Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
The math on owning vs. outsourcing your freight in Montana, MT.
You're shipping enough that the costs are adding up across Montana. The idea of buying your own truck keeps coming up. But the math isn't clear when you factor in everything that comes with owning commercial vehicles.
The break-even point comes down to volume and consistency. Own trucks make sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week, every week. Less than that and you're paying for a truck that sits idle. Most Montana businesses underestimate the hidden costs of ownership.
Factor in driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, DOT compliance, and downtime for repairs. A single truck can cost $8,000 to $12,000 per month before it moves an inch. Freight companies spread those costs across their entire fleet. You pay only for the miles you use.
Most businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50 or more shipments per month consistently. Track your shipping for three months before deciding. Gateway Distribution's backhaul logistics can cut your costs further by putting your freight on trucks already making the trip across Montana's major routes like I-90 and I-15.
Once you know your real shipping patterns, the decision becomes clear. Either you have enough volume to justify ownership or you save thousands by staying with freight companies that handle the headaches for you.
Other things people in Montana 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 Montana and the area around it.