If you ship the same Missouri routes multiple times weekly, ownership might work. Otherwise, backhaul logistics through Gateway Distribution costs 30-40% less than dedicated trucks for most shipping volumes.
You'll know exactly what shipping costs each month without surprise repairs or driver issues. Your freight moves reliably while you focus on running your business instead of managing trucks and logistics headaches.
Other things people in Missouri ask
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.
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.
backhaul vs dedicated trucking
Backhaul works when you have flexibility on pickup times and want the lowest cost. Dedicated trucks cost more but give you guaranteed capacity and schedules. If your shipments are time-sensitive or high-volume, dedicated is worth the extra cost.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles backhaul logistics in Missouri and the area around it.