Should I handle shipping myself or hire a freight company?
Honest cost breakdown for New Hampshire businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping costs are adding up, and you're wondering if buying your own truck makes sense. The math gets complicated when you factor in everything beyond the truck payment. New Hampshire businesses face this decision as they grow and need reliable freight service.
The break-even point comes down to frequency and consistency. If you ship the same route three or more times per week, year-round, your own truck might save money. Less than that, and freight companies usually cost less.
Owning a truck means driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and downtime costs. In New Hampshire, winter weather adds tire chains, extra maintenance, and potential delays. Most businesses hit break-even around 50 shipments per month on consistent routes.
Start by tracking your current shipping for three months. Count trips, routes, and total costs. For LTL shipments under 10,000 pounds, freight companies like Gateway Distribution often beat ownership costs. Get quotes for your regular routes and compare the real numbers.
Once you have accurate data, the choice becomes clear. You'll either save money with your own truck or stick with freight companies that handle the headaches for you.
Other things people in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire and the area around it.