Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
The real math on owning trucks vs. using LTL services in Missouri, MO.
You're shipping regularly from Missouri and the freight bills are adding up. Maybe it's time to buy your own truck and handle deliveries yourself. But the numbers get complicated when you factor in everything that comes with truck ownership.
The decision comes down to frequency and consistency. If you're shipping the same routes three or more times per week, owning might make sense. But most Missouri businesses underestimate the hidden costs of truck ownership.
Beyond the truck payment, you're looking at commercial insurance, driver wages and benefits, maintenance, fuel, permits, and downtime when the truck breaks. A reliable driver in Missouri earns $50,000-70,000 annually. Add insurance, repairs, and lost time, and you're spending $100,000+ per year before the truck moves.
Most businesses save money using LTL freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments monthly. Track your shipping patterns for three months first. If you're not filling specific routes consistently, stick with freight services. Gateway Distribution handles LTL shipments across Missouri's major corridors like I-70 and I-44 without the overhead.
With freight companies, you pay per shipment and avoid the fixed costs. Your cash stays free for other business needs. You ship when you need to, not when you need to justify truck payments.
Other things people in Missouri 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 Missouri and the area around it.