Buy trucks vs hire a trucking company?
Real cost breakdown for New Hampshire businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping volume is growing across New Hampshire. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive, but so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which option costs less long-term.
Most New Hampshire businesses face this decision when they hit 15-20 shipments per month. Truck ownership includes monthly payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, and DOT requirements. Hidden costs add up fast.
Owning trucks typically costs $8,000-12,000 per month per vehicle before you move a single box. Insurance runs higher in New Hampshire due to winter driving conditions. Driver wages start around $55,000 annually, plus benefits. Maintenance and fuel push total costs even higher.
Calculate your true shipping volume first. Count loads going out consistently, not seasonal spikes. Most companies save money with hub-and-spoke distribution until they ship 40+ loads monthly. Gateway Distribution consolidates freight at regional hubs, reducing your per-shipment costs without the truck ownership headaches.
With professional distribution, you pay only for shipments you make. No truck payments during slow months. No driver management or DOT compliance. Your shipping costs stay predictable while you focus on growing your business.
Other things people in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire and the area around it.