Should I buy my own truck or hire a freight company?
The math behind trucking decisions for New Mexico businesses.
You're shipping enough that freight costs are adding up. Maybe it's time to buy your own truck? The numbers get complicated fast when you factor in everything that comes with owning commercial vehicles in New Mexico.
The break-even point depends on how often you ship the same routes. Most businesses underestimate the true cost of owning trucks. You're looking at driver wages, commercial insurance, maintenance, fuel, permits, and downtime when trucks break.
Own trucks make financial sense if you ship the same route three or more times per week consistently. Factor in $80,000-120,000 annually per truck including driver wages and benefits. Add maintenance costs that average $15,000-20,000 per year. Most New Mexico businesses save money with freight companies until they hit 50+ shipments monthly.
Run the numbers on your actual shipping patterns first. Track your current freight spend for three months. Count how many times you ship to the same destinations. Gateway Distribution can help you analyze whether LTL freight makes more sense than buying trucks. Call for a cost comparison based on your real shipping data.
With the right freight partner, you get reliable service without the headaches of truck ownership. No driver management, no maintenance surprises, no insurance claims to handle. You pay for shipping and focus on running your business.
Other things people in New Mexico 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.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles less than truckload (ltl) in New Mexico and the area around it.