Buy trucks vs hire a trucking company?
Real cost breakdowns for Nebraska businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping volume is growing across Nebraska's I-80 corridor and beyond. Buying trucks sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option actually costs less long-term.
Most Nebraska businesses face this decision when they hit 15-20 shipments per month. Truck ownership includes payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, DOT medical cards, and hours-of-service tracking. Hidden costs add up fast.
Total ownership typically runs $8,000-12,000 per truck monthly before fuel. That covers a reliable driver, insurance, maintenance, and compliance paperwork. Outsourcing costs vary by distance and freight type, but averages $2-4 per mile for most loads.
Calculate your monthly shipping miles and multiply by your current rate per mile. Compare that to truck ownership costs. Most companies save money outsourcing until they consistently ship 40+ loads monthly. Gateway Distribution can run those numbers with your actual shipping data and show you the real comparison.
Once you know the true costs, you can plan growth without cash flow surprises. Whether you buy trucks or outsource, you'll have predictable shipping expenses that match your volume.
Other things people in Nebraska ask
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.
how long does hub and spoke shipping take
Hub and spoke adds 1-2 days compared to direct shipping but costs significantly less. Your freight gets consolidated at the hub then moves on optimized routes. Good for non-urgent shipments where cost matters more than speed.
when to book freight shipping
Book LTL 1-2 days ahead for standard service. Full truckload needs 2-5 days notice depending on season. Peak seasons (harvest, back-to-school, holidays) require more lead time. Expedited services can often pick up same day.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles hub-and-spoke distribution in Nebraska and the area around it.