How much does dedicated trucking cost vs regular freight?
Real cost breakdowns for Missouri manufacturers from Gateway Distribution.
You ship 20+ loads per month and wonder if dedicated trucking makes financial sense. Regular freight feels cheaper per load, but you're seeing delays, damage claims, and your team spends hours booking trucks. Missouri manufacturers often find the math surprising when they compare total costs.
Dedicated trucking looks expensive upfront because you see the full monthly cost. Regular freight hides costs in delays, damaged goods, and staff time spent finding trucks. When Missouri manufacturers add up emergency freight, detention fees, and reshipment costs, regular freight often costs 15-30% more than the posted rates.
Dedicated contracts typically cost $12,000-18,000 per month for one truck, depending on miles and frequency. Regular freight might show $800-1,200 per load, but factor in rush charges, fuel surcharges, and the 2-3 hours your staff spends booking each shipment. Companies shipping from Missouri's I-70 corridor to consistent destinations see the biggest savings.
Calculate your last three months of total freight spend, including hidden costs like overtime to handle delays and customer complaints from late deliveries. Compare that to a dedicated monthly rate. Gateway Distribution can run these numbers with your actual shipping data and show you the real comparison. Most manufacturers are surprised by how much they're actually spending.
With dedicated trucking, you know exactly what freight costs each month. No surprise charges, no scrambling for trucks during busy seasons, and your team focuses on manufacturing instead of logistics headaches.
Other things people in Missouri ask
consistent monthly freight shipping
Set up a dedicated trucking contract. You get the same drivers and trucks on your schedule. Gateway Distribution builds custom routes around your shipping calendar so you never compete for truck space.
freight contract cost vs spot rates
Multi-year freight contracts typically cost 10-15% less than spot rates and lock in pricing. Calculate your annual shipping volume first. If you ship consistently, dedicated capacity contracts protect you from rate spikes and guarantee truck availability.
dedicated trucking services
Dedicated trucking gives you the same driver and equipment on a schedule you set. It costs more than spot freight but less than owning trucks. Gateway Distribution offers dedicated services for businesses with regular shipping needs.
buy trucks vs hire trucking company
Calculate the total cost of ownership. Include truck payments, insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT compliance. Most companies save money outsourcing until they ship 40+ loads per month consistently.
should I sign freight contract
Multi-year contracts work if you have consistent shipping volume and want rate protection. Look for contracts with volume adjustments and service level guarantees. Avoid contracts without clear performance standards or exit clauses.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles manufacturer partnerships in Missouri and the area around it.