Should I buy trucks or hire a trucking company?
Real cost breakdown for New York businesses from Gateway Distribution, hub-and-spoke distribution.
Your shipping volume is growing in New York. Buying trucks and hiring drivers sounds expensive. But so does paying freight companies every month. You need to know which costs less long-term.
This decision comes down to total cost of ownership versus shipping volume. Buying trucks means truck payments, commercial insurance, maintenance, driver wages, DOT compliance costs, and fuel. Most New York businesses underestimate these hidden costs by 30-40%.
Total monthly costs for one truck typically run $8,000-$12,000 including everything. That breaks even around 40-50 loads per month. Below that volume, you lose money. Above it, you might save money but tie up cash and management time.
Calculate your actual monthly load count over the past year. Include seasonal dips. If you ship under 40 loads consistently, outsource to a hub-and-spoke distribution service like Gateway Distribution. You get professional drivers, maintained trucks, and no fixed costs.
Once you make the right choice, your shipping becomes predictable. No surprise repair bills or driver shortages. Your cash stays free for growing your core business instead of managing trucks.
Other things people in New York 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 York and the area around it.