Should I buy my own truck or hire a freight company?
The real costs of shipping in Montana — less than truckload (LTL) vs. owning your own truck.
You're shipping enough in Montana that the freight bills are adding up. Maybe you're running product from Billings to Missoula regularly, or sending parts to customers across the state. The math on buying your own truck versus hiring a freight company isn't obvious.
The decision comes down to frequency and consistency. If you're shipping the same route three or more times per week, year-round, owning a truck starts to make sense. Less frequent shipping almost always costs less with a freight company. Montana's long distances between cities make route consistency even more important.
Owning a truck means driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime costs. In Montana, winter weather can shut down routes along Interstate 90 or US Route 93 for days. Your truck sits idle, but you still pay insurance and truck payments. Most businesses hit the break-even point around 50 shipments per month.
Calculate your real shipping volume over the past six months. Include seasonal drops and busy periods. If you ship less than three times per week consistently, call Gateway Distribution for LTL quotes. Compare those costs to truck ownership including driver time, fuel for empty return trips, and maintenance.
With the right freight partner, you ship when you need to without the overhead. Your cash stays in your business instead of tied up in trucks and insurance. You focus on customers, not truck repairs.
Other things people in Montana 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 Montana and the area around it.