Should I buy my own truck or keep using freight companies?
Cost breakdown and decision guide for New Mexico businesses from Gateway Distribution.
Your shipping costs are climbing. You're moving freight regularly between Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and other New Mexico destinations. The question hits every growing business: does it make sense to buy your own truck and handle deliveries yourself, or stick with freight companies?
Most businesses think owning a truck saves money until they see the real numbers. You pay for the truck, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, and driver wages whether the truck runs or sits empty. Add downtime for repairs and the costs pile up fast.
Owning makes financial sense if you ship the same routes at least three times per week consistently. Factor in $80,000+ for a decent used truck, $15,000+ yearly for commercial insurance in New Mexico, plus driver wages around $50,000 annually. Most businesses break even around 50+ shipments per month on established routes.
Backhaul logistics offers a middle path. Your freight rides on trucks already making the trip, so you pay only for space used, not empty miles back. Gateway Distribution specializes in this approach across New Mexico's I-25 and I-40 corridors. You get reliable service without truck payments, insurance headaches, or driver management.
You keep your cash flow predictable and your focus on your actual business. Freight moves when you need it moved, costs stay variable with your volume, and someone else handles the logistics complexity.
Other things people in New Mexico 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 New Mexico and the area around it.